Congratulations on the big accomplishment of going to medical school. Now you’re one step closer to making your dreams of becoming a doctor a reality. Though good news, this new chapter in your life may cause both excitement and anxiety. Excitement for now you’re going to need to pack up and get ready for your very first day attending medical school and anxiety due to the confusion of what you should have with you as essentials.
Generally, your school will guide you through the whole process. You’ll be given a list of the essential requirements you’ll need to have before medical school attendance. As you start your classes, little by little, you’ll also be informed on what you’re going to need. Nevertheless, it’s never too early to start preparing in med school and at least have an early awareness of the top essentials a medical student should have.
With that said, you can start preparing for medical school by ensuring you have these six essentials to go through the whole experience fuss-free:
1. Laptop And External Hard Drive
Let’s get this straight to the point. Medical school won’t be easy. You’ll go through a lot of readings – like really, a lot. Yes, you’ll have your books as your main source. But, some of your doctor professors may also give you supplemental readings on top of very lengthy books. Then, don’t forget the paperwork you’ll have to do once you start your internship and other hospital-related work.
Your laptop and external hard drive are going to be your best friends during your whole medical schooling. It doesn’t have to be anything flashy. For as long as it allows you to save your files, browse the Internet, make reports and presentations, then you’re good to go.
2. Medical School Uniform and Scrubs
If your pre-med course was a medical-related subject like nursing or medical technology, then you’ll probably get used to required medical-related uniforms or scrubs.
Depending on the school you’re going to, you’ll mostly be asked to prepare a hospital uniform. Once you start hospital duties, that’s when some intern heads may require you to come in scrubs all the time during shifts.
You can prepare this as you go. It’s recommended to always comply with your school’s requirements in using hospital uniforms and scrubs.
3. A Handy Stethoscope
A stethoscope is one of the top tools medical students need to have. Buying a high-quality stethoscope instrument can last you from your very first day as a medical school student up to the moment you become a registered doctor and have already completed your medical school degree. When looking for one, consider the medical equipment company you’re going to purchase from to be able to find a stethoscope that would last for years.
4. Erasable Whiteboard
It’s believed that a majority of your time as a student in medical school entails memorizing a lot of medical terms and diagrams. Because you’re dealing with the human body, concepts are said to be easier to remember when they’re presented through diagrams and other visual guides.
Drawing or writing down concepts on a whiteboard may be more effective when you’re studying, as you can erase and revise information whenever needed. This is also a more cost-efficient way than drawing on paper to avoid unnecessarily producing a lot of wastes.
5. Handheld Tablet or Gadget
Not all students are the same, as there are those who prefer reading digital copies of books to physical ones. More so, books in medical school can sometimes be very big and heavy. So, they’re not the most practical and convenient to bring around with you at all times or when you study out. This is when it’s handy to have notes or resources you can study with from your handheld tablet or gadget.
It’s easier to study and review notes on the go when you have everything on your handheld gadget. You don’t have to be stressed about bringing multiple heavy books with you beyond class hours. Additionally, you can store and organize your files with the help of a handheld tablet.
6. Portable Phone Charger
Almost everyone has a portable phone charger these days. But for busy medical students, it’s even all the more needed. The last thing you’ll want is for your phone to die out when you still have 12 hours left of hospital duty for the day. Or you’re in the middle of an anatomy lecture and you were taking photos of slides or samples with your phone and it suddenly goes on low power.
Medical students have to be ready for long days that stretch into long nights. And, given that a mobile phone is a necessity nowadays, your phone should be ready for those very long hours too. Having a portable phone charger handy can help medical students big time.
Conclusion
Med school is both a tough and exciting journey. Like any other endeavor, however, you’ll want to head on to your first day of school on a strong and positive start. This means being well-prepared and having a list of the essential tools or equipment you’re going to need ready. Those things should be able to guide and help you out in your whole stay in medical school. It’s also recommended to not forget to factor in the other individual, personal items which you know can help make your personal journey through medical school a lot easier.