The Poll Results from last week were relatively convincing: Up To Date is the most commonly used current reference system for rapidly obtaining nephrology knowledge, with 67% of respondents declaring Up To Date as their top source. I certainly used this a lot as a fellow, though I also tend to use the primary literature (e.g., Pub Med or a familiar review) a lot as well. Googling is common (and according to this 2006 NEJM article by Steinbrook, more journal articles are accessed via Google than Pub Med–not sure if this is still true). Up To Date has historical roots in nephrology, as one of its cofounders, Dr. Burton Rose, is a nephrologist and electrolyte guru, author of one of the premier acid-base/electrolyte texts which should really be required reading for all nephrology fellow.
Oops, forgot the link–I pasted it in (from 2006, R. Steinbrook). Thanks for your comments as always.
You left off the link to the NEJM article.
I still use UpToDate 6 years removed from fellowship. Primary literature is great for researching Truth but in a hectic clinic its too easy to be swayed by what is easy to find rather than what is best.