I know every school is going to have a little bit different recommendations about what books to buy, so I'd like to get a feel for what everybody uses. I also want to save up and buy these before loans come in. That way, when I get my loans, I can pay off a chunk of my car. Even if it means buying the books one-by-one, here and there. So what suggestions does everyone have?
Textbooks?
Board prep material?
Medical equipment?
What kinds of things would be safe to go ahead and pick up right now? That is, I know some books will be different from school to school, but some things are going to be pretty universal. What should I start looking at?
I already have a Netter's.
My recommendation is to know your learning style first before you plunge ahead with expensive textbooks. Are you the type that will NEED reference textbooks to study and learn/prep for exams? Or can you get by with lecture notes, board prep materials, and occasional use of reference textbooks (either online, or library)
Also talk to your upperclassmen about the books that the majority find helpful.
Textbooks are expensive (and can add up quickly) so it is best to find out which ones you absolutely need, and which ones you don't.
With that disclaimer, I think having a Robins Pathology Textbook at some point (not immediately) will be helpful.
There are lots of board review books out there that can aid in your study - High Yield, BRS (board review Series), Boards and Wards, etc. Check them out (or borrow some from friends) before you commit to buying. Also before you buy your osteopathic textbook ... take a good look to see if it is useful, or if there are other books out there that are better. Overall, I think having board review books for pharmacology, microbiology, and pathology will give you the biggest bang for the buck.
As for equipments ... having a good stethoscope, 2 (or more) white coats, a penlight, and a reflex hammer, will get you started. You will find a Maxwell pocketbook helpful (and fits nicely in your labcoat) once you hit clinical years. It is questionable whether you need your own otoscope/opthalmoscope (it is helpful because it will allow you to practice more often so you will feel comfortable using the otoscope to find that tympanic membrane and the opthalmoscope to find the red reflex, the optic disc, and the blood vessels). It is also questionable whether you need your own blood pressure cuff (non-digital type). It is also questionable whether you need a tuning fork but it is rather inexpensive and nice to have.
Stock up on ramen, mac and cheese, and other cheap/easy make food (for days when you don't have time to cook and too poor to eat out/take out)