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As a third year veterinary student, I will be starting clinics very soon! I’ve been feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Being prepared is what helps me calm the nerves. Aside from studying, I’ve also spent time looking into items that I can use during clinics to be the most prepared I can be. I’ve put together this list of items to help you excel in clinics.
I love this Adar Pro Classic Scrub Set for Women because they don’t sacrifice comfort for a more fitted look. Designed with working women in mind, these yoga-material scrubs will move with you through everything clinics throws at you during busy days and long nights. Plus, they’re cute for a more affordable price compared to some other competing scrubs.
If you’re looking for a bag other than a backpack for clinics, this canvas tote bag is a great option. It will hold all of the items you need to help you excel in clinics like your stethoscope, lunch, water bottle, iPad, and more.
3. A Clinical Notebook for Veterinary or Medical Students
A clinical notebook is a must-not-miss item to help you excel in clinics. The notebook will leave you feeling organized when approaching each patient. There is space for your entire SOAP including the patient history, current medications, and diagnostics. This is a must-have as clinicians will expect you to be on top of this information and you’ll have it all in one place which will also be helpful for you to review when writing up medical records.
You likely already have a stethoscope since you’re heading into clinics, but maybe it’s time for an upgrade if you wanted to save some money during first year. The Littmann Cardiology IV is a top-rated stethoscope for both adult, pediatric, and animal patients. It’s offered in different styles so you can find one that fits your taste.
5. A Stethoscope Name Tag
Having a personalized name tag helps ensure you won’t lose your stethoscope amidst the sea of others.
It’s not great when your penlight dies on you, so it helps to have extra penlights in your clinical bag!
7. A Watch
A watch is an essenial item to help you excel in clinics. A basic watch is really all you might need for counting heart rate and breath rate, but a smart watch may be preferred if you want to set alarms easily or have quick access to a stop watch without pulling out your phone. You don’t need an Apple Watch either. This smart watch from Amazon costs around $35 and functions as a stopwatch, alarm clock, fitness tracker, and more, plus, it’s waterproof.
A hard stethoscope carrying case that fits more than just a stethoscope will allow you to stay organized and keep track of all of your items to help you excel in clinics. There is plenty of room for your stethoscope, pen lights, watch, name tag, and more.
A guidebook should be in your clinics bag. It would be helpful to have it be pocket size, so you can slip it in your white coat or scrubs pocket if need be. I don’t have a recommendation for medical students, but I do have one for veterinary students. The Small Animal Veterinary Nerdbook by Dr. Sophia Yin is incredibly helpful and fits in scrub pockets, so it’s perfect for on-the-go knowledge. It’s organized by specialty so you can reference diseases quickly when you’re on a specific department.
This will be a lifesaver. It offers a space to write notes and records while providing space to store important documents, your phone, and even your iPad.
A multi-colored pen will help you keep information organized with the simple click of a pen.
You can store this in your clip-board for those times your mind freezes and you just need to go over something very quickly. Alternatively, you can make your own. But this guide condenses a lot of information in an easy to reference sheet.
13. Two Pairs of Shoes
I was looking for a pair of shoes that were comfortable, supportive, and water resistant and found these! They will save my feet from being sore after standing through long surgeries or running around the hospital all day or night long.
These Dansko professional clogs are great for talking to clients/patients and being on your feet all day long.
Bonus Items:
For large animal rotations: coveralls, muck boots, sturdy toed-boots, a warm jacket and high dexterity gloves for winter
Honorable mentions: Paperclips, Chapstick, Hand Sanitizer, Extra Masks, Tissues, Hand lotion
