Hey guys,
So I'm a girl on Neuro, and I find that carrying everything in my white coat pockets gives me a sore back, neck, and chest at the end of the day. I was wondering if any of you guys have tried (or know of anyone who has tried) using a tool belt to carry all this stuff? Did it work or well? Or do you just end up looking like a tool (haha)? And if you say no to the tool belt, any other tips for carrying stuff without killing your body?
Thanks for your thoughts!
I am 2 years late to this question but in case anyone is wondering how to carry your gear, I have seen a few examples. I'm a practicing pediatrician. I needed a way during med school rotations and residency to carry the tools so they stay attached to me (I used to forget and leave some of these things in the rooms when I went on to the next patient) and won't cause back pain. There is someone on Etsy who makes tool belts for different types of jobs, including medicine. I sew so I made my own version. It looks like a cross body purse when closed with multiple pockets inside specific to my tools. I would encourage medical students and residents to find a bag that works for you if having more tools available would be helpful to you. You are more efficient when you don't have to leave the exam room in the middle of a visit to get something or on rotations and find the exam room doesn't have something you need.
Tools that really helped me to have in the exam rooms during rotations, residency and many I still use in practice. Some I now keep in my exam rooms, but others are helpful to have with me if I get called to the ER, newborn nursery, etc.:
1) Mini iPad-there are lots of visual aids from websites like the American Academy of Pediatrics, CDC, American Academy of Allergy and Immunology that help me explain diseases like asthma, eczema, diabetes, concussions, etc. I've had better compliance from my patients in taking their meds, understanding the reason for returning for a follow-up appointment, etc.
2) Mini Pinwheels-this works pretty well for toddlers who don't understand taking a deep breath during the exam
3) Good quality reflex hammer
3) Funny attachment for my ophthalmoscope and otoscope when examining little ones eyes and ears
6) tape measure to document size of lesions, rashes
7) Bionix lighted ear speculums for cleaning out kids ears
8) Note paper to write down info or recommended web sites for patients
9) Scoliometer
10) my cheat sheets or visual aids
11) my cell phone with medical apps
12) a play stethoscope for kids
13) Suture scissors
I've attached a photo of the bag I made. It is 7 1/2 inches wide x 9 inches height x 3 1/2 inches depth. The first picture is opened to show the different pockets. The second is when it's closed. I found medical tool belts on Etsy, but not many other locations online that were specific for medical tools or didn't cost a lot.