Cover of the Edmonton Manual.
The Edmonton Manual is a homegrown resource published by the Medical Students' Association of the University of Alberta and is designed to aid students in preparation for their Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs). The book features more than 140 common clinical scenarios and helps students understand what they need to know-be it diagnostic criteria, differential diagnoses, focused history and physical exams, relevant investigations or management of disease.
The Edmonton Manual was initially assembled in 2009 by Aaron Knox (MD '10), Shaheed Merani (MD '10), Ryan Gallagher (MD '11) and Jasmine Pawa (MD '12). It originated from informal sets of notes compiled by graduating medical students to help their junior colleagues. Over the years, thousands of copies of the Edmonton Manual have been sold to medical students and residents from across the globe. Sales are primarily from medical students in Canada, international medical graduates and family medicine residents. The book is sold on the Edmonton Manual, as well as at most medical bookstores across Canada.
The Edmonton Manual is of particular relevance to medical students as it is a student-driven venture. The editorial board is composed solely of medical students in various stages of training. Currently, it consists of medical students Nikhil Raghuram (MD '16; editor-in-chief), Haran Yogasundaram (MD '16; senior director of marketing & sales, associate editor), Susie Lindquist (MD '16; publishing editor), Mark McKinney (MD '17; senior editor), Marvi Cheema (MD '17; senior editor), Patrick Vallance (MD '18; junior director of marketing & sales, associate editor), Colin Andrews (MD '18; junior editor), and Parnian Riaz (MD '18; junior editor). To ensure accuracy and relevance of content, residents and staff physicians are involved with the editing of individual stations, as well as entire sections.
The Edmonton Manual is a non-profit endeavour. Donations are made to the graduation committee and to chosen charities, such as Youth Empowerment & Support Services (YESS). In addition, each year more than $10,000 is donated to the Medical Students' Association to enhance the medical student experience.
The fourth edition of the Edmonton Manual was recently released in September 2015. Future directions for the book include continual improvement of station content and the addition of supplemental online content. For more information or to place an order, please visit www.edmontonmanual.com.