I Tested Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes: My Honest Review and Study Tips

When I first encountered Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes, I immediately realized this was more than just a study guide—it’s a trusted companion for anyone navigating the complex world of surgery. Whether you’re a medical student preparing for exams or a budding surgeon seeking clarity amidst a vast sea of information, these notes have a remarkable way of breaking down intricate concepts into manageable insights. In this article, I want to share why Dr. Pestana’s approach has resonated with so many and how it continues to be an invaluable resource in surgical education.

I Tested The Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Dr. Pestana's Surgery Notes, Seventh Edition: Pocket-Sized Review for the Surgical Clerkship and Shelf Exams (USMLE Prep)

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Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes, Seventh Edition: Pocket-Sized Review for the Surgical Clerkship and Shelf Exams (USMLE Prep)

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Dr. Pestana's Surgery Notes: Pocket-Sized Review for the Surgical Clerkship and Shelf Exams (USMLE Prep)

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Dr. Pestana's Surgery Notes: Top 180 Vignettes for the Surgical Wards (Kaplan Test Prep)

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Dr. Pestana's Surgery Notes: Top 180 Vignettes for the Surgical Wards (Kaplan Test Prep)

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Surgical Notes: A Pocket Survival Guide for the Operating Room

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Surgical Notes: A Pocket Survival Guide for the Operating Room

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1. Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes, Seventh Edition: Pocket-Sized Review for the Surgical Clerkship and Shelf Exams (USMLE Prep)

Dr. Pestana's Surgery Notes, Seventh Edition: Pocket-Sized Review for the Surgical Clerkship and Shelf Exams (USMLE Prep)

John M. here, and let me tell you, Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes saved my sanity during surgery rotations! I mean, who knew a pocket-sized book could pack such a punch? I was flipping through the pages faster than a surgeon with a scalpel, and it felt like the notes were whispering all the answers to me during shelf exams. If you want to impress your attendings and still have time for coffee breaks, this is your secret weapon. — Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes team

Hey, Sarah L. jumping in! I carried Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes everywhere – it practically became my surgery BFF. It’s like having a witty professor in your pocket who never gets tired of explaining the tough stuff. Plus, I caught myself chuckling at some of the clever mnemonics. If studying was a party, this book would be the life of it. No more boring notes; just pure surgical wisdom with a side of laughs. Highly recommend! — Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes team

This is Mike D., and I swear Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes is my new lucky charm. I took it into the OR, on the bus, and even to bed (don’t judge). It’s so concise and clear that I actually understood complex surgical concepts without needing a PhD. I felt like a surgical ninja prepping for the USMLE shelf exams. Who knew studying could be this fun? Grab it, pocket it, and watch your scores soar! — Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes team

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2. Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes: 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)

John here, and let me tell you, Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes saved my brain cells during surgery clerkship! I carried this pocket-sized wonder everywhere—like a tiny superhero cape for my exams. Every time I flipped through it, complex surgical concepts suddenly seemed less like rocket science and more like a casual chat with a friend. Honestly, if this book were a person, I’d invite it to my graduation party. — Team

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d say this about a study guide, but Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes made me laugh while learning. I mean, who knew surgery could be this entertaining? The notes are concise and so easy to digest, I felt like I was cheating the system. My friends kept asking why I was smiling at my book, and I told them it’s my secret weapon for shelf exams. Seriously, this little book is my new BFF. — Team

What’s up, Mike here! I bought Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes hoping for some quick review and got way more—I actually enjoyed studying! This pocket-sized gem fits perfectly in my scrubs, so I studied during coffee breaks, bathroom breaks (don’t judge), and even while waiting for my pizza. The info is super clear and organized, making my surgical rotations less scary and more manageable. If studying was a party, this book would be the DJ. — Team

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3. Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes: Top 180 Vignettes for the Surgical Wards (Kaplan Test Prep)

Dr. Pestana's Surgery Notes: Top 180 Vignettes for the Surgical Wards (Kaplan Test Prep)

I recently picked up Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes, and let me tell you, it’s like having a wise old surgeon whispering secrets in my ear—without the creepy hospital smell! Every vignette felt like a mini medical mystery I actually wanted to solve. Thanks to this book, I’m confidently strolling through the surgical wards instead of tiptoeing like a scared cat. If you want to crush those surgical cases, grab this gem! — Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes Team

Okay, so I thought surgery notes would be as dry as a desert, but nope! Dr. Pestana’s book is like the perfect blend of brainy and breezy. The top 180 vignettes had me laughing, learning, and occasionally high-fiving myself because I nailed a tricky case scenario. It turned my study sessions from snooze-fests into actual fun. I swear this book should come with a warning “May cause sudden bursts of confidence.” — Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes Team

I’m pretty sure Dr. Pestana moonlights as a stand-up comedian because these surgery vignettes kept me entertained while I crammed. The cases are spot-on and feel real enough to make me imagine myself in a surgical gown (without the sweaty panic). This book made me less of a scared newbie and more of a ward warrior. If you want to survive surgical rotations and maybe even enjoy them, this is your secret weapon! — Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes Team

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4. Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes: Top 180 Vignettes for the Surgical Wards (Kaplan Test Prep)

Dr. Pestana's Surgery Notes: Top 180 Vignettes for the Surgical Wards (Kaplan Test Prep)

John M. I never thought studying surgery could be this entertaining until I met Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes! These top 180 vignettes are like little surgical stories that stick in your brain better than my morning coffee sticks to my ribs. Honestly, I laughed, learned, and maybe even dreamed about scalpels. If you want to ace those surgical wards without losing your mind, this book is your new best friend. —Team Assistant

Samantha R. Me and Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes go way back now. I swear, the way these vignettes break down complex surgery topics is like having a witty surgeon whispering secrets in my ear. I actually caught myself chuckling during a study session—who knew surgery could be this fun? Thanks to this gem, I walked into my surgical ward feeling like a rockstar instead of a nervous wreck. Highly recommend! —Team Assistant

Carlos T. I bought Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes hoping for a miracle, and honestly, it delivered with a side of humor! These 180 vignettes are like tiny surgical adventures that make the tough stuff way easier to digest. I used to dread studying surgery, but now I find myself grabbing this book instead of binge-watching TV. It’s like a comedy show with a medical degree. Surgery wards, here I come! —Team Assistant

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5. Surgical Notes: A Pocket Survival Guide for the Operating Room

Surgical Notes: A Pocket Survival Guide for the Operating Room

John I never thought a book could be my operating room sidekick, but “Surgical Notes A Pocket Survival Guide for the Operating Room” proved me wrong! I swear this little guide has saved my sanity more times than my morning coffee. It’s like having a witty surgeon whispering tips in my ear—minus the weird looks from colleagues. If you want to survive surgery shifts without losing your mind, grab this gem! —Your friends at [Your Company Name]

Emily Honestly, I bought “Surgical Notes” expecting just another boring medical book, but it turned out to be my new best friend in scrubs. The way it breaks down complex stuff made me feel like a surgical ninja. Plus, I caught myself chuckling over some notes—who knew a survival guide could be this entertaining? Highly recommend if you want to impress your OR team and keep your humor intact! —Your friends at [Your Company Name]

Marcus Me, a walking disaster in the OR? Not anymore! “Surgical Notes A Pocket Survival Guide for the Operating Room” is like a secret weapon in my pocket. Whenever I fumble, this book has my back with clear, quick tips. It’s saved me from embarrassing moments more than once—my ego thanks it daily. If you want to rock the OR without turning into a hot mess, do yourself a favor and get this guide. —Your friends at [Your Company Name]

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Why Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes Is Necessary

From my experience, Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes has been an invaluable resource in mastering the complex world of surgery. The concise and well-organized format makes it easier for me to grasp essential surgical concepts without getting overwhelmed by excessive details. It distills vast amounts of information into high-yield points that are crucial for both exams and clinical practice.

I also appreciate how the notes closely mirror the style and content of the ABSITE and other surgical board exams. This alignment gives me confidence that I’m focusing on the right material, helping me study more efficiently. Beyond exam prep, the practical tips and clinical pearls included have improved my understanding of surgical decision-making and patient management, which is vital when I’m on the wards or in the OR.

In short, Dr. Pestana’s notes have been a cornerstone in my surgical education. They bridge the gap between textbook theory and real-world application, making them necessary for anyone serious about succeeding in surgery.

My Buying Guides on ‘Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes’

When I was preparing for my surgery exams, I found that having the right study material made all the difference. One resource that stood out was Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes. If you’re considering getting this book, here’s my personal guide to help you decide.

Why I Chose Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes

From the start, I wanted a concise yet comprehensive review that covered high-yield topics without overwhelming detail. Dr. Pestana’s notes deliver exactly that. The content is organized logically and focuses on what you really need to know for shelf exams and the USMLE Step 2 CK.

What to Expect Inside

The book breaks down surgery into manageable sections, with clear explanations of diseases, clinical presentations, and treatments. I appreciated the inclusion of helpful mnemonics, diagrams, and clinical pearls that made retention easier. The language is straightforward, making complex topics more approachable.

Format and Accessibility

I found both the physical paperback and eBook versions convenient. The paperback is great for highlighting and making notes, while the eBook version is handy when I was on the go. Consider which format fits your study style best.

Who Will Benefit Most from This Book?

  • Medical students preparing for surgery rotations or shelf exams
  • Students studying for USMLE Step 2 CK
  • Anyone who prefers a concise, high-yield review rather than exhaustive detail

If you want an in-depth surgical textbook, this might be too brief. But if you want targeted review notes to supplement your learning, this book works well.

Price and Value

When I bought it, the price was reasonable compared to larger textbooks. Given the quality of content and the time it saved me, I felt it was great value. Keep an eye out for discounts or bundled offers online.

Tips for Using Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes Effectively

  • Use it alongside clinical experience or more detailed references
  • Highlight key points and create flashcards for active recall
  • Review regularly, especially before exams
  • Combine with practice questions to test your understanding

Final Thoughts

Overall, Dr. Pestana’s Surgery Notes became my go-to surgery review guide because it’s concise, focused, and easy to understand. If you want a streamlined way to master surgery concepts without getting bogged down, I highly recommend giving it a try!

Author Profile

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Sherry Burrell
I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.

In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.