Recommended Medical Equipment

Updated August 2019

Apart from a stethoscope, tendon hammer & power bank, the other items aren't absolutely essential. You can use your phone instead of a pen torch & fob watch. You can always buy items at a later date if you find they're necessary.

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Essential Purchases

Stethoscope
A good quality stethoscope is essential to learn the different sounds. 

Recommended: Littmann Classic III S.E.
Don't get the Cardiology IV, it isn't worth it at your level. Buy the latest one if you choose to stay in a specialty that requires a high quality one when you're going to enter it.

Power Bank
Often on the wards, your phone/tablet will run out of battery. Carrying a power bank means you can keep your phone going for when you're likely to need it most! Pick the size below that suits your bag. I have 20+ power banks and my recommendations are to go with Anker, EasyAcc or EC - they're my favourite in terms of reliability, durability & speed (often almost matching conventional chargers). 

Recommended: Filtered list with above recommendations

Reflex hammer
Strongly recommend a telescoping one over a full length hammer as portability is essential. Most wards should have one, but I still highly recommend purchasing to use on each other to practice the neurological examination. 

Recommended: Telescoping tendon hammer


Consider Purchasing

Pen Torches
Although many people on the ward may use their phone, there's two major issues with this. Practically, you may miss pathology as you want a narrow angle beam. Wide angles, may for example, cause a direct response when testing for a consensual during pupil reflexes. Additionally, it may really upset a patient as they worry in case you're recording.

Recommended: Cheap one off Amazon

Fob Watch
Useful for keeping track of time, measuring observations or timing for a urine dip. They're more useful for medical students than doctors as the above tasks are infrequently done once qualified. Many go without, so consider strongly whether you will use it before purchasing one!

Recommended: Cheap one on Amazon


For moving out/extra items
  • Charging cables - I recommend braided & fast charge compatible. I've not had any that are particularly better so get the cheapest
  • Headphones - no specific ones recommended
  • Bluetooth speaker (for those block parties!) - I recommend Anker for cheap & loud. Otherwise Google Home
  • Wifi Extender (boosting the range of your WiFi) - I recommend Netgear or TP Link but Coredy is decent too!
  • Smart Tag (stops your key/bag getting lost): Nut or the more expensive Tile