The app that makes life easier and patients safer

Eponyms brings Andrew J. Yees medical eponym database straight to providers smart phones or tablets.  The app offers quick access to succinct description of over 1,700 eponyms.

Editor's Rating:

Editor's Rating:

Featured screenshots from Eponyms

Featured screenshots from Eponyms


The eponym app is extremely easy to open and then navigate.  It’s initial screen offers a main menu consisting of three option:

  1. All eponyms
  2. Starred Eponyms
  3. Recent eponyms

Below the main menu is a 28 category sub-menu.&nbsp; The categories contain nearly every specialty of medicine, as well as the option for miscellaneous items such as anatomyto specialty procedures and lab tests. Of note, there is no search bar on the home screen; however, a search bar is offered upon opening a sub-menu.  I feel the apps lack of a quick link to a search bar has the potential hinder the swift access to the eponym information providers seek. 

In total, the app offers over 1,700 eponyms.  After opening an eponym, there is a description.  Eponym descriptions are relatively succinct and accurate.  On this same screen, the Android version of the app offers links to Googles search engine or Wikipedia to further research the eponym (Wikipedia is convenient, but it cannot be considered a credible source). Unfortunately, the descriptions are not referenced.  This is serious concern.  It is quite disappointing considering the importance of a correct understanding of the desired eponym.  At this point users have the option to star the eponym and it will then be saved under the usersStarred eponyms tab.

On a side note, the latest Apple update allows for 2 games to be played with the app to enhance users eponym knowledge.  If users shake their iPhone or iPod touch up and down, a random eponym name appears, with this description hidden until the user clicks on the description box, which then reveals the eponyms description.  And vice-versa, if shaken sideways, the app displays only a description of an eponym, with the eponym name hidden until the name box is selected.  The iPad offers the same games but only in a different selection format.


Imagine interviewing a patient preoperatively. During the interview the patient informs you they have diagnosed with Benedickt’s syndrome, Vonn Hippel-Lindau disease, and pediatric physicians thought they had Dejerine-Sottas disease as a child, but that diagnosis had later been ruled-out.  After wiping a cold sweat from your brow, you are going to find a computer or textbook and research these eponyms immediately following the preoperative interview, but with this app, you can whip-out your smart phone and find that information within seconds.

As a pediatric anesthetist, I frequently use this app.  Under the Pediatric category, I have been able to find every obscure syndrome or disease Ive set-out to find.  I have personally been very pleased with the apps ease-to-navigate and synopsis information provided.

All-in-all, this app is successful in everything it sets out to do.  In a world of vast medical information, this app offers a quick reference of accurate eponym information they need. The lack of references is an issue, but this is not an all-inclusive source.  Nor does it intend to be.

Considering the clinical applicability and the apps ease-of-use, this is a must-have for all anesthesia practitioners.  Oh yeah, and the best part is its FREE!


  • Vast array of categories
  • Overall, easy to navigate
  • FREE!


  • Lacks quick access to "Search" bar
  • Some information vague or omitted
  • Lacks references

Application Specs:

Date of review: 1/02/2014
Operating system: iOS 4.3 and Android 1.5
Platform: iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Android
Current version: 1.4.2 iOS and 1.2.2 for Android
Seller: Ossus GmbH
Price: Free
Updates: 12/18/2012 (Apple) and 11/14/2010 (Android)

Ken Taylor, DNP, CRNA