The Compendium Method ©
- Visual, concise and to the point
- Overview and structure
- Quality ensured by medical specialists
"During medical school, we noticed a lack of effective study methods. To address this, we developed our own system using unique icons and summarising techniques to navigate the extensive medical literature."
- Founders of Compendium medicine and medical doctors: Romée Snijders & Veerle Smit
The Compendium Method ©
In Compendium Medicine we use the same concise, visual and schematic description of the various medical specialties. Everything is geared towards overview and structure, facilitating study and practice. We call this the Compendium Method ©.
Fixed layout
All our medical specialties are presented in the same, recognisable way and each has its own colour and icon. The pockets have a fixed chapter structure. The table of contents of each pocket tells you exactly which topics are covered. The symbols in the corner of the page show what kind of information is being discussed.
Illustrations
The figures provide at-a-glance insight into topics like anatomy or the typical patient. They are also intended for study and practice, such as checking whether you can identify the letters in a picture without looking at the caption.
Conditions
Each condition in this pocket starts with a full-sentence definition followed by a telegram-style explanation. For each condition, the following icons (as applicable) are discussed. These visual cues that convey specific attributes or features of the condition are also useful when studying. You can cover the text and quiz yourself.
Tables
We use tables to arrange the information in a clear and structured manner, with columns representing different conditions and rows indicating features or characteristics. Centered formatting for matching features makes it easy to identify similarities and differences.
"I love the use of tables to compare and contrast different imaging findings, it makes it a lot easier to remember!"
- Med student from Australia about the Radiology pocketbook
Diagrams
Diagrams help you reason clinically, starting from a particular symptom, using the green and red arrows as signposts. Always remember that the full differential diagnosis may consist of additional diagnoses.
Icons & frames
Throughout this pocket you will find highlighted frames.
Fun fact: our founders are Dutch, and in the Netherlands, we refer to a mnemonic as a “donkey bridge”. That’s why the symbol for mnemonics in our books is a donkey.
Punctuation marks
The punctuation in our books also focuses on overview and ensures that the subject matters are covered concisely and effectively.
Abbreviations
We make extensive use of abbreviations, medical terms and symbols for scientific units and quantities.
Index
The pockets include a comprehensive and easy-to-use index. It contains all the topics covered in the books so you can quickly navigate and find the information you are looking for.
Appendices
In the pockets, you will find space for your notes, additional information, reminders, or insights. In addition, handy appendices have been added; these contain specific information that you would like to have at hand and are therefore located at the back of the pockets.
