Suggestions on items to prepare for first year?

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batsenecal said:
@SkiOtter liked that post cause she knows that it *looks* like I have my life together. It's a lie. Lol. The planner just prevents life from falling into complete anarchy.
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I mean you have most definitely said that to me before 🤣

I tried to become a planner person but I never wrote anything in it HAHAHAHA
 
JaynaAli said:
Not a dumb question...it actually comes up multiple times a year. This was a fairly recent thread. I have a much longer post in that thread, but the short version is that I'm of the opinion to get a cheap one as a student and invest in a good one at graduation after you've had the chance to learn what you're listening for and try out other models.
forums.studentdoctor.net

Stethoscopes for Vet School

Hi Everyone, I don't mean repeat an old thread but I was wondering if anyone had suggestions for a stethoscope for vet students? The most recent thread I found was 2015 so I was wondering if anyone had any updated advice for a make and model they loved for school. Thanks in advance!!
forums.studentdoctor.net forums.studentdoctor.net
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I want to say that LIS told me to get a Fisher Price stethoscope for school because if I could develop the technique needed to hear things with that then it wouldn't matter what kind of stethoscope I eventually ended up buying :laugh:

That being said, I am glad I have my own stethoscope - it's been great for extracurricular activities and I think the best practice you can get in terms of picking up on weird rhythms and heart/lung/gut sounds is putting a stethoscope on as many things as possible.
 
vetmedhead said:
I want to say that LIS told me to get a Fisher Price stethoscope for school because if I could develop the technique needed to hear things with that then it wouldn't matter what kind of stethoscope I eventually ended up buying :laugh:

That being said, I am glad I have my own stethoscope - it's been great for extracurricular activities and I think the best practice you can get in terms of picking up on weird rhythms and heart/lung/gut sounds is putting a stethoscope on as many things as possible.
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Yeah, I was gifted the cheap Littman classic and it served me well. I think it was about $75? I learned to hear murmurs just fine...I was actually one of the better interns at it. During my internship we had a variety hanging on the wall, all of which were the fancier $300 cardio versions. I still preferred my Classic because that was what I was used to by that point. On my cardio rotation I played with a bunch of nicer ones and really liked the Welch Allen Harvey Elite but as someone who was getting out of “normal” vet met and going into path I didn’t see a point in upgrading. Not a lot of need for a stethoscope in clin path. Actually the only times I even use mine now are when I take it home to check my parents’ Cavalier for a murmur once a year (she’s five and I still don’t hear one!).
 
I'm an online/computer based calendar person... lol. I have a Mac and use the Fantasical calendar app because it integrates my "to-do" stuff and my regular calendar schedule quite well. I don't have the patience for a written planner :laugh: Here's what the app looks like... yellow thingies are my to-dos for that day. If you don't check them off they just move to the next day, which is nice!
 

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awesomenessity said:
I'm an online/computer based calendar person... lol. I have a Mac and use the Fantasical calendar app because it integrates my "to-do" stuff and my regular calendar schedule quite well. I don't have the patience for a written planner :laugh: Here's what the app looks like... yellow thingies are my to-dos for that day. If you don't check them off they just move to the next day, which is nice!
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Oooh I actually really like that and will look into it.
Do you know if it integrates google cal too?
I had such a hard time integrating google cal with my phone because everything duplicated so I’m on the lookout for something that can integrate iCal and google cal separately (if that makes sense?)
 
I use a pocket moleskin planner. It has a page of notes for every week so that I can add things that I want to remember but that don't necessarily have a deadline. Helps my adhd.

Besides that I just add major things likes tests, quizzes, appointments, etc. I don't write out my daily schedule
 
grebes4lyfe said:
Oooh I actually really like that and will look into it.
Do you know if it integrates google cal too?
I had such a hard time integrating google cal with my phone because everything duplicated so I’m on the lookout for something that can integrate iCal and google cal separately (if that makes sense?)
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Yup you can! In fact the white calendar blocks on mine are from our school's global Google Calendar 🙂 I spent forever finding a calendar/to-do app that I like, and I really love this one!
 
iguessisaidthat said:
Hopefully not a dumb question ... should I buy a stethoscope before school starts?
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MixedAnimals77 said:
Hey there, first year here. It's not required so it's totally up to you. Don't feel you need one.There will be plenty of classmates that have them and they have them for what few labs you'll need them for. Itll also give you the opportunity to try different ones out before spending the money. So you can totally get by for sure years 1&2 without one maybe year 3 I'm not sure. However I will say it was nice that I had one (I didnt buy it and it's a cheaper one) but for extracurricular trip things and I'm a herd health leader so having one for that is important. People and clinicians are always willing to let you barrow a stethescope when they're around though! You can always pm me with questions!
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You can definitely get away with not having your own stethoscope here 1st to 3rd year. During spay block third year you'll need to coordinate borrowing one from someone else because you'll need it every day, but it's definitely doable without one. If you haven't played around with many stethoscopes yet, I'd wait and buy one later. I'd tried a bunch at work (classic, peds, cardio III, and master cardio) and I preferred the cardio III personally, so I did end up buying one before school started as a present for myself. It was nice having my own for animal handling labs and spay block, but definitely not necessary.

Like mixy said, feel free to message me with any questions! 🙂
 
Regarding stethoscopes, check to make sure your school doesn't supply them. Everyone at my school gets one purchased for us by (I think) our provincial VMAs and most people just use that and buy a nicer one in fourth year or after graduation. Don't think that is the norm, but just in case it never hurts to check.
 
TheGirlWithTheFernTattoo said:
Regarding stethoscopes, check to make sure your school doesn't supply them. Everyone at my school gets one purchased for us by (I think) our provincial VMAs and most people just use that and buy a nicer one in fourth year or after graduation. Don't think that is the norm, but just in case it never hurts to check.
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I believe the Texas Veterinary Medical Association also buys stethoscopes for incoming TAMU students
 
awesomenessity said:
I'm an online/computer based calendar person... lol. I have a Mac and use the Fantasical calendar app because it integrates my "to-do" stuff and my regular calendar schedule quite well. I don't have the patience for a written planner :laugh: Here's what the app looks like... yellow thingies are my to-dos for that day. If you don't check them off they just move to the next day, which is nice!
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What's "biosecurity"? It makes me think of hacking/reprogramming DNA or commandeering various leukocytes to do one's bidding.
 
Stroganoff said:
What's "biosecurity"? It makes me think of hacking/reprogramming DNA or commandeering various leukocytes to do one's bidding.
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Basically any practice that reduces potential transmission of a disease from one spot/group of animals to another.

Handwashing, wearing gloves, footbaths, etc.
 
I used to buy planners every year and I'd always write in them for the first few weeks every semester and then stop entirely. Just couldn't be consistent but always wished I could
SkiOtter said:
I mean you have most definitely said that to me before 🤣

I tried to become a planner person but I never wrote anything in it HAHAHAHA
Click to expand...
 
TheGirlWithTheFernTattoo said:
Regarding stethoscopes, check to make sure your school doesn't supply them. Everyone at my school gets one purchased for us by (I think) our provincial VMAs and most people just use that and buy a nicer one in fourth year or after graduation. Don't think that is the norm, but just in case it never hurts to check.
Click to expand...
OSU students also get them provided by the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association.
 
Drama llama moment: I would fail vet school without that planner. No doubt. The only reason I know what's going on in my life is because it's written down in something I keep open next to me at every desk I sit. Otherwise, I'd be seriously screwed.

You people who don't use planners blow my mind.
 
Yo, that Fantastical calendar app is everything I have been searching for in a calendar app but could never find. Love the to-do list integration. Going to look into that ASAP.

I’m currently just using the apple calendar app thing but I have used paper planners and combinations of paper planners and said calendar app in the past. I was big into the paper planner life during undergrad.

I am also team if-it’s-not-on-my-planner-it’s-not-happening, I have zero trust in my brain’s ability to remember everything I need to do :laugh:
 
pcenter13 said:
Just wondering, what are some good planner brands you guys are planning on getting for vet school? With such a different schedule every day I can't decide if I want one with an hourly layout or not. Thoughts?
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Ooooh Plum Paper 100%. I love love love my plum paper planner. I use it every day. My schedule frequently changes and I’m involved in too damn many extracurriculars to not have one. Mine’s set up in hourly as well and it has to do lists down the side. I usually get the large one, but I think I’m going to go with the smaller one for next year maybe... maybe...

We’ll see LOL
 
cdoconn said:
Ooooh Plum Paper 100%. I love love love my plum paper planner. I use it every day. My schedule frequently changes and I’m involved in too damn many extracurriculars to not have one. Mine’s set up in hourly as well and it has to do lists down the side. I usually get the large one, but I think I’m going to go with the smaller one for next year maybe... maybe...

We’ll see LOL
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I also write in my entire schedule the week before school starts. It’s the activity I do that like gets my mind ready to start again
 
cdoconn said:
Ooooh Plum Paper 100%. I love love love my plum paper planner. I use it every day. My schedule frequently changes and I’m involved in too damn many extracurriculars to not have one. Mine’s set up in hourly as well and it has to do lists down the side. I usually get the large one, but I think I’m going to go with the smaller one for next year maybe... maybe...

We’ll see LOL
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Plum Paper is the greatest. I bought a Passion Planner for school, but have been debating the past few days about switching back over to Plum because I love them so much.
 
FutureFelineVet said:
Plum Paper is the greatest. I bought a Passion Planner for school, but have been debating the past few days about switching back over to Plum because I love them so much.
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It is! I’ve gotten several of my friends on it now. I’ve always used the hourly one, but I’m going to ~switch it up~ for next year because they have this new student 7x9” planner layout that I‘m really digging.

I would have my daily schedule in the third row in the big lined area where I can include lab meetings and clubs and stuff like that

Obviously would be changing the text and not have “due today”... would be... something else lol

696BFB0F-0DFF-467D-9F4E-84403DC43DE4.png
 
OMG THANK YOU to everyone recommending Plum Paper! I just spent some time on their website, and I think I know what I'm getting next. I'm a combo Google calendar/paper planner person, and the paper one I've been using has worked for now, but it likely won't going forward into rotations. I think I've just found exactly what I need.
 
cdoconn said:
Ooooh Plum Paper 100%. I love love love my plum paper planner. I use it every day. My schedule frequently changes and I’m involved in too damn many extracurriculars to not have one. Mine’s set up in hourly as well and it has to do lists down the side. I usually get the large one, but I think I’m going to go with the smaller one for next year maybe... maybe...

We’ll see LOL
Click to expand...

OMG I just googled Plum Paper and it is literally everything I could have ever wanted!!!! 😱 Thanks!
 
Squeaksmom said:
OMG THANK YOU to everyone recommending Plum Paper! I just spent some time on their website, and I think I know what I'm getting next. I'm a combo Google calendar/paper planner person, and the paper one I've been using has worked for now, but it likely won't going forward into rotations. I think I've just found exactly what I need.
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Oooh which one are you getting??? I’m intrigued.

blueheeler said:
OMG I just googled Plum Paper and it is literally everything I could have ever wanted!!!! 😱 Thanks!
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You’re very welcome! I love my plum paper planner very much. Erin Condren’s is good, but I like that Plum Paper lets you add in additional sections (i.e. fitness, cleaning, notes, budget, etc) for like ~$4 a section
 
Cephal0pod said:
Yo, that Fantastical calendar app is everything I have been searching for in a calendar app but could never find. Love the to-do list integration. Going to look into that ASAP.

I’m currently just using the apple calendar app thing but I have used paper planners and combinations of paper planners and said calendar app in the past. I was big into the paper planner life during undergrad.

I am also team if-it’s-not-on-my-planner-it’s-not-happening, I have zero trust in my brain’s ability to remember everything I need to do :laugh:
Click to expand...

Fantastical uses your Apple calendar's system as a base, just presents it in a better format! So if you have an iPhone or whatever that syncs with your Apple calendar and to-dos, it will automatically update when you use Fantastical 🙂 So basically Apple Calendar+, haha. Also when you install it all your Apple calendar stuff will migrate automatically!
 
cdoconn said:
Oooh which one are you getting??? I’m intrigued.

You’re very welcome! I love my plum paper planner very much. Erin Condren’s is good, but I like that Plum Paper lets you add in additional sections (i.e. fitness, cleaning, notes, budget, etc) for like ~$4 a section
Click to expand...
I'm intrigued by this Plum Paper things too. I've always felt like my schedule was too fluid for a pen-and-paper planner so in vet school I just used the calendar app on my Apple products...I liked that it automatically synched between my Macbook, iPhone, and (eventually) iPad so I always had the most recent version. I set it up with recurring events for the classes but could still easily drag them around when things got rescheduled. I used different colors to label classes (blue), extracurriculars (orange), work schedule (green), and exams (purple). It worked really well at the time.

FullSizeRender.jpeg


Now I'm wondering about switching back to paper after residency is over in July. I'll probably have a Windows office computer and my Apple stuff at home, so I'll lose that seamless transfer. It might be good to have paper. Will have to think about this more in the next few months.
 
cdoconn said:
Oooh which one are you getting??? I’m intrigued.
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Vertical, hourly, little one, with extra notes pages. 12 month May-April.

I registered and built it, but it gave me an error message when I tried to check out. So I logged out so it could cool its jets and refresh, and now it won't let me log back in 🙁
 
JaynaAli said:
I'm intrigued by this Plum Paper things too. I've always felt like my schedule was too fluid for a pen-and-paper planner so in vet school I just used the calendar app on my Apple products...I liked that it automatically synched between my Macbook, iPhone, and (eventually) iPad so I always had the most recent version. I set it up with recurring events for the classes but could still easily drag them around when things got rescheduled. I used different colors to label classes (blue), extracurriculars (orange), work schedule (green), and exams (purple). It worked really well at the time.

View attachment 256948

Now I'm wondering about switching back to paper after residency is over in July. I'll probably have a Windows office computer and my Apple stuff at home, so I'll lose that seamless transfer. It might be good to have paper. Will have to think about this more in the next few months.
Click to expand...
Yeah there’s TONs of styles to fit everyone’s needs which is why I like it!

Squeaksmom said:
Vertical, hourly, little one, with extra notes pages. 12 month May-April.

I registered and built it, but it gave me an error message when I tried to check out. So I logged out so it could cool its jets and refresh, and now it won't let me log back in 🙁
Click to expand...
Oh noooo!!! Great sounding one! Hopefully it works itself out
 
JaynaAli said:
Now I'm wondering about switching back to paper after residency is over in July. I'll probably have a Windows office computer and my Apple stuff at home, so I'll lose that seamless transfer. It might be good to have paper. Will have to think about this more in the next few months.
Click to expand...
I have all things in my google calendar sync with my Apple calendar! So if you still want to have a digital one instead if it works better for you, it’s possible! I just have my google email signed in on my phone for email/calendar and then choose that account to put my events in on apple’s calendar instead of my iCloud account (if that makes sense...)
 
cdoconn said:
Oh noooo!!! Great sounding one! Hopefully it works itself out
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It kept insisting I didn't exist, so I registered again and then it worked (?). Ouch on the shipping to Canada though!
 
SkiOtter said:
I have all things in my google calendar sync with my Apple calendar! So if you still want to have a digital one instead if it works better for you, it’s possible! I just have my google email signed in on my phone for email/calendar and then choose that account to put my events in on apple’s calendar instead of my iCloud account (if that makes sense...)
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That does make sense and is good to know. If I end up in academia I'm more worried about merging Outlook into the Apple stuff? I guess it'll depend on the place I go, but it seems like everywhere I've been so far uses Outlook calendar synced with the school email account. Which sucks because I hate Outlook...maybe I'll get lucky and the place will use Google.
 
JaynaAli said:
That does make sense and is good to know. If I end up in academia I'm more worried about merging Outlook into the Apple stuff? I guess it'll depend on the place I go, but it seems like everywhere I've been so far uses Outlook calendar synced with the school email account. Which sucks because I hate Outlook...maybe I'll get lucky and the place will use Google.
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Enterprise nerd here, recovering working stiff for The Man.

The corporate world has long figured out how to sync Microsoft Outlook/Exchange e-mail/calendar/whatever with iPhones and iPads since Apple products mostly dominate the corporate/enterprise market IMO.

No worries.

Either way, MS or Google ecosystems will work with both iOS and Android products.
 
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JaynaAli said:
That does make sense and is good to know. If I end up in academia I'm more worried about merging Outlook into the Apple stuff? I guess it'll depend on the place I go, but it seems like everywhere I've been so far uses Outlook calendar synced with the school email account. Which sucks because I hate Outlook...maybe I'll get lucky and the place will use Google.
Click to expand...
Well good news for you is I can do the same thing with my school emails calendar which is outlook 🤣
 
awesomenessity said:
Fantastical uses your Apple calendar's system as a base, just presents it in a better format! So if you have an iPhone or whatever that syncs with your Apple calendar and to-dos, it will automatically update when you use Fantastical 🙂 So basically Apple Calendar+, haha. Also when you install it all your Apple calendar stuff will migrate automatically!
Click to expand...

UPDATE: this excellent news just got even more excellent.

Thanks for sharing!
 
pcenter13 said:
Just wondering, what are some good planner brands you guys are planning on getting for vet school? With such a different schedule every day I can't decide if I want one with an hourly layout or not. Thoughts?
Click to expand...
I've used The Happy Planner for like a year now and I love it! For vet school, I'm planning on using their classic sized Wellness planner (which is a normal vertical planner with an extra focus on your physical and mental wellbeing) and their mini dashboard planner to carry around all the time and jot different things down in! You should check them out, they're great! Plus they have a ton of cute stickers if you like decorating your planner!
 
I need to actually get serious about getting an ergo desk set up because my back/neck/shoulder are killing me. Ive just been using a laptop and need to stop poo pooing about money and buy a monitor, a good chair, etc.
Do people have specific recommendations for an adjustable monitor, an office chair, and other things that could help? a monitor would need to be Mac compatible. thanks!!

edit: I wish I would've gotten this advice or paid attention to this advice before starting school. so def plan a good desk set up people! dont end up like me haha
 
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