A question for incoming (and current) med students

[Vee]

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Are you guys going to buy a new stethoscope, otoscope, bp cuff and ophthalmoscope before the start of school? Or are you going to wait and buy the stuff once you're at school. Any idea of which is a better plan?

I only ask because I read in another thread that these are recommended purchases and that they can get quite expensive.

 

[spicedmanna]

Are you guys going to buy a new stethoscope, otoscope, bp cuff and ophthalmoscope before the start of school? Or are you going to wait and buy the stuff once you're at school. Any idea of which is a better plan?

I only ask because I read in another thread that these are recommended purchases and that they can get quite expensive.

I had practically no choice. My school requires us to buy an equipment set through the school that includes all of the above and others, with some optional items. Most of the equipment is Welch-Allyn brand. It looks decent. I bought the option that included the lithium-ion battery. The set was well over $700. It should last for a long time, though, and it has a lifetime guarantee.

 

[JasonUD]

Are you guys going to buy a new stethoscope, otoscope, bp cuff and ophthalmoscope before the start of school? Or are you going to wait and buy the stuff once you're at school. Any idea of which is a better plan?

I only ask because I read in another thread that these are recommended purchases and that they can get quite expensive.

There's really no benefit of getting it now, and only a small benefit of waiting. During the first week NYCOM has reps come to tell you about their equipment. In years past we we're told that they take advantage of students and get them to buy all this crap they'll never need, but if you go in there saying ok, I only need a basic oto, steth, and BP you'll be fine.

I think it was the end of september when they checked that we had our stuff, and even if we didn't have it by then there's really no consequences. Look online, I got mine off of amazon....all in all I spent maybe $400 for everything which is from what I heard a lot cheaper than what you'll pay at school.