Figure 1 might not be new to my international readers, but I am SO EXCITED to share that today the app launches in South Africa! I’ve been using the app a bit longer because I have access to an American iTunes account, but now it’s officially here and we can share some of our awesome medical images too! It is available on App Store and Google Play and you can download it here.
If you are new to the Fig.1 game: the app is essentially “instagram for healthcare providers”, where everyone can share interesting images or photos from their work, and everyone can comment and share information. The images are strictly monitored so that all identifying characteristics are removed and of course permission should be obtained from patients before wildly snapping away.
Fig. 1 has helped me immeasurably during this year, because no matter how long the hours are that you spend in hospital, there is always something you do not see. I rotated through peadiatric surgery and cardiology, but I never saw a paediatric heart transplant… But on Figure 1 I could share in the excitement.
I rotated through urology and saw the common kidney and bladder stones, and the common methods of dealing with them. But I never saw such a large spiculated variety!
Currently I am studying for my very final exams for the MB-portion of my degree and again making use of Fig. 1, especially for ECGs and imaging studies. I’ll be doing Internal Medicine, Paediatrics, Psychiatry and OBGYN. It’s another hell-week, from 17-21 November, so a heads-up to the regulars that my posts will be short, mostly scheduled, and my replies will certainly be delayed.
Your well wishes for these very important exams will be so appreciated. I’m kind of freaking out a tiny bit but I have to get through this final push.
Whispers Unto the Aether 
good stuff! Thanks for sharing it! š
Cool, thanks for stopping by!
All the best for exams I too am sitting exams
Thank you, and good luck with your exams as well!
Okay stuff doesn’t normally gross me out, but that kidney stone is NASTY. I have Figure 1 but I haven’t really used it much yet. It seems like an awesome app, though!
And GOOD LUCK on your exams!! I know you’ll do great š
You must use it, it’s so awesome I loooooove it! Haha. And… I’ve never had so much as a bladder infection (touch wood), never mind a kidney stone, so I’m not really grossed out by it. If you want to gross me out, you’ve gotta show me some gross ear pathology. That really sets my stomach churning.
Thanks a bunch for the well wishes. I need like a constant supply of them. š
That thing came out of someone’s kidney? Just kill me if I get one of those. End my suffering quickly.
Haha, well it actually most likely spent most of its formation in the bladder. I mean, it was probably still pretty awful and it ultimately required surgery, but yeah š
Good luck on those exams! š We’ve got the Respiratory exam coming up shortly ourselves. No comparison but I feel your pain!
Thank you! Well, difficulty is subjective to your current level so I wouldn’t say it’s no comparison – it’s just the stumbling block you have to clear at your point in life. Hope it goes (or went) well for you!
I’ve seen you so many times in hospital but was always too shy to come up and have a chat, now you are done and I’ll never get my chance to get an autograph haha but goodluck! You’ll do amazing!
Aw! Well if you see me around campus feel free to say hi! I’m really socially awkward but no need to be shy š thanks so much for the well wishes, I desperately need it!
P.S: my signature is all over patient records in hospital, they’re really a dime a dozen š
Crossing fingers, saying prayers, good vibes of all sorts being sent. Hang in there Mariechen, you will be just fine, I know this!
But that kidney stone, oh dear!!!!!
Thanks Nancy, I need every last scrap of luck I can find. That stone looks pretty awful. But at least, the way I understand, it forms only in the bladder. So while I’m certain it was uncomfortable, at least it didn’t have to traverse the ureters!
I love Figure 1! It’s a great app with so much to enjoy and learn. My friends call it gore porn haha, but they’re definitely missing out. Highest recommendation for any fledgling medical student, resident or doctor. And good luck on the exams, you’ll kick ass!
Gore Porn? I love that! It totally is, but I still love it.