The Medical App You Should Get NOW (and an exam PSA)

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.

Image used with permission from Figure 1. Click image to be redirected to the image on Fig. 1.

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!

Image used with permission from Figure 1. Click image to be redirected to the image on Fig. 1.

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.