The best Stethoscope

[Kal-El]

Hi, which stethoscopes do you guys like the best? I hear Littman is a common choice, is there a certain kind you guys prefer?

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[po' boy]

I love my Littman Cardiology III, which was given to me as a gift over three years ago. I understand Littman has come out with other scopes too, and I'm sure they're equally good. I tried a Welch Allyn scope (the Harvey Elite, I think?) and I just didn't think the sound quality was as clear -- heart sounds were much more muffled compared to my scope. But that's just one person's opinion...other people love their scopes just as much. Just don't get a cheap plastic scope and you should be good to go.

One thing to remember is that your scope will give you a neck ache/headache if you wear it around your neck. At first I didn't believe it, but after a few months in third year the pain started to set in. Do yourself a favor and either carry it in your pocket, or instead, buy a steth holster for your belt. It may sound dorky but it def works and actually looks kinda cool, especially in my intended specialty, ER (you feel like Indiana Jones with the whip at his side).

good luck,
Po' Boy, MS4

 

[drlexygoat]

Littman Cardio III, hands down. It kicks butt. Shop at allheart.com (but be prepared to wait a week for it to arrive) for the best price - about $118.

 

[Mumpu]

Sprague-Rappaport (formerly HP but Phillips makes them now, I think).

Harvey stethoscopes are junk, especially considering how much they cost.

 

[4 Ever]

the two popular ones are the Littman III's and the master cardiology's.

You really can't go wrong with either of those choices.

 

[Kal-El]

thanks for the feedback guys.

 

[Snow145532]

i was thinking about buying a cheap Sprague Rappaport-Type Stethoscope for my first (and maybe 2nd year) until i can find out what type i like. does anyone think this is a bad idea, should i just spend the money on a decent scope that will last now?

 

[celticmists18]

by a decent scope now, it will making learning a lot easier . . .besides it will save you money in then end (I pitch in my vote for cardiology III)

i was thinking about buying a cheap Sprague Rappaport-Type Stethoscope for my first (and maybe 2nd year) until i can find out what type i like. does anyone think this is a bad idea, should i just spend the money on a decent scope that will last now?

 

[LaurieB]

i was thinking about buying a cheap Sprague Rappaport-Type Stethoscope for my first (and maybe 2nd year) until i can find out what type i like. does anyone think this is a bad idea, should i just spend the money on a decent scope that will last now?

I got a Sprague Rappaport-Type Stethoscope for free for joining our student AMA chapter. I couldn't hear things well using it and just bought a Littman Cardiology 3. It has made a world of a difference.

 

[Blake]

Some representants from some med company came the other day, so we could order our instruments. Almost everyone took a littman's cardio III. Apparently, it's a pretty good all-around stethoscope. Maybe you'll need to buy a better one when you start residency ( a cardiologist won't use the same one as a pediatrician ).

 

[Fin-Nor]

i just wanted to cast my vote:

litt cardi III

 

[NateatUC]

Sprague-Rappaport (formerly HP but Phillips makes them now, I think).

I'll add my vote for the Phillps Sprage-Rappaport. I also have a Cardio III but I think the Phillips is more comfortable, and has better acoustics. It also comes with 2 different sized diaphragms and 3 different sized bells that screw on and off. Great for moving between kids and adults (I did Peds and Medicine back to back). They also sell replacement parts for it, so you can replace the tubing, etc, when it wears out.

The only down side to the Phillips is that it costs a fair amount more than the Cardio III, but mine was a gift from a family friend, so I'm not complaining.

Oh, and I think I'll disagree with the 'scope giving you a neck ache. My Phillips is a fair bit heavier than the Cardio III, and I haven't had this problem. I feel more weighed down when its in my white coat pocket. The only problem I see with wearing it around your neck is that it bounces around (and possibly off) when running to a code as I did last night.

 

[Mumpu]

Don't get the cheapo one -- you will not be able to hear and it will significantly hamper your learning. Phillips S-R run around $180... yeah, more expensive than Littman but old-school cardiologists who can hear coronary artery bruits tell me it's a better stethoscope.

Btw, anyone who thinks that only cardiologists need good stethoscopes is dead wrong. You will never reach your full potential if you cannot master physical exam.

 

[Jaded Soul]

Hi, which stethoscopes do you guys like the best? I hear Littman is a common choice, is there a certain kind you guys prefer?

Do a search. Lots of threads have talk about this.