What does a first year medical student need?

What does a first year medical student need?

Congratulations! You’ve just passed the grueling admission exams in med school. Whether you’re going to study at the University of Melbourne, Monash University, the University of Queensland or other top med schools in Australia, preparing yourself for your first year will help you succeed.

No doubt, medical school is a long and challenging journey. In addition to your demanding course load, medical school life may require you to move to a different state or study subjects that you find more difficult.

However, using the right tools, attitude, and mindset can help you become successful in your journey. But what do you really need in your first year in medical school? We’ve put together a list of some of the most essential medical school supplies that will help you throughout your academic years:

Medical school supplies you need

1. Stethoscope

One of the most common medical tools required for medical students even before starting their program is a cardiology-grade stethoscope. A Stethoscope is a medical instrument used in listening to sounds produced within the body, especially the heart or lungs. As early as first year, medical students will learn how to use a stethoscope in checking the heart-beat and breath of the patient – the two vital signs of life. If you are looking for a stethoscope buy a high quality stethoscope that can give you accurate results and long lasting durability. Lab Coat Company has a range of stethoscopes that provide form and function at an affordable price!

2. Medical scrubs/lab coat

Lab coats have always been a symbol of the medical field. But aside from the symbol it signifies, lab coats and medical scrubs provide protection of skin and personal clothing from incidental contact and small splashes. They also provide a removable barrier in the event of an incident involving a spill or splash of hazardous substances. Your university may require you to wear a lab coat for laboratory work and other activities. Even if you’re not required to wear it just yet, it’s still a good idea to have one ready in case there’s a potential shadowing opportunity that comes up.

3. Tablet or computer

Lessons will rely heavily on online lectures, books, and videos and so having a reliable gadget is a must if you want to succeed. Some exams might even be conducted online depending on the school.

4. Medical pens

Pens are essential for nursing or critical care obs documentation, reviewing, and answering forms among many other things. Aside from coloured pens, highlighters are also a great addition to your equipment.

5. Watch

A watch is an essential item in any medical student’s kit. In addition to making sure they are on time for appointments and treatments, medical students and professionals use watches for checking and measuring vital signs. With this watch from Lab Coat Company made with medical silicone, a glass lens and three hand movement dial, it pins neatly to your scrubs or gown. Available in different colours to match your style or mood!

6. Safety glasses

As a medical student, you need a high-quality pair of safety glasses. Safety glasses can protect your eyes all the way around from exposure to dangerous chemical splashes and a range of hazards, including dust and large droplets. Certified Splash Proof and Anti-fog Safety Goggles from Lab Coat Company will provide you essential PPE protection from the elements and potential hazards of your job. It also comes with anti-fog and anti-scratch lenses as well as UV protection, making them an essential PPE item to suit your needs.

7. Lab notebook

By keeping a lab notebook, you will keep important information organised and available whenever you need it. Aside from the regular notebooks you use for lectures, this Grid Lab Notebook contains consecutively numbered pages for accurately recording laboratory notes, research data, experiments and design ideas. The front label, ruled pages and date and organisational prompts will help ensure your notes are always kept concise and well-organised.

8. Pen light

Doctors of every type from dentists to general practitioners to surgeons use penlights when examining patients. They are so convenient to use to check areas of the mouth and throat, examine wounds and to assess pupil response and other areas. This pen light from Lab Coat Company is perfect to use not only for classes but also in practical exercises. This basic pupil gauge penlight is suitable for use as a diagnostic instrument in nursing, paramedicine and a variety of health disciplines. With standard illumination, a pupil size comparison gauge and magnifying lens it is an essential in any kit.

9. Handy calculator

Calculators allow medical students to solve problems required in math courses like statistics and calculus as well as practical applications for the theories and concepts they learn in class. Make sure you can always make the equation with this handy pocket-sized calculator. Perfect for when you’re on the run, it fits into the palm of your hand and comes with a lanyard so you can take it with you wherever you go.

10. Anatomy atlas

An anatomy atlas is a must for every medical student. An anatomy atlas will provide a detailed map for medical and biological studies of anatomy. It’s an essential tool for learning about the human body and how it works. It is expected that you will need to take a lot of notes, questions, and exam questions in medical school, which is why investing in this atlas may prove beneficial in the future.