New McGraw Hill Book

[ether123]

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Folks,

Anyone have thoughts on this new book from mcgraw hill, The Anesthesia Guide? I used morgan and mikhail a lot so i like the mcgraw hill stuff but didn't know if this was any good. please advise

ether123

 

[Gern Blansten]

The editor/publisher sent me a copy. I have flipped through it a bit. I was surprised at how much I liked it. It is very dense with information, yet is pocket sized (if the pocket is big). The authors are typically not big names, but the chapters seem well done. It has 219 chapters, so it covers a large range of material. It is easy to read and contains most of the important info. I have not examined it closely enough to know where the gaps are (if there are any), but I noticed the section on TEE had a lot of good info. Lots of good tables, illustrations, and photos.
I would not be surprised if it becomes a popular "carry around" text.

 

[Blockman]

I got it a couple weeks ago and I like it a lot.
It's a practical, cookbook-style anesthesia and critical care guide. I really like the fact that all the information provided is practical rather than theory (no studies on rats, etc.). There are many tables, figures, and algorithms, all in full color.
In my opinion, for almost the same price, it is tremendously more valuable than Pocket Anesthesia – a skeleton in comparison, or than the Mass General book, which is more expensive.

Positives:
- Procedures (OPH, bariatric, AAA repair, pheo, liver transplant, etc.) detailed in a practical, cookbook fashion, with what to prepare and what possible problems are
- Great regional section. You can practically do the block just using the book even if you have never seen it. Great anatomical pics
- Large ICU section, with a lot of information I wish I had when I did my rotations

Negatives:
- Some items are missing from the index, but they are easy to locate if you have some idea how the book is organized
- The book could be a little shorter/smaller and could then fit in a scrub pocket. However, it is still much more portable than the Morgan & Mikhail (especially the latest edition, which is as big as a cinder block), or the Manual of Clinical Anesthesia by Chu

 

[ether123]

thanks for the feedback. Do you think The Anesthesia Guide would be a good book for the in training exam? I have some pcket books but they dont have nearly the amount of detail that the ITE requires. Please advise.

 

[Gern Blansten]

thanks for the feedback. Do you think The Anesthesia Guide would be a good book for the in training exam? I have some pcket books but they dont have nearly the amount of detail that the ITE requires. Please advise.

In my brief flipping through the book, I saw a bunch of detail that I know has been covered on the ITE and board exams. I noticed a couple things that were missing that I know have been tested. Just like any other text, there are gaps, but it appears this text is a nice compromise between a large text that is bulky and a pocket guide that has too little information. It also is a nice mix between stuff you need for the exam (facts) and stuff you need to practice anesthesiology (guide to blocks and procedures).
Overall, I like it, but it is certainly not the perfect resource for board exams (is anything really perfect) but I also don't think that is their only intention. I think it will help you get quite a few questions correct, but certainly not all of them. If I did not already have it, I would probably purchase it.

 

[ether123]

thanks for all of the valuable feedback. i just wanted to make sure u guys are talking about the same book as me?

I'm talking about "The Anesthesia Guide"

http://www.amazon.com/The-Anesthesi...71647692&sr=8-1&keywords=the+anesthesia+guide

I ask bec mcgraw hill has released other books recently and i just wanted to ensure its this book u guys were commenting on.

Also, does anyone have any insight on this book versus the MGH manual? Please advise

 

[Gern Blansten]

i just wanted to make sure u guys are talking about the same book as me?

I'm talking about "The Anesthesia Guide"

Yep, that's the one. The MGH manual is smaller and does not have nearly the variety of info as far as I can tell. I own both.
The MGH text is good and much more portable (pocket sized). The other one is just a bit too big and too thick to put in most pockets.

 

[ether123]

so if u had to pick one, which would it be? The extensive and thorough "The Anesthesia Guide" or the more basic, pocket size MGH?

I ask because i only have enough in my book fund for one book, so i dont want to have any regrets.

 

[Gern Blansten]

so if u had to pick one, which would it be? The extensive and thorough "The Anesthesia Guide" or the more basic, pocket size MGH?

I ask because i only have enough in my book fund for one book, so i dont want to have any regrets.

I don't generally have a need for a "pocket book" so I would probably pick the Anesthesia Guide my self. They both seem good.

 

[jwalker12]

Hey I know I'm not at your guys level yet, however while showcasing this past month I saw a resident using this book and he really enjoyed. I am currently a 4th year student and I flipped through it and picked a copy up myself. I winded up looking up OR cases for the next day and reading about them in the book. From the selected sections I have read I can tell you my residents and attendings were surprised as to how much I knew. So this is a good book for students as well to learn principles. Gluck on your boards just thought I'd chime in.

 

[ether123]

thanks for all the input. As it turns out, my co-resident already had a copy of The Anesthesia Guide so i glanced through it. what u guys said about it seems to be completely true. I dont know much about TEEs, but i like the ultrasound images of blocks. i just ordered it on amazon. hopefully i wont be disappointed

 

[Gaseous Clay]

thanks for all of the valuable feedback. i just wanted to make sure u guys are talking about the same book as me?

I'm talking about "The Anesthesia Guide"

http://www.amazon.com/The-Anesthesi...71647692&sr=8-1&keywords=the+anesthesia+guide

I ask bec mcgraw hill has released other books recently and i just wanted to ensure its this book u guys were commenting on.

Also, does anyone have any insight on this book versus the MGH manual? Please advise

It looks like a very solid book. I help teach medical students and am wondering if this should replace baby Miller (honestly, was never a big fan of that book). I noticed on amazon, I can read the entire book on their "preview" page.

 

[jman131]

I am a 4th year medical student beginning to show case. I just received the book. So far it looks very good in regards to me as a student being able to learn and impress my attendings and residents. I will get back to you after I use it for some more time. Personally never used baby miller so can't compare, but definitely liking the anesthesia guide.

 

[secants]

It's also on AccessAnesthesia if your hospital subscribes to that database.

 

[secants]

I am a 4th year medical student beginning to show case. I just received the book. So far it looks very good in regards to me as a student being able to learn and impress my attendings and residents. I will get back to you after I use it for some more time. Personally never used baby miller so can't compare, but definitely liking the anesthesia guide.

How would you compare it to Anesthesia Secrets or NMS? I'll be doing my aways soon so wanted to stick with one resource.

 

[Gern Blansten]

How would you compare it to Anesthesia Secrets or NMS? I'll be doing my aways soon so wanted to stick with one resource.

It is much better than those two books IMHO.

 

[jman131]

I definitely like it better than secrets, more comprehensive for sure. As for NMS I cant comment sorry.

 

[desflurane]

I'm calling bs on this thread. Sounds like the publishers or authors are trolling. I looked at this book and its just a reformatting of already existing material. There are free smartphone apps that serve the same purpose. 👎

 

[Gern Blansten]

I'm calling bs on this thread. Sounds like the publishers or authors are trolling. I looked at this book and its just a reformatting of already existing material. There are free smartphone apps that serve the same purpose. 👎

I don't think that is the case. Certainly not on my part.
We've seen that on this forum with board review courses. It looks different than this thread.

 

[ether123]

i dont think discussing a book means u r trying to promote it. i had an honest question about a book because i have limited funds in my book fund and i truly need to know if some books are more helpful than others. i am grateful that SDN members from 2006 and 2008 have all commented, some criticizing it as not being pocket size, while others commend its thoroughness.

i'm still waiting on my copy, so the jury is out on whether the book lives up to the 'hype', but i think its important for trainees like me to know what others think on NMS vs. TAG vs. pocket anesthesia vs. MGH manual. I beleive one of the earlier threads specifically pointed out some 'cons' for the book, which a publisher/author would not have done. again, thanks to everyone for giving their input.

 

[codeb1ue]

I'm calling bs on this thread. Sounds like the publishers or authors are trolling. I looked at this book and its just a reformatting of already existing material. There are free smartphone apps that serve the same purpose. 👎

I kinda agree with you. When I first read this thread, it just smelled really fishy to me. It's common to see fake reviews throwing out some "cons" that aren't even really that bad to make it sound more legit.

I'm a bit disappointed since I was debating between some small pocket sized books I can slip into my bag. I was leaning towards the newer edition of pocket anesthesia.

 

[ether123]

can someone direct me towards where i can find some "free" anesthesia apps that are helpful. I recall someone saying there are a bunch

 

[Gaseous Clay]

I'm calling bs on this thread. Sounds like the publishers or authors are trolling. I looked at this book and its just a reformatting of already existing material. There are free smartphone apps that serve the same purpose. 👎

Most of those threads were started by someone with no prior posts. All of the ensuing comments on this thread have been made by posters who've been here a while and have multiple posts. I have never seen this book before but on amazon, it does look pretty good. I am looking for a good book to give 3rd and 4th years rotating through our dept. This maybe a winner. It looks similar to the format of a Faust but appears to have more topics and depth.

I think those "bs" threads were pretty obvious. This one, not so much.

 

[ether123]

Again, can someone please direct me to these "free" online apps that are supposedly very useful? I've come across a few, but they all cost money. Again, i am NOT a publisher or author, i just joined bec im starting here and i need some advice on good resources. if u feel The Anesthesia Guide is re-hashed info that can be found for free, please direct me so i can benefit from it.

Thanks!

 

[heronmd]

Again, can someone please direct me to these "free" online apps that are supposedly very useful? I've come across a few, but they all cost money. Again, i am NOT a publisher or author, i just joined bec im starting here and i need some advice on good resources. if u feel The Anesthesia Guide is re-hashed info that can be found for free, please direct me so i can benefit from it.

Thanks!

GoodReader or PDF Expert for handling PDFs (small fee)

CHM+Pro (small fee) for reading CHM files; some of the best texts I have
are in CHM

Epocrates (Free)

The king of all medical apps, Epocrates enables physicians to review drug
prescribing and safety information, select health insurance formularies
for drug coverage information, perform calculations like BMI and GFR and
access medical news and research.


Medscape (Free)

A unit of WebMD, Medscape offers prescribing and safety information for
drugs, procedure videos, a medical calculator and access to continuing
medical education (CME) materials.


MedCalc ($1.99)

As its name implies, MedCalc features an exhaustive list of formulas,
scales, scores and calculations.


Skyscape (Free)

This decision-support tool features drug information, a medical
calculator, evidence-based clinical information and summaries of journal
articles.


Doximity (Free)

A professional network for physicians, Doximity offers the opportunity to
connect with other doctors and comes with HIPAA-compliant faxing, emailing
and text messaging.



Up To Date (Free)

Along with Doximity, Up To Date is the only app that doesn't appear on
both the most-used apps for smartphones and tablets lists. Up To Date is a
reference tool that comes with evidence-based recommendations,
mobile-optimized calculators and a CME tracker

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ilarynx/id396637170?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo=4

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/icu-drips-management-hd-emergency/id485913855?mt=8

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/icu-drips-management-hd-emergency/id485913855?mt=8

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/icu-drips-management-hd-emergency/id485913855?mt=8

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/abg-pro/id493840595?mt=8

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/abg-pro/id493840595?mt=8

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/alveolar-gas/id552766731?mt=8

http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/brachial-plexus-for-students/id527856383?mt=13

http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/brachial-plexus-for-students/id527856383?mt=13

http://www.imedicalapps.com/2012/06/top-free-ipad-medical-apps/

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/acls-sim-2011/id437800042?mt=8

 

[ether123]

GoodReader or PDF Expert for handling PDFs (small fee)

CHM+Pro (small fee) for reading CHM files; some of the best texts I have
are in CHM

Epocrates (Free)

The king of all medical apps, Epocrates enables physicians to review drug
prescribing and safety information, select health insurance formularies
for drug coverage information, perform calculations like BMI and GFR and
access medical news and research.


Medscape (Free)

A unit of WebMD, Medscape offers prescribing and safety information for
drugs, procedure videos, a medical calculator and access to continuing
medical education (CME) materials.


MedCalc ($1.99)

As its name implies, MedCalc features an exhaustive list of formulas,
scales, scores and calculations.


Skyscape (Free)

This decision-support tool features drug information, a medical
calculator, evidence-based clinical information and summaries of journal
articles.


Doximity (Free)

A professional network for physicians, Doximity offers the opportunity to
connect with other doctors and comes with HIPAA-compliant faxing, emailing
and text messaging.



Up To Date (Free)

Along with Doximity, Up To Date is the only app that doesn't appear on
both the most-used apps for smartphones and tablets lists. Up To Date is a
reference tool that comes with evidence-based recommendations,
mobile-optimized calculators and a CME tracker

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ilarynx/id396637170?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo=4

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/icu-drips-management-hd-emergency/id485913855?mt=8

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/icu-drips-management-hd-emergency/id485913855?mt=8

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/icu-drips-management-hd-emergency/id485913855?mt=8

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/abg-pro/id493840595?mt=8

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/abg-pro/id493840595?mt=8

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/alveolar-gas/id552766731?mt=8

http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/brachial-plexus-for-students/id527856383?mt=13

http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/brachial-plexus-for-students/id527856383?mt=13

http://www.imedicalapps.com/2012/06/top-free-ipad-medical-apps/

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/acls-sim-2011/id437800042?mt=8

Thanks for the list. I've heard of epocrates and uptodate, thankyou very much! I was referring to an earlier post that says there are free anesthesia apps that have the same info as "The Anesthesia Guide." I found uptodate and epocrates not very helpful in the anesthesia setting bec their guidelines are too broad and cover a tremendous amount of chronic care and ICU care, not specifically intraop.

BTW, just got the anesthesia guide and so far really like it.

 

[Blockman]

I'm calling bs on this thread. Sounds like the publishers or authors are trolling. I looked at this book and its just a reformatting of already existing material. There are free smartphone apps that serve the same purpose. 👎

I just happen to like this book, and I think it is grossly unfair to call it "just a reformatting of already existing material", and to accuse people of trolling because they say something positive. But even if I were the author or the publisher, there is nothing easier than walking into your favorite medical bookstore and comparing the various handbooks available: essentially Mass General, Pocket Anesthesia and this one. Anesthesia Secrets, etc. are intended more for studying than to be used at the bedside.
You can actually see most of the book on Amazon, or if your school/hospital subscribes to accessanesthesiology.com, read through the whole book.
Make your own opinion, don't believe what you're told. If you think the book is crap, don't buy it...