Review of Lederman’s Internal Medicine and Critical Care medical app

For years trainees have asked what are the best “pocketbooks” for the wards and/or the ICU? Prior to the internet and age of medical apps, trainees (like me back in the day) would fill their white coat pockets with copies of the Washington Manual, Ferri’s, Mass General’s Pocket Medicine and the like. Now many “carry” the digital versions of these textbooks, while others have migrated to “hunting” tools such as UpToDate, Dynamed or Essential Evidence Plus. Some medical app developers have even designed their own “pearls” books such as the excellent FP Notebook and the Critical Care Compendium.

The latest edition to the ward/ICU pocketguide medical app world is from Sanford: Lederman’s Internal Medicine and Critical Care Pocketguide. And yes, I am talking about THAT Sanford of Sanford Guide fame. Prior to the days of my smartphone, I carried around a pocket guide of Sanford as my go to infectious disease guide. For many years, I used Sanford on Palm, Treo’s, and now I use it regularly on my iPhone along with the equally excellent Johns Hopkins ABX Guide.

Sanford states this is the 6th edition of the Lederman’s guide, but I have to admit, I had not heard of this particular guide previously. The guide is written by Dr Robert J. Lederman, an interventional cardiologist and leading researcher in cardiac MRI research at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Sanford began publishing the guide in paper format with the 5th edition of the guide and now presents the 6th edition for the first time in a mobile format. So what does Lederman’s bring to the table compared to the competition? The new medical app covers 11 subject areas of internal medicine from cardiology to toxicology and uses the same updated app format found in the latest edition of the Sanford Antibiotic Guide for mobile devices.

Video Review of Lederman’s Internal Medicine and Critical Care app

Evidence based medicine

Lederman’s Internal Medicine and Critical Care Pocketguide by Sanford contains a general overview of many common topics encountered on the wards and ICU. Although the detail is significantly less to what is found in medical references such as UpToDate or Dynamed Plus, the medical app is well referenced and contains many hyperlinks to support the content. The amount of material is likely adequate for quick reference while on rounds/at the bedside.

What providers would benefit from Lederman’s Internal Medicine and Critical Care medical app?

Students, residents, mid-levels, hospitalists, internists, critical care specialists, nurses, any staff provider who cares for patients on the wards or in the ICU.

Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official policy of the Department of the Army, the Department of Defense or the U.S. Government.