Over the past few year I have received a few iterations of this question by several underclasspersons. I still remember this being a mild source of anxiety for me prior to starting clinicals. I was always afraid of being under prepared. During basic sciences, I hadn’t really cultivated any significant relationships with any upper-meds, so when the time came, I didn’t really have anyone to ask regarding things of this nature.
So to answer the question: These are the items I ported during my clerkships. Bear in mind everyone’s experience will be unique. This is what I’ve used and found useful. I’ve included links for most items for quick price referencing. I am in no way being compensated by any of these companies for endorsing their products. I have simply been pleased with the particular items for fulfilling four main criteria: usability, performance, durability and price. Although I’ve heard some argue nothing is absolutely “necessary,” I personally would never show up to the wards on any service without the first two to three items listed.
I have intentionally omitted my smart phone from the list. It is quite essential for both reference materials on the go and communication purposes. I will post a list of apps and .pdf texts I found useful- as well as my residents’ and attendings’ input on the subject, shortly.
Also, do yourself a favor and get a wrist watch if you don’t have one already. I didn’t think I would need one initially but I quickly learned how convenient and sometimes essential they were. Don’t rely on every exam room having a functioning clock. Regarding, which kind of watch- I don’t think it matters. I do prefer non-cloth/leather bands to facilitate a more thorough cleaning- and clean it often. You’d be surprised how many times you inadvertently touch it throughout the day. I still cringe when I think about residents and attendings pulling out there cell phones to examine a patients oral mucosa or measure vital (HR/RR). I know a lot of docs do it but …no thanks.
Please leave additions, alternatives, removals, thoughts etc in comments section below.
Stethoscope:
This is a personal decision. I think I maybe be the only one in my cohort who doesn’t have a Littmann. If you want some serious advice regarding this topic, consult the cardiology service. Regarding price, well, you can spend what every you want. If you’ve got the cash, there’s a model for you to fit that price point. In case you’re interested, here’s the one I have and I’m quite pleased with its performance thus far.
Pen torch: Weltool M6-Dr
Good weight. Durable- It feels substantial while handling. Casts a warm, white, even beam for examination of PERRLA, oral mucosal / oropharynx visualization, epidermal dermal lesions, JVD observations etc.
Reflex hammer: MDF Tromner Neurological Reflex Hammer with built-in brush for cutaneous and superficial responses – Light – HDP Handle
Good weight and feel. It has a pendulum feel to it, more-so than the traditional Taylor but less than the Queen’s Square. It also comes with a pin prick and fine touch attachment on bottom. I don’t recommend using this, though. At the very least, consult an ID for proper cleaning between patients. But probably best to not use the attachments at all.
Pen (black): Zebra F-701 ALL METAL Ballpoint Retractable Pen, 0.8mm
My daily driver. Durable. Good weight. Fine point for annotating census daily printouts, margins of texts, etc. I’m left handed. So unfortunately, fountain pens have never been a viable option for me. Certainly, the most I’ve ever spent on a pen and I think well worth the extra few bucks.
Pen (multicolored): Kentaur FI-5051 Multi Color Pen 5 In 1 Multi-function Pen with Black, Blue, Red, Green Ballpoint Pen and 0.7mm Mechanical Pencil
Inconspicuous multicolored pen for everyday use on the wards. Would often use in lieu of highlighter. It saves a lot of space in your pocket and looks more clean and professional than having 4 colored pens lined up in a row. Fine point for annotating daily census printouts, margins of texts, etc.
Moleskin: Moleskine Classic Notebook, Hard Cover, Large (5″ x 8.25″) Plain/Blank, Black, 240 Pages
This was a gift. I used it almost every day during clinicals and still reference some notes currently. I prefer blank pages. However, I think most prefer ruled or squared. The 5″ x 8″ size fits nicely in your white coat pocket. Anything larger may be a bit cumbersome to tote. I think it is important to note, some people opted for the folding white coat clipboard, particularly during IM. I don’t know of anyone using both but I’m sure its possible. Others didn’t use either.
Wound Ruler, 15cm disposable: McKesson Guide Wound Meas Paper 6″ 50/Pd
I found it good to keep one of these handy for assessing lesion dimensions without having to stop and search for a gauss package with ruler printed on it. I was never comfortable using my thumb to estimate dimensions. They’re also disposable to reduced possibility of transferring pathogens from one patient to the next. I’d check with my facility before I spent my own cash on them. But here’s a link…
Mouth Rinse: Crest Pro-Health Mouthwash, Alcohol Free, Multi-Protection Clean Mint 1.2 oz
You didn’t spend all of those hours honing your Calgary Cambridge medical interview skills, for those efforts to be thwarted by poor oral hygiene. Dialog is imperative to maintaining a good relationship with your patients and their loved ones. Try to ensure the mechanics of the conversation is pleasant even though the nature or subject matter may be not be.
https://www.riteaid.com/shop/nature-valley-protein-chewy-bars-salted-caramel-nut-5-ct
Nature Bar: Nature Valley Protein Chewy Bars, Salted Caramel Nut – 5 ct
These were great in a pinch. I think a considerable amount of people tote protein bars. I’m not a big protein bar guy. I actually liked to keep an extra for my partner or attending just in case (those extra bars came in handy more than a few times).
https://www.riteaid.com/shop/rite-aid-pharmacy-ultra-soft-10-pair
Ear plugs: Rite Aid Ear Plugs, Ultra Soft- skin colored
These would come in handy during short spurts of downtime. I could essentially stop and study anywhere with these by blocking out ambient noise. I could instantaneously turn a bustling cafeteria or park bench into a library.
Hand Warmers: HotHands Hand Warmers – Long Lasting Safe Natural Odorless Air Activated Warmers – Up to 10 Hours of Heat
I would keep one of these in my coat at all times during winter months. I have notoriously cold hands and feet. Sometimes walking from clinic to hospital was unavoidable [I know what you’re thinking but ski gloves just aren’t always practical]. By the time I arrived to the wards, my hands would be ice-cold. There is seldom time to wait for my 5-10 min hand rewarming routine before rounding on patients. The last thing your octogenarian patient with advanced dementia and acute abdomen needs is an abdominal exam by Dr Freeze.
Honorable Mentions…
Pocket Refence Book: Pocket Medicine
Bought it. Carried it around. Didn’t use it much. I suspect if I had taken the time to familiarize myself with it more thoroughly, it could have been a valuable tool. It was good to have around. Some swear by it, however.
Tuning fork:
Admittedly didn’t tote this around consistently but I did keep one stashed in the ED for neurologic assessments, DCML function. I hadn’t the occasion to perform Weber and Rinne Tests.
Ophthalmoscope/Otoscope:
Never found having my own personal pocket/portable ophthalmoscope or otoscope necessary as they were ubiquitous in all of my facilities. It may perhaps be beneficial to carry in rural outpatient settings, but I’m not certain. As far as price goes, well, you can pay as much as you want for them. In my experience, as with most medical equipment, there is a positive correlation between price and quality. So that’s something to consider if you are planning on purchasing.
5hr energy: 5 Hour Energy Shot, Regular Strength, Berry – 1.93 oz
I don’t personally keep these handy. I don’t consume any products containing either caffeine or theophylline. My cohort tended to have mixed feelings regarding using these. The majority stated they wouldn’t recommend them. However, some stated they would occasionally consume one. Being in NYC, there is no shortage of quick coffee establishments conveniently situated around the hospital. https://www.riteaid.com/shop/5-hour-energy-energy-shot-berry-1-93-fl-oz-59-ml-0367941
