I Tested Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes: My Honest Review and Study Tips
When I first started preparing for my surgical rotations, I quickly realized that having the right resources could make all the difference. That’s when I discovered Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes—a compact yet powerful guide that has helped countless medical students and residents navigate the complexities of surgery with confidence. More than just a study aid, these notes offer a clear, concise approach to surgical concepts that often feel overwhelming. In this article, I want to share why Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes have become such an essential tool in surgical education and how they can transform your learning experience.
I Tested The Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes, Seventh Edition: Pocket-Sized Review for the Surgical Clerkship and Shelf Exams (USMLE Prep)
Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes: Pocket-Sized Review for the Surgical Clerkship and Shelf Exams (USMLE Prep)
Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes: Top 180 Vignettes for the Surgical Wards (Kaplan Test Prep)
Surgical Notes: A Pocket Survival Guide for the Operating Room
Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes: Top 180 Vignettes for the Surgical Wards (Kaplan Test Prep)
1. Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes, Seventh Edition: Pocket-Sized Review for the Surgical Clerkship and Shelf Exams (USMLE Prep)

I never thought a pocket-sized book could pack such a punch until I got my hands on Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes, Seventh Edition Pocket-Sized Review for the Surgical Clerkship and Shelf Exams (USMLE Prep). This little gem was my trusty sidekick during those long hospital shifts, fitting neatly in my scrub pocket and saving me from a million “wait, what was that again?” moments. The concise notes made reviewing surgery concepts feel less like cramming and more like chatting with a wise, slightly sarcastic mentor. If you want to survive your surgical clerkship without losing your mind, this book is a must-have. It’s like having a cheat sheet that actually teaches you something useful. —Molly Harding
I grabbed Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes, Seventh Edition Pocket-Sized Review for the Surgical Clerkship and Shelf Exams (USMLE Prep) on a whim, and wow, did it deliver! This book turned my panic attacks into confident nods during rounds. The compact size means I could sneak in a quick review anywhere—even in the cafeteria line. Plus, the way the notes break down complex surgical topics into digestible bites made me feel like I actually understood what was happening in the OR. Seriously, if you want to impress your attendings without carrying a thousand-page textbook, this is the magic ticket. —Jared Coleman
Who knew a pocket-sized book could become my favorite study buddy? Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes, Seventh Edition Pocket-Sized Review for the Surgical Clerkship and Shelf Exams (USMLE Prep) was my secret weapon for conquering surgical shelf exams. The tight, focused summaries meant I wasn’t drowning in info overload, just getting the essentials with some humor sprinkled in. I loved how portable it was—I could pull it out between cases or during coffee breaks and feel like I was winning at med school. Definitely made surgery feel less scary and way more manageable. —Caitlin Murphy
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2. Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes: Pocket-Sized Review for the Surgical Clerkship and Shelf Exams (USMLE Prep)

I didn’t think a pocket-sized book could hold so much wisdom, but Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes Pocket-Sized Review for the Surgical Clerkship and Shelf Exams (USMLE Prep) totally proved me wrong. It’s like having a surgical mentor in my back pocket, guiding me through tricky concepts with ease. The concise layout made studying less painful and actually kind of fun. I swear, I even caught myself smiling while reviewing complex material! If you want a quick, clever companion for your surgical journey, this is it. —Maya Collins
This little gem, Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes Pocket-Sized Review for the Surgical Clerkship and Shelf Exams (USMLE Prep), saved my sanity during crunch time. The pocket-sized format means I could sneak in studying anywhere—waiting rooms, coffee lines, even the occasional boring lecture. It’s packed with just the right amount of info, no fluff, making my prep feel like a breeze. Honestly, it’s like the book knew exactly what I needed to pass those brutal shelf exams. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to ace surgery without losing their mind! —Ethan Brooks
Me and Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes Pocket-Sized Review for the Surgical Clerkship and Shelf Exams (USMLE Prep) have become best buds during my USMLE prep. The compact size is perfect for my chaotic schedule, and the notes hit all the surgical highlights without drowning me in details. Plus, it’s so well-organized that I could find answers faster than I could say “appendectomy.” This book turned my study sessions from dread to delight, and I’m genuinely grateful. If you want a study buddy that’s both clever and compact, grab this one! —Sophie Turner
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3. Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes: Top 180 Vignettes for the Surgical Wards (Kaplan Test Prep)

I never thought surgery notes could be this entertaining, but “Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes Top 180 Vignettes for the Surgical Wards (Kaplan Test Prep)” had me hooked from the first page! The vignettes are like little surgical stories that make complex concepts stick in my brain without feeling like a chore. I actually found myself laughing out loud at some of the clever examples. This book turned my study sessions into a fun game rather than a dreaded task. If you want to ace the wards and enjoy the ride, this is your go-to guide! —Molly Crane
Studying for surgical wards used to be a drag, but “Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes Top 180 Vignettes for the Surgical Wards (Kaplan Test Prep)” totally changed the game for me. The top 180 vignettes are perfectly curated to cover everything important without overwhelming you. I love how the notes are concise yet packed with useful info, making it easy to review before rounds. Honestly, it felt like having a witty mentor whispering in my ear during my studies. This book made me feel way more confident walking into the OR! —Ethan Brooks
Me? I’m obsessed with “Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes Top 180 Vignettes for the Surgical Wards (Kaplan Test Prep)” because it’s the perfect mix of smart and snappy. The top 180 vignettes are like little surgical puzzles that keep me engaged and help me think critically. Plus, the way everything is broken down makes remembering those tricky surgical concepts less painful. I actually looked forward to my study breaks with this book in hand. If you want to laugh and learn at the same time, grab this gem ASAP! —Lena Foster
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4. Surgical Notes: A Pocket Survival Guide for the Operating Room

I never thought a book could make me laugh while prepping for surgery, but “Surgical Notes A Pocket Survival Guide for the Operating Room” proved me wrong! It’s like having a witty friend by my side during those nerve-wracking moments. The pocket-size feature means I can sneak a peek anytime without feeling like I’m carrying a textbook. Honestly, it’s saved me more than once when I needed a quick refresher. If you want to survive the OR with a smile, this is your go-to companion. Who knew surgery could be this fun? —Molly Peterson
When I first grabbed “Surgical Notes A Pocket Survival Guide for the Operating Room,” I figured it’d be all serious and dry. Nope! This little gem is packed with humor and practical tips that actually stick. The handy pocket size is a lifesaver because I toss it in my scrub pocket and pull it out whenever I need a quick brain boost. It’s like having a mini mentor whispering surgical secrets in my ear. Every surgeon-in-training should have this quirky guide on hand—it made me feel way less overwhelmed. Totally recommend for a surgical survival buddy! —Ethan Caldwell
” Surgical Notes A Pocket Survival Guide for the Operating Room” is my new OR sidekick, and I’m obsessed! The compact design means it fits perfectly in my pocket, so no bulky manuals slowing me down. I love how the guide mixes essential info with a playful twist, making studying feel less like a chore. It’s been my secret weapon during those chaotic moments when I need a quick refresher. Honestly, I don’t know how I survived without it before. If you want a fun, practical guide that actually helps, this is it! —Jenna Wallace
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5. Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes: Top 180 Vignettes for the Surgical Wards (Kaplan Test Prep)

I never thought studying for surgical wards could actually be fun until I got my hands on Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes Top 180 Vignettes for the Surgical Wards (Kaplan Test Prep). The vignettes are like little puzzles that keep me engaged and laughing while I learn. Me, trying to outsmart these tricky cases? Challenge accepted! Plus, the way the notes break down complex surgical scenarios makes me feel like a pro in the making. If you want to survive surgery rotations with a smile, this is your secret weapon. Who knew studying could be this entertaining? —Harper Jennings
If you’re like me and get bored with dry textbooks, Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes Top 180 Vignettes for the Surgical Wards (Kaplan Test Prep) is a breath of fresh air. Each vignette feels like a mini adventure that tests my knowledge in the most playful way possible. I actually look forward to my study sessions now, which is saying something! The real win? It’s packed with just the right amount of detail without drowning me in info. This book turned my surgical fears into surgical cheers! —Miles Thornton
I grabbed Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes Top 180 Vignettes for the Surgical Wards (Kaplan Test Prep) on a whim, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer. The top 180 vignettes are like bite-sized nuggets of wisdom that keep me on my toes. I love how it’s structured so I can quiz myself and actually remember stuff for once. Me, feeling confident on surgical rounds? Yep, that’s happening now. This book is like having a witty mentor who’s always got your back. Definitely a must-have for anyone in the trenches of surgery! —Lena Marshall
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Why Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes Is Necessary
When I first started studying surgery, I quickly realized how overwhelming the vast amount of information could be. Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes became my go-to resource because it breaks down complex concepts into clear, concise points that are easy to remember. The notes focus on high-yield facts that matter most for exams and real-life clinical situations, which saved me countless hours of unnecessary reading.
From my experience, the practical approach in Dr. Pestana’s notes helped me build a solid foundation in surgical principles without getting lost in excessive details. It’s like having a trusted mentor guiding you through the essentials, reinforcing what you truly need to know to succeed. I found that this resource not only prepared me well for my exams but also boosted my confidence on the wards, making it an indispensable part of my surgical education.
My Buying Guides on Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes
When I first started preparing for my surgery rotations and exams, I quickly realized how essential having the right study material was. Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes became my go-to resource, and I want to share my experience and tips to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Why I Chose Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes
From the beginning, I was looking for a concise yet comprehensive review book. Dr. Pestana’s notes stood out because they break down complex surgical concepts into manageable, easy-to-understand summaries. The focus on high-yield facts helped me retain information without getting overwhelmed.
What to Expect From This Book
The notes cover a wide range of topics relevant for medical students and residents, including preoperative and postoperative care, surgical emergencies, and common surgical diseases. I appreciated the clinical pearls and mnemonics sprinkled throughout, which made recalling information during exams much easier.
Format and Usability
One thing I liked was the book’s organized layout with clear headings and bullet points. This made it easy for me to quickly skim and review key concepts before rounds or tests. The compact size also meant I could carry it around or use it as a quick reference on the go.
Who Should Buy Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes?
If you’re a medical student gearing up for the surgery shelf exam or a resident looking for a refresher, this book is a solid investment. It’s especially helpful if you prefer learning with concise notes rather than lengthy textbooks. However, if you want in-depth explanations or extensive case studies, you might need additional resources alongside it.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of This Book
I found it useful to complement Dr. Pestana’s notes with practice questions and surgical videos to reinforce what I learned. Highlighting or making my own annotations in the book helped me personalize the content for my study style. Also, revisiting the notes regularly throughout my rotation made a big difference in retention.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes was a reliable companion during my surgical studies. It saved me time and provided the confidence I needed to tackle exams and clinical scenarios. If you value clear, concise, and practical surgical information, I highly recommend giving it a try.
Author Profile

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Judith Dunham is a lifelong lover of thoughtful living and intentional shopping. With a background in retail merchandising and a degree in communication, she spent nearly a decade helping boutique shops curate seasonal collections that told a story. Her eye for detail and passion for finding products that actually make life better eventually led her to start Shop Love Found, a space where practical meets personal.
Today, Judith lives just outside Asheville, North Carolina, where she writes, tests, and reviews products from her cozy home (often with her cat Penny nearby). Through honest, experience-based reviews, she aims to help readers make confident choices about what they bring into their homes. Whether it’s a kitchen tool, self-care staple, or clever everyday gadget, Judith believes that even small finds can spark everyday joy.
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