Student physician tools needed

[Nesmall2]

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Hey everyone, I just had a quick question. As new incoming students, what are good tools to buy? Should we get a really nice stethoscope that will last us a while or just go with a cheap one to start out with? Anything else that we should also get?

 

[medic86]

Lol, just buy a decent Litmann. 😛

and keep an eye on it. They can grow legs.

 

[AM508]

I would wait to see if and what your school is going to provide so you don't duplicate things.

 

[cabinbuilder]

My school provided us with a stethoscope. We were encouraged to get our own otoscopes. The only time I needed my own was on a peds office rotation where the office was old and they didn't have the equipment on the wall. Don't get sucked into the hype of needing a ton of stuff. Beyond a steth, you don't really need any - you can use the bell of your steth for patellar tendon reflexes if you don't have a reflex hammer. Don't buy the panscopic ophth scope unless you plan to go into ophthamology.

 

[DrEnderW]

Whatever you do, don't waste money on expensive optho/otoscopes for M1-M2. If your school doesn't buy a steth, I'd get one. Reflex hammers and tuning forks are like $5 on Amazon.

In my opinion, spending money on a tablet to read PDFs comfortably and conveniently is the best way to spend money for med school. Add a nice pair of headphones and desk chair and you're set.