Another stethoscope thread

[fldoctorgirl]

So, I realize there are a ton of posts about this and yes, I do know how to use the search function on this website.

Now that we have that out of the way....most of the threads on this topic seem to include answers about products that are currently discontinued (like the Cardiology III), so it's hard for me to find a direct answer. I have asked in the school-specific threads but only a few people have responded, so I figured I would try here.

I'm going to be starting medical school this fall and am looking to buy a stethoscope. Since the cardio III has been discontinued, the two options I'm looking at are the Classic III vs. the Cardio IV. There's an ~$90 difference between the two depending on color and what not. The most notable difference that would impact performance, from what I've read, is that the Cardio IV has dual-lumen tubing. If I was to buy the medical kit that my school offers, it would include a Cardio IV, so I guess that is what they officially recommend.

Also, if you feel like sharing some more regarding colors: I've heard from some people to get a darker color, because lighter ones stain. Anyone have any input on this? I like the light blue one but don't want it to look gross, obviously 😀

Thank you!

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[group_theory]

Any stethoscope is fine, it's what's between the ears that matters.

Color is a personal preference. Just be aware that stethoscope can "disappear" so if your stethoscope is a common color, other people may mistakenly grab yours.

 

[DO2015CA]

You’re gonna UG or lose it later anyways. Stick to something cheap.

 

[getfat]

Got the Cardio IV and instantly regretted it once I started using during my first term. Don't have remotely the ability to discern anything different while listening with a classic.

Just get the cheapest option. Maybe get it engraved if you are worried it will get stolen.

 

[DocWinter]

Premeds and MS1/2 vastly overestimate the need for a high end piece of rubber tube around their neck.

My old $12 MFD is appropriate for medical student purposes, and I wish I had never bought the $150 fancy thing.

You probably won't listen, you want to spend money and you're afraid of being held back and be less than your classmates. But if you want good advice, get 2 cheap ones for $25, one to have and one to lose.

 

[Grannywang]

I’d purchase the cardio iv now even if you don’t need it until 3rd year. I bought one on sale on amazon so wait a while since school doesn’t start for a couple more months. It’s something you’ll use for many years so might as well buy a high quality one.

But yea, I’ve only used mine to do blood pressures and listen to what a normal heart sounds like haha.

 

[DexterMorganSK]

I'd go with the classic III because it's cheaper now ($90 on Amazon) and is probably the most used steth out there.
Get something "fancier" after graduation.

 

[CoomassieBlue57]

For first and and second year you could literally do your OSCEs with this https://www.walmart.com/ip/Children...octor-toy-house-medicine-suit-Green/506617390 and no one would be the wiser. I don't think I've ever actually listened to the simulated patient's heart. Just gotta go through the motions to get full credit.

 

[austintr]

Congratulations on getting accepted! I'll offer you a nice little high-yield pearl as a matriculation gift: the things your classmates (and 90% of all first year medical students) think are important are, in reality, inconsequential. This rule has stood the test of time in the following areas: stethoscope choice, white coat name embroidering, scrub color, dissection kit choice, pre-studying anatomy, being the assistant associate VP of student relations in 5 different clubs, etc. If these things are important to you, by all means...follow your heart. Otherwise, get what your school makes you get (at least 3 times out of 4) and focus on learning and enjoying life. As a little bonus tidbit, I've been listening to hearts/lungs/BPs for almost a decade and I have literally zero preference when it comes to the "two tin cans on a string" stethoscopes you would have access to in the most remote clinic in sub-Saharan Africa versus the ultra-deluxe automatic robot interpretation electronic ergonomic mortgage payment-priced stethoscopes you find around the neck of the highest paid interventional cardiologists in upper Manhattan. But if you're gonna go with the fanciest steth you can find because you don't want to be one-upped by fellow students, it damn well better be gold-plated. Or at least look gold plated. Pic related:

 

[hallowmann]

I had a total of 3 steths I bought/acquired during med school:
1. Cardiology III I got from school for "free".
2. ~$20 ADC I bought to "lose" (somehow these are more expensive now, but amazon has a similar MDF one for around the same price)
3. I snagged a Classic II SE for ~$50 in 3rd year, which I mostly used in 4th year

As a resident, I'm using #1 as my work one, because I can hear the best out of it. I've managed not to lose the #2 (don't know how that happened), but its sitting in my office as a backup in case I forget #1 somewhere. I keep #3 at home.

For years 1-2, #2 was all I needed, because its not like I could really hear anything or know what I was hearing anyway. I actually couldn't hear much through the ADC, but I could take BPs and hear air move, which was enough for a med student.

Both Littmanns sound pretty good and there isn't a huge difference between them, but the Cardiology III (which I assume is now marketed as the Classic III) is slightly better, not worth the price difference in my opinion though.

I would get the cheapest one you could get for now. If you decide you want a nicer one for rotations get a cheaper Littmann.

 

[fldoctorgirl]

Thank you all!!! Your anecdotes entertained me 🙂 I'll be going with the classic III

 

[Asiago]

As a side note, I thought the stethoscope I bought was complete trash because I could barely hear a thing when using it. I faked my way through a class period or two before finally bringing it up to my prof and asking if it was normal. He legit took one look at the thing, twisted the end slightly to the right and handed it back to me. It now worked perfectly and I felt like such a ******* for not thinking about tightening the end of it at any point prior to that. So yeah... don't be me, make sure everything is properly tightened after taking it out of the packaging.

 

[samac]

For first and and second year you could literally do your OSCEs with this https://www.walmart.com/ip/Children...octor-toy-house-medicine-suit-Green/506617390 and no one would be the wiser. I don't think I've ever actually listened to the simulated patient's heart. Just gotta go through the motions to get full credit.

The accuracy of this. I started an exam, wasn’t hearing anything and realized I was on the Bell side.
I just pretended to hear and then flipped it to the bell side to listen for Brutis (continuing to hear nothing, cause they have to see you go through the motions)

99/100 😎

 

[Limvostov]

Thank you all!!! Your anecdotes entertained me 🙂 I'll be going with the classic III

I say that's a solid choice. The cardiology III or IV are both good general scopes. I'm a cardiology fellow and have collected a few (Harvey Elite, Cardiology master, and Cardiology IV). All have their place, my go to is the cardiology master, but the tunable diaphragm is not for everyone. I think the Harvey has the best general feel and with the right diaphragm can pick up some great tones. The bell is excellent. The corrugated diaphragm leaves something to be desired. The cardiology IV is new and from what I can tell nearly identical in sound to the cardiology III. Not quite on par with the cardiology master for some subtle tones, but for general practice it's likely the most versatile. I've only listened to about 10 people with that scope because I got it two weeks ago. The Harvey has been on the shelf for months.

All of these are good choices and what matters most is that you listen carefully and think about the physiology behind what you're hearing which should help you narrow down what the sounds are and the significance behind them... Then get a complete echo LOL.

Stay away from electronic Littmann's...

 

[starri]

Stay away from electronic Littmann's...

Unless you need an amplified one.

I have pretty significant hearing loss, and my Littman 3200 on max volume is the only scope I've used (got a Master Cardiology from my in-laws for getting into med school, had a Cardio III for OSCEs and PE) that consistently works for me. It's had a few problems, but nothing as extreme as some of the complaints say. I think I've gotten my $400 worth.

...and I'm a psychiatrist. I had to do it just for pre-clinical and intern year.