Island Med Student

I was inspired by an article that a very nice doctor just sent to me, to write about the contents of my white coat, and what I bring to clinical rotations. A study found that there was a direct relationship between increasing seniority and decreasing weight of one’s white coat. Anecdotally, I have found this to be very true. I remember my very first day of surgery, coming onto the wards with overflowing pockets of all kinds of medical equipment and books, which weighed me down to so much that it was a chore going up and down the hospital stairs. I’ve since modified both the contents of my white coat, and the book bag that I bring along with me to the hospital. It changes based on the rotation, of course, but here is what I plan on bringing to my first night of emergency medicine in less than six hours:

Contents of White Coat:

1) Stethoscope – a necessity
2) Reflex Hammer, Tuning Forks – I always bring my reflex hammer, but tuning forks aren’t really necessary for rotations like cardiology
3) Pen Light – very good to have
4) At Least 2 Black Pens, and One that has a Color – necessities
5) Small Notepad – a necessity
6) Maxwell Guide – a lifesaver for every rotation
7) ACLS Guides and EM Handbook – a good idea for an emergency medicine rotation, replace with other handbooks for other rotations
8 ) Cash – VERY important to have for vending machine, coffee, water, etc.
9) Alcohol Wipes – very handy, I usually also carry gloves, guaiac cards, and other necessities depending on the rotation (for surgery – gauze pads, medical tape, etc.)
10) Gum, Protein Bar, Candy – lifesavers!!!
11) Chapstick – a requirement for me…I talk a lot!
12) Tourniquet – these are always in short supply at my hospital, so I carry one with me
13) ID Badge – a requirement
14) Cell Phone / PDA – perhaps THE most important item, not only for communication, but for accessing information. My iPhone replaces the need to have eight billion various books. I have tons of medical, pharmacological, and other info at the touch of a finger!
15) Water Bottle – not seen in photo, but a requirement for me

In addition to the stuff I carry around in my pockets, I bring a few other things along with me to the hospital to store in my locker.

Contents of Book Bag:

1) Scrubs – a requirement for some rotations
2) Black Bag with “Extra” Medical Tools – I keep a sphygmomanometer, ophthalmoscope, otoscope, etc. with me in my bag, just in case there isn’t one available. You may laugh, but I’ve had to use my sphygmomanometer on more than one occasion!
3) Sunglasses – an especially handy item when leaving the hospital at 9:00 a.m. post-call
4) Wallet – duh
6) Keys – duh
7) “Extra” Reading Material - if I actually do have any downtime, I sometimes pass the time with good ole fashioned reading
8 ) Antibacterial Lotion – I love this stuff!
9) Medications – not in photo, but I usually bring some ibuprofen, tampons, cold meds, etc., as needed
10) Food – also not in photo, but I occasionally will bring food along with me. The hospital I’m usually at is surrounded by 24 hour food stores, so I frequently just eat something I buy.

There you have it! This is a what I almost always bring with me to clinical rotations. I hope this helps some of you who are just starting your clinical rotations. Old fogies, feel free to add to the list!