It will be necessary for students to purchase a doctor’s bag and required medical instruments. Our chapter of the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) has coordinated a group buy at a discounted rate of $1,050.00 ($1,160.00 minus $110.00 mail-in rebate) for a complete doctor’s bag with all required and recommended tools reviewed and approved by the clinical skills faculty. Buying your doctor’s bag through AMSA is entirely voluntary, but if you are interested, information on this buy and how to order can be found in the AMSA Doctor’s Bags Welcome Letter below. The purchased instruments and bags will be distributed during the orientation week.
| Description | Comments |
|---|---|
| Required Items | |
| Stethoscope | A good quality model with the following features: - flat diaphragm for high-pitched sounds - bell for low-pitched sounds - comfortable ear pieces. Suggested: Harvey DLX Dual Head Stethoscope 25″ |
| Reflex hammer | Many varieties are available, but those with rubber triangle head may come apart. Suggested: ‘Buck’ Neurological Hammer |
| 512 Hz tuning fork 128 Hz tuning fork |
A 512 Hz tuning fork is needed to detect sensorineural deficits. 128 Hz tuning fork is needed for testing vibratory sense |
| Snellen eye chart | Hand-held version of visual acuity card for near vision testing, with pictorial estimates of pupil size. One edge with ruler markings is ideal |
| Light source | A penlight or light source in the oto/ophthalmoscope set. Suggested: penlight with AAA batteries or two disposable penlights |
| Optional Items | |
| Oto/ophthalmoscope | Combination kits are desirable and larger kits with panoptic ophthalmoscope are better for learning and practicing. Suggested: Diagnostic Set with PanOptic and Lithium Ion Handle |
| Ruler | A small ruler calibrated in inches and centimeters (optional). May be combined with the Snellen eye chart for near vision testing |
| Watch | Mechanical watch with a second hand or a digital watch with seconds. Essential for determining vital signs as well as being on time |
| Sphygmomanometer | Adult size cuff is recommended. Consider packages with multiple size cuffs: child, small adult, adult, and large adult – cost a bit more but they are likely to be worth the investment. Models with twist air-release valves are easier to use than those with a trigger mechanism. Suggested: models with an aneroid pressure gauge |
| Bag | Leather, canvas, etc. Large enough to hold the contents |