Going away present for med-school.

[Foghorn]

A friend is off to med-school this Fall. I want to get this person something that will be useful/beneficial for med-school. Not a stethoscope since that's too obvious and someone else will probably give it. Would the latest edition of Gray's Anatomy suffice or would it be more fun to get one of those anatomy coloring books? On a whim I bought an old edition of "Immunology" by Abbas for myself and I really like how the material is presented. Would this be a useful text for med-school? What would you alloers have liked to have received (besides $s ) that was med-school related from family or friends as a going away present?

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[Mr. Tee]

A friend is off to med-school this Fall. I want to get this person something that will be useful/beneficial for med-school. Not a stethoscope since that's too obvious and someone else will probably give it. Would the latest edition of Gray's Anatomy suffice or would it be more fun to get one of those anatomy coloring books? On a whim I bought an old edition of "Immunology" by Abbas for myself and I really like how the material is presented. Would this be a useful text for med-school? What would you alloers have liked to have received (besides $s ) that was med-school related from family or friends as a going away present?

I woulda liked a Breitling watch

If you got an anatomy atlas for your friend I would rather get the Netter's one. The Abbas book is good for immuno, but getting books is dependent on the school (i.e. for some schools, textbooks aren't necessary). Maybe get your friend a fancy pen?

 

[Ashers]

Starbucks giftcard? I've used mine up that my parents gave me, and that's sad.

Or, Costco/Sam's Club gift card. I go there all the time.


Side note: I can't stand that Immunology text. I read it since it was "required" reading for the immuno part of micro, but I didn't think it was very good. However, I took advanced immunology in college and wrote my honors thesis after working in an immunology lab. I like Janeway.

 

[SoCuteMD]

I vote Starbucks gift card. Costco/Sam's giftcard would be good too if you know they have a membership, otherwise they may be stuck not being able to use it.

2nd choice - Amazon gift card

3rd choice - something nice for their apartment

 

[smq123]

A friend is off to med-school this Fall. I want to get this person something that will be useful/beneficial for med-school. Not a stethoscope since that's too obvious and someone else will probably give it. Would the latest edition of Gray's Anatomy suffice or would it be more fun to get one of those anatomy coloring books? On a whim I bought an old edition of "Immunology" by Abbas for myself and I really like how the material is presented. Would this be a useful text for med-school? What would you alloers have liked to have received (besides $s ) that was med-school related from family or friends as a going away present?

Some school's don't use Gray's Anatomy for Students. And no one uses the original 1918 version of Gray's Anatomy (although the engravings are pretty - you can see them online).

Some schools also have different recommendations for which immuno texts they want. In any case, some schools don't teach immuno at all until 2nd year - mine didn't. (I also preferred Janeway.)

Anatomy coloring books aren't nearly as much fun as you'd think that they are.

$$$ is a lot more welcome than you'd imagine.

Starbucks is ALWAYS a great choice.

Does your friend have a favorite (relatively non-fattening) snack food? Or a pre-packaged "dinner" food that he really likes? Buying that in bulk would be a lifesaver during exam week.

 

[cpants]

Giftcards/cash are too impersonal. How about a nice coffee pot or an espresso machine?

 

[Darjeeling]

It's usually best to avoid giving textbooks, anatomy atlases, etc. because as someone already pointed out every school has different required texts for each course. Additionally, there are some things that will be supplied by the school- for example, we were all given a copy of Netters (free!) and also got a stethoscope, ophthalmoscope, etc as part of a package (we had to buy it as a whole apackage and couldn't opt out of any item, which is why many of us now have two stethoscopes!).
I definitely agree on giving something non-medical that will help them get through the years or that is just fun. The coffee maker is a great idea if they drink coffee- or maybe a supply of nice teas and coffee. Maybe some sort of time-saving appliance like a rice cooker, blender, or electric grill, if they will be cooking for themselves at all? I guess these all sound good to me cause I like to cook, but cooking quick and easy meals is a great way to save time and money in med school- which is a good present for anyone!

 

[cpants]

A gym membership

 

[emcee]

A gym membership

This would be my choice!
It's important to keep your body fit and healthy!

 

[Flopotomist]

Any caffeine delivery system. Coffee pot, coffee maker, coffee cup (with nice art work you made on the outside?). Tea... tea pot etc.

What about book ends? S/he will accumulate a ton of books over the next few years, and having a nice way to keep them organized is always good.

A gift basket filled with supplies (eg small dry erase board with multiple colored pens, sticky tabs, pens, highlighters, study snacks etc.)

Good luck! I guess the nicest thing would be to call the person once in a while and help keep them sane!

 

[SugPlum]

I vote for a caffeine delivery system. I didn't caffeinate before med school, but now I have coffee or tea almost 7 days a week.

Don't forget an insulated mug/thermos so your friend can bring coffee to lecture, saving a lot of money.

 

[Ashers]

Giftcards/cash are too impersonal. How about a nice coffee pot or an espresso machine?

First you have to find out if the person drinks coffee. I don't, I drink tea, but I use my Starbucks cards to buy the City mugs. I love city mugs. That, and to get tea/hot chocolate while I'm in airports traveling to and from home.

If the person doesn't like coffee, but does drink tea, automatic tea kettles are great. Kitchen Aid makes a fantastic one that's designed to look like an old school tea kettle.

 

[Tiger26]

I would like a "clothing removal specialist" that looked like the OP's avatar. That would definitely make things better after staring at pharm flash cards all day.

 

[nu2004]

you're more thoughtful than most friends

personally, i would like to get something i would use frequently, even daily. a gift card is one idea, but the idea that was floated earlier of a nice pen would also be really cool. or maybe like, a sweet messenger bag. i dunno, how close a friend is this/how much you gonna spend?

or something goofy, like an anatomy shower curtain

 

[LeLu]

Espresso machine ($25 Coffee Mate) and a bag of Starbucks espresso beans. That was my present and IT IS AWESOME!!!!!!1

 

[xanthines]

The bookends idea is pretty clever!

I also agree that if you're friend currently drinks coffee/tea, then Starbuck's gift card is not a bad idea. I know I've spent too much money there! Somtimes you just have the time or energy to make coffee yourself. How sad...

-X

What about book ends? S/he will accumulate a ton of books over the next few years, and having a nice way to keep them organized is always good.

 

[plauto]

Some schools have health centers so you don't need a gym membership.
I'd personally prefer a visa giftcard so I can use wherever I need to.

 

[Ashers]

you're more thoughtful than most friends

personally, i would like to get something i would use frequently, even daily. a gift card is one idea, but the idea that was floated earlier of a nice pen would also be really cool. or maybe like, a sweet messenger bag. i dunno, how close a friend is this/how much you gonna spend?

or something goofy, like an anatomy shower curtain

Ugh.

When I went quit my job and started med school, the people at my work gave me pearl earrings. None of my friends gave me anything, and my parents gave me furniture and lots of stuff for my apartment.

 

[doomknight]

Get your friend a $1000 starbucks gift card. Your friend will need it.

My parents bought me 6 $100 starbucks cards for undergrad, I used them up in 2 years.... Starbucks is such a ripoff it kinda sux that they are otherwise such a nice coffe shop

 

[cpants]

Some schools have health centers so you don't need a gym membership.
I'd personally prefer a visa giftcard so I can use wherever I need to.

Really? Those are like my least favorite things ever. You can use them anywhere, except to buy gas or online or at a lot of restaurants. Such a pain in the @ss. Just give cash and cut Visa out of the picture.

 

[incubate6times]

Get your friend a $1000 starbucks gift card. Your friend will need it.

My parents bought me 6 $100 starbucks cards for undergrad, I used them up in 2 years.... Starbucks is such a ripoff it kinda sux that they are otherwise such a nice coffe shop

Seems like a waste of their money. Just make your own coffee and avoid the latte effect.

Gift cards in general are a waste. So many gift cards are forgotten about and go unused, which puts money right in the company/stores pocket.

 

[smq123]

Seems like a waste of their money. Just make your own coffee and avoid the latte effect.

Gift cards in general are a waste. So many gift cards are forgotten about and go unused, which puts money right in the company/stores pocket.

What would you suggest instead?

I personally love gift cards. Barnes and Noble gift cards are really nice, too.

And I usually make my own coffee, but there are plenty of times that I forget or just don't have enough time. Or I drink it all in the morning...but need a little "refresher" late in the afternoon.

Or just give cash...I think we can all agree that cash is always welcome...

 

[Depakote]

I vote Starbucks gift card. Costco/Sam's giftcard would be good too if you know they have a membership, otherwise they may be stuck not being able to use it.

2nd choice - Amazon gift card

3rd choice - something nice for their apartment

 

[DeadCactus]

Only a college student, but I vote Starbucks giftcard. The stuff's expensive and consumer whorism to the finest, but I'll be damned if a Grande Caramel Frappaccino and Toffee Almond Bar don't make for a nice morale boost to push through to the end of the week.

Second up would be gift cards to smoothie places and book stores. Yes, giftcards are "impersonal", but the truth is getting a treat on a rough day or a new leisure book do a lot more for making the days pleasant than any of the useful/personal stuff I've got sitting around my apartment...

 

[smq123]

Second up would be gift cards to smoothie places and book stores. Yes, giftcards are "impersonal", but the truth is getting a treat on a rough day or a new leisure book do a lot more for making the days pleasant than any of the useful/personal stuff I've got sitting around my apartment...

I agree - it's hard to tell what your friend is going to need 4 months down the road. It'd be nice to give him/her the MEANS of getting something enjoyable for him/herself, whenever the need arises. Hence, gift cards are a great choice.

 

[taponthecloud]

Why not get the American Express gift card, which can be used virtually anywhere? You can get it at your local supermarket or here:

http://www10.americanexpress.com/sif/cda/page/0,1641,16130,00.asp

 

[HEADintheCLOUDS]

get them a good coffee/capucino maker!

THey will love you forever!

 

[SugPlum]

I vote Starbucks gift card. Costco/Sam's giftcard would be good too if you know they have a membership, otherwise they may be stuck not being able to use it.

A Costco membership is not required to use the gift card at their stores. I used a Costco gift card at their stores because I got the membership. Make sure the recipient is going to close to one of their stores. Otherwise, they will be using the gift card online.

For Sam's Club, you do need a membership to use the gift card at the stores.

 

[incubate6times]

What would you suggest instead?

I personally love gift cards. Barnes and Noble gift cards are really nice, too.

And I usually make my own coffee, but there are plenty of times that I forget or just don't have enough time. Or I drink it all in the morning...but need a little "refresher" late in the afternoon.

Or just give cash...I think we can all agree that cash is always welcome...

I don't hate gift cards, but you really have to be sure the person will use it. I do not drink coffee, so if I got a Starbucks card I would probably sell it. I'd be okay with an amazon.com card. Cash is obviously the best solution. Why give a gift card, or one of the visa/amex cash cards. Just give the cash and cut out the middle man, and stop pretending it's not an impersonal gift.

Best gifts... hmm. One of my friends writes me hand written notes periodically and those are always great to get in the mail. Not really a gift though. The best going away to med school gift that isn't money for me would be to go out with friends/ going away party. Some good beer and close friends >> Starbucks card any day. Not really medically related though...

 

[bodonid]

A gym membership

but many (most?) med schools have in-house fitness centers for the students.

 

[plauto]

Why not get the American Express gift card, which can be used virtually anywhere? You can get it at your local supermarket or here:

http://www10.americanexpress.com/sif/cda/page/0,1641,16130,00.asp

a visa giftcard does not have any fees (it's free) thru most banks if you have an account, so that's why I give those out.

 

[MonkeyNuts!]

cold hard cash in small unmarked bills.

 

[cpants]

a visa giftcard does not have any fees (it's free) thru most banks if you have an account, so that's why I give those out.

I understand the Starbucks giftcard, since it forces them to buy a treat for themselves when they normally wouldn't spend the money. The Visa giftcard is stupid. They may not charge you fees, but Visa rakes it in when every person who gets those ends up with the card in a desk drawer with 2.37 left on it. Plus as I mentioned before, you really can't use it everywhere. I've had mine rejected at every gas station and many restaurants. If you are going the giftcard route, go with a specific store. If you want them to use it anywhere, go with cash or check.

 

[Occams Razor]

Don't know if anyone else noticed, but Starbucks sells more than just coffee! During undergrad, i had lunch every day at the hospital Starbucks...hot or iced herbal tea, veggie wraps, sandwiches, etc. The simpler ones i've been to have brownies, pastries, and mints in place of the lunch food.

 

[Ashers]

Don't know if anyone else noticed, but Starbucks sells more than just coffee! During undergrad, i had lunch every day at the hospital Starbucks...hot or iced herbal tea, veggie wraps, sandwiches, etc. The simpler ones i've been to have brownies, pastries, and mints in place of the lunch food.

I know Starbucks' tea and hot chocolate were mentioned previously for food; in addition to their city mugs. I don't drink coffee, but I liked my starbucks card while it had money on it.

 

[Doctor J]

OP isn't likely to be made of money. The gift card that they can afford for their friend will be burned through in a month or two by those Starbucks trips and then your friend will be left with a very expensive Starbucks habit.

I suggest either a nice espresso machine or a well-made pair of running shoes. Even if your friend does not run it will encourage him/her to adopt some sort of fitness routine, and regular exercise in medical school and beyond is the best gift possible. It'll keep them sane.

 

[ColinHay]

Gift cards and cash? How lame. I think we were approached for some creativity in selecting a personal gift - so I like the goofy idea of an anatomy shower curtain.
I have a skeleton cooking apron and someone gave me an "operation" game (not useful but fun).
I would go for something that would be used as a relaxation method from med school - like a home brewing kit or a foot massager.

 

[ChimpanzeeMinky]

Gift cards and cash? How lame. I think we were approached for some creativity in selecting a personal gift - so I like the goofy idea of an anatomy shower curtain.
I have a skeleton cooking apron and someone gave me an "operation" game (not useful but fun).
I would go for something that would be used as a relaxation method from med school - like a home brewing kit or a foot massager.

I need to give this idea to people so that I can end up with that for school!

 

[Foghorn]

Here's what I ordered/bought today as gifts for my, soon to be med-student, friend.

Coffee Maker:

Set of mugs (4)

Thermos:

Tumbler:

1-year coffee subscription:

Yeah I went overboard and broke my piggy bank I figured it'd be ******ed ordering the coffee machine without anything to go with it.

Thanks for the input and suggestions everyone

 

[Jolie South]

Here's what I ordered/bought today as gifts for my, soon to be med-student, friend.



Yeah I went overboard and broke my piggy bank I figured it'd be ******ed ordering the coffee machine without anything to go with it.

Thanks for the input and suggestions everyone

are you looking for new friends?

i'm going to be starting med school in the fall.

 

[Ashers]

Here's what I ordered/bought today as gifts for my, soon to be med-student, friend.

Set of mugs (4)

Yeah I went overboard and broke my piggy bank I figured it'd be ******ed ordering the coffee machine without anything to go with it.

Thanks for the input and suggestions everyone

Dang. Those mugs look awesome. I'm a fan of mugs like that. Good job for not going for school related stuff. I'm sure your friend will appreciate being able to forget about school for 2 seconds of coffee, or just grab the travel mug/thermos and run to the library.

 

[Occams Razor]

What a generous friend! He/she is lucky to have u as a friend. Please continue your support and encouragement through his/her journey as a med student...that kind of friendship is invaluable!

 

[ZagDoc]

Don't know if anyone else noticed, but Starbucks sells more than just coffee! During undergrad, i had lunch every day at the hospital Starbucks...hot or iced herbal tea, veggie wraps, sandwiches, etc. The simpler ones i've been to have brownies, pastries, and mints in place of the lunch food.

After all, the simplest Starbucks are often the best.

 

[djd7101986]

Getting a hooker is always good gift....may not be there with you when you go to med school but parts of her will and will most likely clear up in 6-8 weeks with the proper antibiotics.

 

[Rikkye]

am I the only one who want a stethoscope?

 

[Occams Razor]

After all, the simplest Starbucks are often the best.

HA!

 

[Foghorn]

are you looking for new friends?

i'm going to be starting med school in the fall.

sure, why not. In 2 years, if you score in the 92nd percentile or above on Step 1 on your first try, I'll send you one of these

That is, if you like their chocolates. Or if you want coffee/tea, I'll get you a 1-year subscription of your choice from www.coffeebean.com.

This is a one time non-negotiable offer that expires on July 31, 2010

 

[smq123]

Getting a hooker is always good gift....may not be there with you when you go to med school but parts of her will and will most likely clear up in 6-8 weeks with the proper antibiotics.

Unless she has herpes.

am I the only one who want a stethoscope?

I actually didn't want family members getting me a stethoscope. Knowing them, they'd get me a flashy-looking one like the Littman Master Cardiology - which I don't like. So I got one that suited me best.

 

[janedoe5656]

on this same topic - what about a good present for med school graduation. What do you think would be most useful starting residency?

 

[ChimpanzeeMinky]

on this same topic - what about a good present for med school graduation. What do you think would be most useful starting residency?

Here's what I'm asking for :