My Favorite Must Have Surgery Books

What are the best books to study surgery? Here are my favorite surgery books...I was hoping for a top 10 but I narrowed it down to a solid 9 best books to study surgery.
Some are surgery textbooks, some are paperback surgery books you can carry around in your white coat or your bag for easy reference.
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MUST HAVE SURGERY BOOKS
Sabiston's Textbook of Surgery citizensurgeon.co/Sabiston
Moore's Clinically Oriented Anatomy citizensurgeon.co/Moore
Netter's Anatomical Atlas citizensurgeon.co/Netter
Schwartz Principles of Surgery citizensurgeon.co/Schwartz
Fischer's Mastery of Surgery citizensurgeon.co/Mastery
Zollinger's Atlas of Surgical Operations citizensurgeon.co/Zollinger
Top Knife (MUST MUST HAVE) citizensurgeon.co/topknife
If you're a medical student I think you should definitely be serious about adding these surgery books to your bookshelf!
If you want to jump through the video check out these AMAZING time stamps and if you want to add the book to your shelf click on the link below!
IF YOU WANT TO GRAB A BOOK NOW HERE ARE THE LINKS
Start 00:00
Top Knife (MUST HAVE) 03:25 - citizensurgeon.co/TopKnife
Sabiston's Textbook of Surgery 06:37 - citizensurgeon.co/Sabiston
Cope's Diagnosis of the Acute Abdomen (MSUT HAVE) 08:39 - citizensurgeon.co/Cope
Zollinger's Textbook of Surgery 10:33 - citizensurgeon.co/Zollinger
The ICU Book (MUST HAVE) 12:08 - citizensurgeon.co/ICUBook
Cameron's Surgical Therapy 13:19 - citizensurgeon.co/Cameron
The ABSITE Review 15:20 - citizensurgeon.co/ABSITE
Talley and O'Connor Clinical Examination (MUST HAVE) 16:57 - citizensurgeon.co/Talley
Fischer's Mastery of Surgery 18:33 - citizensurgeon.co/Mastery
I think you would be pumped to have any of these books on your shelf. Definitely recommend Top Knife, Talley and O'Conner, The ABSITE Review and Sabiston's as some must haves to start with on your shelf.
Also if you haven't seen any of the videos I would definitely recommend starting with the Metabolic Response to Injury videos and then check out the Surgical Nutrition playlist.
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WHO AM I?
I'm Dr. Erik Pearson, FACS and I am a board certified pediatric surgeon living in Las Vegas. I make surgical education videos on all topics in general surgery as well as talks on lifestyle design as a surgeon, book reviews, and studying effectively. I also write a weekly newsletter called the Saturday Six where I identify Six different discoveries of the week. You can get the weekly newsletter by signing up to the CITIZENSURGEON Community!
DISCLAIMER
While my aim is to help educate you for the ward, the surgical ICU, the operating room and your exams remember these videos are not a replacement for your reading, your medical school and residency preparation and most important your own decision making. Good luck and enjoy!
Affiliate Links - There are a few links in the description that may lead to a kickback to me to help support the channel.

[@G_KODE_1911]

US native and international educated physician/surgeon. Back home in the states working as an assistant surgeon, now looking to go through the US surgery resident program. I love the channel and the refreshers you highlight.

[@malithjuraghok]

I have been following you for a week now and your lecture have helped me understand what need in presentation and for my studies in the final year.

[@citizensurgeon]

Awesome! Thanks so much for the feedback, every week I’m trying to generate more content, let me know if there is a topic you would like covered

[@onyekachiukata4265]

I deeply appreciate the mentorship you offer as this has really given my training an important lift. Thanks a lot

[@citizensurgeon]

Thanks so much for reaching out! Happy to give a lift, let me know how I can help!

[@dr.piyushgupta6384]

Thank you so much, 3rd year surgical resident here...it's great to know that half of those books I already have 👍.and rest I can buy now that I am sure they are good....keep up the good work

[@citizensurgeon]

Thanks for the amazing feedback recording a few videos today Should have them out this week. Thanks for watching and good luck with the rest of your surgery training.

[@shivangytohani5979]

I'm in med school in ucd. I'm so glad I found this video! Thank you

[@citizensurgeon]

Awesome! Let me know if there are any other subjects you’d like me to cover

[@somecallmedaniel16]

This is awesome! Have been looking for a student- and resident-focused surgery channel for a while and glad to have come across yours. Will definitely be purchasing a few of these and following along with your videos.

[@citizensurgeon]

Awesome, you can’t really go wrong when buying the major texts but if you think surgery might be your path definitely buy the Maddox book, it will give you the tools to be a surgery ninja.

[@metaanalysish7079]

Really appreciate the guidance . Hope you continue making videos

[@citizensurgeon]

meta analysis h thanks for the feedback, note on the way, if there are topics you would like to hear let me know!

[@manne1111]

Thank You very much for sharing Your favorite books. I find it very challenging to make the right choice from the overwhelming amount of medical literature. Extremely helpful video!

[@citizensurgeon]

Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@aseeshvarma]

Excellent compilation sir..wish I saw this video 3 yrs back... finishing my residency in few more weeks

[@citizensurgeon]

aseesh varma ha! Thanks so much! Maybe it will help for boards :)

[@GlafyPaul]

I’m reading Sabiston at the moment, it’s wonderful. It is never less.

[@citizensurgeon]

Sabiston is a gold mine...if you can read and reread Sabiston and have a solid understanding, you will be confident with patients and crush your exams, no doubt!

[@lauracarrillo884]

Super excited for this channel , new surgical resident here, looking into being prepared and thus being of most help for my patients , greetings from Mexico😊 💃🙏

[@globetrekker7905]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@citizensurgeon]

Absolutely! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Dr.Tiktok]

Thanks man for ur amazing work I want ask you about your recommendation for pediatric surgery books

[@rifatsalim1511]

Thank you so much doctor, just a video that i need to add my references, thanks for sharing this and your explanation so detail and really awesome, cant wait to touch those references that you share 😇🙏

[@citizensurgeon]

Thank you so much for the feedback and I’m glad you found it helpful! Definitely some solid books there I’ve read and refer to time and time again

[@neeckoi]

Thank you so much Sir!

[@yanrichmpanzu6910]

sincerely i like this video as i started my residency on general surgery

[@citizensurgeon]

Awesome, so happy I could help!

[@MedWithSheikh]

Just came across this channel and I'm so excited to learn more from you Dr. Pearson! Hoping to go into paediatric surgery after medical school too! :)

[@citizensurgeon]

Thanks so much for the feedback! I’m super pumped to develop the platform week by week! If there is a topic you’d like to hear about give me a shout, working on shock right now. Ped surgery is an amazing career, even on the toughest days it is the greatest privilege.

[@MedWithSheikh]

@@citizensurgeon If you haven't already, could you talk about the/your path to becoming a paediatric surgeon/the positives & negatives of the profession as a whole?

[@citizensurgeon]

@@MedWithSheikh yes indeed, great idea. In your opinion what are the greatest hurdles that you would like discussed? I’m thinking a q&a live webinar could be pretty sweet for this as well.

[@MedWithSheikh]

@@citizensurgeon I think the webinar idea is an amazing idea; I would definitely tune in! Perhaps you could talk about how to secure a surgical residency as an IMG (I'm a Canadian student currently studying at an Aus medical school), or maintaining a healthy work-research-life balance during and after residency? I think talking about the application and interview process to obtain a surgical residency would be really nice too! Sorry for the long comment, it's just been quite difficult to find up to date information about the field from someone who is actually in it/is willing to speak about it in detail aha

[@citizensurgeon]

Got it, give me a week and I’ll get something together, maybe two parts...the first can be the medical school to residency journey and the second on picking a specialty with a deeper dive into ped surg. Thanks for the ideas :)

[@Takar-kt6vf]

Informative video.. i hope U don’t stop !

[@citizensurgeon]

Ta4kar 246 not a chance, just gaining my momentum and style :) any suggestions would be appreciated!

[@romariohamid]

The point about detailed history and examination cannot be stressed enough!!! Currently in final year of a MBBS program and since first year they keep stressing the importance of taking a good history and clinical examination.

[@citizensurgeon]

father_hezekiah I love this thanks so much for the comment, I completely agree! A history and exam is the foundation of everything.

[@babikerabdelaziz2334]

thanks a lot for all continuous helping , what is the best book for basic surgical skills for intern and junior resident , also the best radiological imaging book for intern and junior resident ? thanks in advance

[@hanishshetty7991]

Sir what do you think about Hutchinson or MacLeod for examination

[@18ignat]

Mosche schein common sense in emergent abdominal surgery - one of the best for me!

[@citizensurgeon]

Absolutely agree! Such a great book

[@konstantinosalexiou4997]

What do you think of Operative Techniques in Surgery by Mulholland, compared to Zollinger for an operative atlas?

[@anonymous-th3fm]

Respected sir! Which is the best book to learn about the real mechanics and technique for perfect sutures in different situations/ scenarios ? And which is the best book for laparoscopic anatomy and techniques?

[@marmaladebrah]

Thank you so much!

[@citizensurgeon]

Thanks so much I’m pumped you enjoyed it!

[@seafafrage6934]

(1cope,2sabtons, 3marino, 4top knife for interns surgery), (current after 2-3 years of surgery), (talley&oconnor examination good for h/o and exi), (zollinger atlas for detailed anatomy),(Absite for tests),(fishers for reference for specific surgeries very advanced),

[@citizensurgeon]

Such a great list, thank you for sharing!

[@sahishnushastry2831]

Hey! Loved the video. Will definitely be checking out Top Knife and O’Connor. Also, what’s you opinion on Bailey & Love, esp compared to Sabiston?

[@citizensurgeon]

Bailey abs Love is a great book, I have that one too! I think it’s a fantastic book with a little more clinical focus so if you have access to it definitely take advantage. I think sabiston’s has a little more basic science which can be nice for foundational learning.

[@sahishnushastry2831]

@@citizensurgeon Thank you so much for replying. B&L is THE recommended surgery book for Med students here in India. Loved to hear your opinion. Looking forward to all your future videos

[@bertrandanicetmelimomene2337]

Hi, what do u think about SRB's manual of surgery and surgical operations text and atlas

[@citizensurgeon]

Bertrand Anicet Meli momene thanks for the question, unfortunately I haven’t used that book but I had a look through and it looks great! Loads of clinical photos and diagrams, plus it’s frequently updated and covers the whole spectrum of surgery, and if you’re in the states and ordering from amazon you can get it for $50 which is a steal. So, haven’t used it but looks solid!

[@Omar-mn9lt]

Can u plz recommend books for neurosurgery ?

[@stevehawke9819]

Check out Surgery: A Case Based Clinical Review (de Virgilio) too! It's relatively new. Great for med students/interns.

[@tumaria2297]

Thank you for your recommendations! I hope it will be helpful to me. It's always difficult to find nice books. Greetings from Russia, by the way:))

[@citizensurgeon]

Absolutely! Happy to help!

[@johncena-nd9jx]

Is the book "Early diagnosis of the acute abdomen" only concerned with the history and PE of the abdominal region? Or is that just a title?

[@citizensurgeon]

It’s mostly about the abdomen…it’s a detailed look at how to do a focused history and exam to find out what pathology underlies the abdominal pain , apologies for the late reply!!

[@leejungsuk5942]

Thank you now ik what book im going to buy im 12yrs old and i want to be a surgeon!

[@citizensurgeon]

Awesome, don’t race through being a kid too fast! Enjoy it and then surgery will be there for you. I’m glad you found the videos inspiring!

[@judjudersawn2596]

Any book recommendations on what it means to be and become a surgeon? Memoires etc?

[@citizensurgeon]

Jud Judersawn thanks for the question. There are a few books I really enjoyed. First I would recommend reading William Nolan’s books, start with The Making of a Surgeon. Then check out Hot Lights Cold Steel by Michael Collins. They are both inspiring memoirs. The Puzzle People by Thomas Starzl is a great trip through his development as a surgeon and transplantation. Finally, read Forgive and Remember by Bosk, a sociological analysis of surgical training. There are several more, perhaps that would make a for a fun video :)

[@judjudersawn2596]

citizensurgeon Headed straight to amazon. Thank you Dr. Pearson.

[@citizensurgeon]

Jud Judersawn you are welcome enjoy!

[@med8615]

thanks legend.

[@citizensurgeon]

Absolutely, glad you liked it!

[@ElectricityTaster]

If I were a librarian I'd sneak one of these books into the "self-help" shelf.

[@citizensurgeon]

Haha, too funny

[@winaim.4296]

Great🙂

[@MT16987]

Do you recommend any videos ? For general surgery residency?! Something like Kaplan videos for USMLE any videos for surgery ? something on residents level

[@citizensurgeon]

Thank you so much for the comment, I hope you enjoyed the books video. I’m trying to create a library videos for surgical residents. At this point I’ve completed most of the basic science videos for surgery from the metabolic response to injury through nutrition clotting cascade etc..good foundational stuff. Now I’m getting into the clinical topics starting with bowel obstruction. Have done one on appendicitis. Check them out and let me know what you think

[@MT16987]

@@citizensurgeon thank you for your response I will check them

[@citizensurgeon]

Trying to get a video out every 1-2 weeks, if there is a topic you want to learn about please let me know. Small bowel anatomy and bowel obstruction coming up next.

[@gauravmundkar8878]

Sir which is best book which have clear images of surgical diseases??

[@citizensurgeon]

From an image point of view I think Zollingers is probably the best as a surgery atlas at the right price point

[@muhammedalirahim2693]

For a general surgery resident, Schwartz or Sabiston? Which one do you recommend?

[@citizensurgeon]

If you're a resident I think Sabiston is the gold standard...I usually Schwartz as a good place to start for medical students interested in surgery.

[@muhammedalirahim2693]

@@citizensurgeon "I have Sabiston 17th edition, do I need to buy the last edition?"

[@thecalmmonk7399]

Greetings from a future top surgeon

[@citizensurgeon]

I love that! Keep crushing it!

[@akshaypatil4480]

Which is the best book for surgical procedures ?

[@citizensurgeon]

Akshay! I apologize for the delayed reply. There are a few really good operative manuals for surgical procedures. If you want to check out a very general guide then I think Zollingers is the one to have on your shelf. Check it out here: amzn.to/3f9jZaS If you're looking for descriptions of surgery procedures AND text about them then I think the way to go is either Mastery of Surgery which I discussed in the video OR Chassin's Operative Strategy in General Surgery is a classic which I also recommend. In Chassin's they even teach you how to stand! Mastery of Surgery - amzn.to/2Zd8YzZ Chassin's Operative Strategy in General Surgery - amzn.to/2DjGThG If you want something more specific, say for pediatric surgery or thoracic surgery or colorectal I think the CRC Press books are amazing. Here are a few of the links for pediatric, thoracic and colorectal. Again they are expensive but they will be on your shelf forever: Operative Pediatric Surgery - amzn.to/3gGuPW9 Operative Surgery Colon, Rectum and Anus - amzn.to/326xrJ7 Operative Thoracic Surgery - amzn.to/3eb8D52 Good luck!

[@akshaypatil4480]

@@citizensurgeon thank you so much

[@spanishlatteMD]

what about schwartz? its good too. its our mother book in surgery

[@citizensurgeon]

I read Schwartz as a medical student and I thought it was a great book for the junior resident or advanced student interested in surgery. I think Schwartz lacks substance when it comes to the basic science, it is very good with the clinical workup and then falls short again for the more advanced topics like setting up an operation and thinking about plan a,b,c,d. Of the heavy weight surgery texts (Greenfield, Norton, Schwartz, and Sabiston) Sabiston was definitely the one I went back to again and again but I bought and read all of them over the years.

[@spanishlatteMD]

@@citizensurgeon Thanks doc! im an incoming medical clerk this year and an aspiring surgeon. Hope to hear more contents from you doc ,your videos are really amazing!

[@citizensurgeon]

RT good to hear and good luck with your pursuits, don’t let anything stand in your way, crush it

[@gentianelezaj5193]

Sabiston and Bailey and Love

[@citizensurgeon]

Bailey and Love was one of my go tos in medical school, heavy text but well researched and well written

[@MsDstarr]

Would these be good for a surgical technology student?

[@citizensurgeon]

Yes, absolutely! I would definitely think about getting an operative atlas like Zollinger's Atlas of Surgery just to understand the anatomy and the course of an operation.

[@MsDstarr]

@@citizensurgeon thank you

[@reemhdeab1185]

Is baily and love good for medical students?(not residents)

[@citizensurgeon]

Yes, B&L is a great text. My advice is to pick one, anyone that you’ll read, and read it. After you finish that one, pick up another with a different point of view for example mastery of surgery or Cameron’s

[@leesunyeon1294]

Can you please tell me how many books have you studied until you became Surgeon?

[@citizensurgeon]

Hahaha! Hundreds…thousands? Maybe

[@memomashash1287]

@@citizensurgeon when u had time to read thousands? Even hundreds… 😂

[@citizensurgeon]

@@memomashash1287 Haha too funny, I guess I get carried away!

[@islamatef5411]

Sr what is the best techniquel book

[@citizensurgeon]

I think Zollingers and Mastery of Surgery are great places to start

[@wrath6663]

thank u soooooooooooooo much

[@citizensurgeon]

You are welcome, glad you enjoyed it, what book are you getting first?

[@wrath6663]

@@citizensurgeon lol i got them all, already read some parts of 3 of them and i had 4 of them from before... really thx doc

[@aymiskawtame512]

I'm last year of med school 🏫

[@citizensurgeon]

Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@waheebalsabriy442]

❤️

[@citizensurgeon]

So pumped you enjoyed it!