Coffee usage among medical students Poll

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Have you drunken coffee while you have been in medical school?

  • Yes

    Votes: 161 76.3%

  • No

    Votes: 50 23.7%
  • Total voters
    211
I don't like the bitterness of coffee, and I don't like wasting my caloric consumption on sugars in beverages. I also try to avoid caffeine; it totally throws me off, and then I can't sleep at night.
 
Bought an unlimited coffee card at the coffee shop down to road for $120/year. Let's just say that it paid for itself about a month later😀
 
Tiger26 said:
Bought an unlimited coffee card at the coffee shop down to road for $120/year. Let's just say that it paid for itself about a month later😀
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Where does such a thing exist? I must put it on my list for residency applications!!!
 
I voted no although in full disclosure I did have a cup after dinner at a really nice place a few months ago. I'd probably be a bigger fan but it seems like such a hassle to make or purchase in the mornings. Rolling out of bed and on to class or the library is simply more expedient.

The one I really don't get is seeing girls pop open cans of diet coke during the first lecture of the day. Diet coke is gross enough, but at 9am?
 
coffee addict here:scared:
 
before medical school, i followed a strict vegan diet with no caffeine except from the minimal amount in chocolate...

now i drink at least 4 cups of coffee per week and i'm eating meat. see how we change...
 
I take my coffee black. Sometimes I take a couple shots of espresso and sip on those for a while by themselves. Also, GNC has these really sweet 5-hour energy vials that contain a whole bunch of Vit B6 and B12 and caffeine, making the next few hours entirely composed of frequent urination. Plus, there's no crash afterwards.

But then again, I prefer a solid 7-8 hours of sleep a night. It's natural and feels much better.
 
I can't believe about 40% (at least for the moment) haven't had a single sip since of coffee starting med school. 😱

Here at GW, we have a Starbucks *in* the hospital. There's also another one two blocks away, and a nice new coffee vending machine in the med student lounge area.

I 😍 coffee, btw.
 
SoCuteMD said:
Where does such a thing exist? I must put it on my list for residency applications!!!
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A place called Breuggers Bagels--it's a national chain but not in all states.

Also, we have a 24 hour starbucks near the med school too. Come exam time, it's a performance enhancing drug for me, kinda what steroids were to Barry Bonds
 
Coffe just doesn't do it anymore but I like the taste of a good cup of Joe. Upgraded to caffeine pills and energy drinks.
 
I don't like coffee. I drink tea (English Breakfast or Earl Grey).

I think my mom might've made me taste some chocolate peppermint coffee drink she had once when I was home, and all I could taste was coffee. I basically didn't even have a full sip.
 
Ashers said:
I don't like coffee. I drink tea (English Breakfast or Earl Grey).

I think my mom might've made me taste some chocolate peppermint coffee drink she had once when I was home, and all I could taste was coffee. I basically didn't even have a full sip.
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But did you swallow. If so, then you must pick Yes.
 
DoctaJay said:
Except for one time when I was nine and I thought it was hot chocolate 😡, I've never drunken coffee. I was wondering if there are any medical students who have gotten through medical school without drinking any coffee?
Click to expand...


I love the taste of hot,fresh well-brewed coffee. I never consumed this beverage for caffeine but only for taste. It took some time for me to develop a taste for coffee but once there, I love it.

In terms of getting through medical school without coffee, I have plenty of colleagues (both Adventist and LDS) who sailed though medical school without coffee, tea or any other beverages with caffeine.

At my medical school, the caffeinated drink of choice was Mountain Dew. In our vending area, there was one machine that contained nothing except "the Dew". My actual drink of choice was water. When I kept myself hydrated, the caffeinated drinks (even hot chocolate) were not useful. (I only drank coffee when I wanted to enjoy coffee [not for caffeine]). I think Mountain Dew is just plain disgusting.

Almost 90% of the time, when folks are washed out, it's because they need sleep or hydration. One can be tired from lack of sleep, (and sleep is needed) or one can be tired from boredom (do something else for a couple few minutes) but keeping good hydration can help alleviate that tired + washed out feeling.
 
My caption under my username pretty much explains it.
 
Twitch said:
But did you swallow. If so, then you must pick Yes.
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The amount I took in probably wasn't conducive to swallowing (touch tongue, horrible reaction). But if I remember correctly, since it was night, I was with my parents, and I was outside, I spit (bad, I know). Then I rinsed my mouth out with water.

Yes, to me coffee is more disgusting than Pepto Bismol or Robitussin, and I only use those in pill forms because the liquids are too nasty.
 
Tiger26 said:
Bought an unlimited coffee card at the coffee shop down to road for $120/year. Let's just say that it paid for itself about a month later😀
Click to expand...
Dude. I would bankrupt a store with a deal like that.

As it is, I have put two kids through college, funded 2 "rumpus rooms," and allowed 5 guys to retire early.
 
RxnMan said:
Dude. I would bankrupt a store with a deal like that.

As it is, I have put two kids through college, funded 2 "rumpus rooms," and allowed 5 guys to retire early.
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Me too. The owners of starbucks should start an honorary scholarship fund in my name.
 
I started drinking those starbucks coffee + milk in the glass jar every morning since neuro started and now i can actually pay attention to the lecture instead of bob my head and fall asleep!!

Questions to the major long time coffee drinkers?

1. I didnt drink coffee today and i ended up with a head ache? Is this normal?

2. how long until ....you had to drink 2 cups to equal the same alertness and you previously had with one cup?
 
I started drinking those starbucks coffee + milk in the glass jar every morning since neuro started and now i can actually pay attention to the lecture instead of bob my head and fall asleep!!

Questions to the major long time coffee drinkers?

1. I didnt drink coffee today and i ended up with a head ache? Is this normal?

2. how long until ....you had to drink 2 cups to equal the same alertness and you previously had with one cup?

BTW normal cofee tastes disgusto!!
 
Is anyone else annoyed by the poor grammar? It's "have drunk" not "have drunken", drunken is an adjective.
 
redbeans said:
Is anyone else annoyed by the poor grammar? It's "have drunk" not "have drunken", drunken is an adjective.
Click to expand...

Yes... I noticed it right away but, you know, I'm not mean enough to point out the error... Sheesh... :laugh:

Oh how wonderful it would be to have an unlimited supply of conveniently located fresh-brewed liquid perfection for a reasonable price, but alas, such a thing does not exist. I'm forced to brew my own before class, but a programmable coffee pot goes a long way in making my mornings smoother. By the time I hit the kitchen the coffee is sitting in the urn, steaming, hissing, and wafting fresh aroma like a camel in heat. Mmmm.
 
Never drank coffee before in my life, have no plans to start.

First of all, I could never get into the taste of it. I'm guess my palate is unrefined, but I only tend to eat and drink things if I enjoy them the first time. Coffee tastes like chalk to me and that's enough reason to stay away.

Second, caffeine does not affect my concentration or cognition. At all. My dad can drink a Mountain Dew with dinner and have trouble sleeping. I can chug Red Bulls and go to sleep a half an hour later. So I never saw the need to "drink coffee to stay awke/or focus".

That said, it kinda sucks not to drink coffee since it's such a social beverage. I've noticed a lot of attendings like to use the "let's meet for coffee" or "Have a minute? Let's grab a coffee and talk" to get to know you better or discuss stuff. Of course, this doesn't preclude me from drinking something else, but I sometimes feel awkward grabbing a water, a soda, tea or hot chocolate.
 
HEADintheCLOUDS said:
I started drinking those starbucks coffee + milk in the glass jar every morning since neuro started
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Ohhh...the "crappucinos"? :meanie:

Isn't it coffee-flavored milk, basically? It also tastes like melted coffee-flavored ice cream to me.

HEADintheCLOUDS said:
BTW normal cofee tastes disgusto!!
Click to expand...

I thought so too, until I had really good freshly-brewed coffee from freshly ground quality beans. After I had that, I couldn't go back to the "coffee in a bottle" thing.

HEADintheCLOUDS said:
1. I didnt drink coffee today and i ended up with a head ache? Is this normal?
Click to expand...

Yes. Caffeine withdrawal is very common - and it's one of the most common causes of migraines.

I had to stop drinking coffee. The caffeine withdrawal was so debilitating that I'd throw up from the migraine if I went one single day without coffee. 🙁

I also had to give up coffee during surgery. It acts as a very strong diuretic with me, and it was too embarrassing to have to scrub out because of that.

HEADintheCLOUDS said:
2. how long until ....you had to drink 2 cups to equal the same alertness and you previously had with one cup?
Click to expand...

For me, it was about a week and a half.
 
MIgraines?😱

Guess Ill stop now!
 
I started coffee at the end of high school because of my summer job. Nowadays during stressful times, I can down 4 cups of coffee no problem. The Starbucks baristas have now started brewing my drink as soon as I walk through the door. I fear the day when I have to go a week without coffee. That'll be one hell of a migraine.
 
Wow, what an extreme poll. I was expecting some options like "I drink coffee once a week," "10 cups a day," etc. But of course I had to say yes. I rarely drink coffee, but in 4 years of course I have had some. Probably variable between 1 and 5 times per month during years 3-4, much less during years 1-2.

I am surprised that there are so many no's.
 
During a non-exam week, I will generally drink one cup/day. However, during the week of an exam, I have plenty of adrenalin floating around my bloodstream (and so there is no need for coffee).
 
coffee is for wimps. No Doz is the way to go. I also tried monster, but it has a real strange taste.
 
The question should be how many cups you drink daily on average.

I'm not a regular drinker but I do occasionally drink flavored coffee. I like it strong. My first semester of college was in a tiny town where the coffee shop was the main event. I spent a lot of time there that semester. Caffeine doesn't normally affect me - but strong coffee (if I have enough) makes me act drunk.
 
PeepshowJohnny said:
Never drank coffee before in my life, have no plans to start.

First of all, I could never get into the taste of it. I'm guess my palate is unrefined, but I only tend to eat and drink things if I enjoy them the first time. Coffee tastes like chalk to me and that's enough reason to stay away.

Second, caffeine does not affect my concentration or cognition. At all. My dad can drink a Mountain Dew with dinner and have trouble sleeping. I can chug Red Bulls and go to sleep a half an hour later. So I never saw the need to "drink coffee to stay awke/or focus".

That said, it kinda sucks not to drink coffee since it's such a social beverage. I've noticed a lot of attendings like to use the "let's meet for coffee" or "Have a minute? Let's grab a coffee and talk" to get to know you better or discuss stuff. Of course, this doesn't preclude me from drinking something else, but I sometimes feel awkward grabbing a water, a soda, tea or hot chocolate.
Click to expand...

Ha, I've thought about that too. I think there are friendships in my class that I haven't yet formed because you usually won't find me at Starbucks, or at Panera Bread simply because they have free refills on coffee.
 
PeepshowJohnny said:
Never drank coffee before in my life, have no plans to start.

First of all, I could never get into the taste of it. I'm guess my palate is unrefined, but I only tend to eat and drink things if I enjoy them the first time. Coffee tastes like chalk to me and that's enough reason to stay away.

Second, caffeine does not affect my concentration or cognition. At all. My dad can drink a Mountain Dew with dinner and have trouble sleeping. I can chug Red Bulls and go to sleep a half an hour later. So I never saw the need to "drink coffee to stay awke/or focus".

That said, it kinda sucks not to drink coffee since it's such a social beverage. I've noticed a lot of attendings like to use the "let's meet for coffee" or "Have a minute? Let's grab a coffee and talk" to get to know you better or discuss stuff. Of course, this doesn't preclude me from drinking something else, but I sometimes feel awkward grabbing a water, a soda, tea or hot chocolate.
Click to expand...

I agree about not drinking coffee. I don't even like the smell anymore. Growing up I used to enjoy it, which is why I tried my parents' coffee when I was really young (they drink it strong and black).

I'm affected by caffeine. I can't drink caffeine in the afternoon, or else I can't sleep.

On my neuro rotation, one attending met us at the cafe in the hospital to buy everyone something to drink. I always bought tea; I never really felt bad about it because it's the cheapest option. Some other people would get their Mountain Dew at like 9am. Another person in the group ordered some complicated chai tea or something.
 
Without coffee there would be darkness and chaos.
 
I pop caff pills now and then. I have to be disciplined--usually just 100mg occasionally, otherwise I get palpitations and discomfort, or lack of sleep that leads to poor immune function. It's like other drugs in that it can be useful in moderation but can also be abused. Don't wanna be like Jessie from Saved by the Bell.

Coffee itself--not as often. It costs more, takes longer to consume and makes me hot. It can be nice to sip sometimes though.
 
HEADintheCLOUDS said:
I started drinking those starbucks coffee + milk in the glass jar every morning since neuro started and now i can actually pay attention to the lecture instead of bob my head and fall asleep!!

Questions to the major long time coffee drinkers?

1. I didnt drink coffee today and i ended up with a head ache? Is this normal?

2. how long until ....you had to drink 2 cups to equal the same alertness and you previously had with one cup?

BTW normal cofee tastes disgusto!!
Click to expand...


1. Yes it's normal to get a headache as a regular coffee drinker when you don't have your morning drink. I usually get one on the weekends if I roll out of bed late and don't hit the coffee. These aren't migraine headaches, so don't panic. Caffeine can alleviate migraine symptoms but to my knowledge not having your morning coffee will not trigger migraines in someone who is not already susceptible.

2. Anecdotal evidence: I am a many year ~6 regular coffee drinker and I have not noticed a tolerance effect. Some days I drink an extra cup, but I have never noticed my tolerance to ramp up after years of drinking.

One more note, I don't know what you're drinking from Starbucks but clearly it isn't just black. Depending on what you get from that place, you may be adding hundreds of calories to your morning routine unknowingly. Watch out.
 
yohimbine1 said:
I pop caff pills now and then. I have to be disciplined--usually just 100mg occasionally, otherwise I get palpitations and discomfort, or lack of sleep that leads to poor immune function. It's like other drugs in that it can be useful in moderation but can also be abused. Don't wanna be like Jessie from Saved by the Bell.

Coffee itself--not as often. It costs more, takes longer to consume and makes me hot. It can be nice to sip sometimes though.
Click to expand...

I hate coffee. It doesn’t taste good, it smells bad, and it stains teeth. But I feel that I need it to stay alert. What are the cons to taking caffeine pills instead? I would imagine that they wouldn’t be safe long-term.
 
yohimbine1 said:
I pop caff pills now and then. I have to be disciplined--usually just 100mg occasionally, otherwise I get palpitations and discomfort, or lack of sleep that leads to poor immune function. It's like other drugs in that it can be useful in moderation but can also be abused. Don't wanna be like Jessie from Saved by the Bell.

Coffee itself--not as often. It costs more, takes longer to consume and makes me hot. It can be nice to sip sometimes though.
Click to expand...

There are few things in life I enjoy more than Saved by the Bell references. 👍
 
DrA said:
I hate coffee. It doesn’t taste good, it smells bad, and it stains teeth. But I feel that I need it to stay alert. What are the cons to taking caffeine pills instead? I would imagine that they wouldn’t be safe long-term.
Click to expand...

It has oils that are probably good for you, tastes better, and you can probably absorb more of the caffeine in coffee than a pill over a longer time. Not to mention the danger of dependency on popping pills all day of caffeine and therefore losing the effect of it at all. It's probably not good to be having high amounts of caffeine every day multiple times a day.
 
tea is better for overall health (hence the phytochemicals)
 
I'm a pretty damn big tea drinker. During the week, I typically go through a few liters a day (iced, of course).

Coffee-wise, I usually prefer Americanos just for espresso's distinct taste. Americano, a few Splenda, little bit of skim or half/half, and... ahhhh. Orgasmic.

(And whiskey-tango-foxtrot to the Saved by the Bell reference? :laugh:)
 
Several years ago, I heard that long term coffee consumption was bad, from then on, I refused to drink coffee. Funny I couldn't even remember who told me that or from what source :laugh:. Anyway, I started drinking tea. Then I tried chai tea latte at my school cafe a few months ago. Now before every quiz or final, I have to drink a large cup of chai tea latte. I wonder if it is as good as green tea?
 
OneWayTrip said:
Several years ago, I heard that long term coffee consumption was bad, from then on, I refused to drink coffee. Funny I couldn't even remember who told me that or from what source :laugh:. Anyway, I started drinking tea. Then I tried chai tea latte at my school cafe a few months ago. Now before every quiz or final, I have to drink a large cup of chai tea latte. I wonder if it is as good as green tea?
Click to expand...

i always thought there was a shot of expresso in chai latte. no?
 
Starbucks' chai tea latte? Yes.
My school's? I don't think so. I guess there are different ways to make it. Yeah?
 
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