My friend is going to medical school, what is the ideal present i could get him?

Question

I was thinking a stethascope, but am not sure which one will be suitable.

If you have any ideas please let me know?

Thanks x

Answer 1

A stethoscope is a good idea, but not too useful during the first year, because clinical interaction is rather limited -- a stethoscope would be better for 2nd or 3rd year.

I would suggest buying him/her a book that they will definitely use, because that's where they'll be spending most of their time anyway. A 1st year student will love a Netter "Atlas of Human Anatomy", or BRS Anatomy, both of which are pretty much universally relied upon by every student. Even if they don't understand the gift now, they will when they start studying in the fall -- and they'll definitely appreciate your thoughtfulness and insight for giving them something that is so vital to the 1st year transition and experience.

A nice alternative might be "First Aid for the USMLE Step 1", which every student will absolutely use at some point, because it's pretty much the gold standard for preparing for the Step 1 exam (regarding all material learned in years 1 and 2), but that's not too useful until maybe the 2nd year, so it might not be as appropriate for the first year.

Answer 2

Stethoscopes are expensive but it will be usable right away in physical diagnosis class. You can find littmann classic-type stethoscopes for around 75ish US dollars or Littmann cardiac scopes for 150ish or so. I only like Littmann or Welch-Allyn stethoscopes, but I only use them for taking BPs in arms or feet (Ima foot doc.) If you live near a medical school, the book/supply store people would be able to help you out.

Other ideas....

Coffee gift cards are an excellent idea. Unless your friend has an IQ of 170, they will be studying well past midnight some nights.

Copy center Gift cards.
Book store gift cards (I know these are kinda impersonal,but I am trying)

Disposable gloves or dissecting instruments for anatomy class.

A gym membership (for stress relief)

This book from the following amazon link...
http://www.amazon.com/Clinicians-Pocket-Reference-11-e/dp/0071454284/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-5688070-9648649?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177088457&sr=8-1

I like the stethoscope idea. For most doctors, there is little difference between a 70-150 dollar stethascope and a $250+ stethoscope, unless they are going to be a pulmonologist or cardiologist.

Last suggestion.....uuuummmmmm, if you are really good friends, maybe some home made anatomy flash cards? Only if you are seriously involved, of course.

Answer 3

A very nice coffee maker for all that late night studying.

An old fashioned doctor bag.

I think the stethascope should be saved until he's actually a doctor.

Answer 4

Maybe not a stethoscope - each physician tends to have one kind that they like - and there are many kinds....unless you know specifically what brand/type he wants.

A gift card from Starbucks is nice (there's a lot of late nighters)

A good medical dictionary is always a bonus.

If you've got the money - find out if they require a Palm Pilot - maybe you could get him the PDR for Palm, or for his PC.


Good luck - whatever you get him - I hope he appreciates how much thought you've put into this!

Answer 5

The choice of medical gear and books varies from person to person and school to school; I'd avoid them.

However, every medical student needs _time_. Depending on your budget:
* Weekly/Monthly maid service from Merry Maids or reputable equivalent
OR
- Weekly laundery service from one of those places that washes and folds
- Food the student doesn't have to fix:
--- a pot of stew or soup delivered once a week/month from a local restaurant
--- cheese or fruit of the month gourmet club
--- care packages of jerky or cookies
- A card with 12 "check of the months" -- any student loves having some extra cash

Answer 6

Good stethoscopes are VERY expensive...If you're willing to do that then go for it! I'm a big fan of cutesy mushy gifts. If I had a friend going to med school, I'd get him/her a teddy bear dressed up as a doctor.

Answer 7

Go to a medical supply store and buy a doctors 'kit' - one that has a stethoscope, knee reflex hammer, and other paraphernalia in it, along with a couple of boxes of disposable gloves! How fun!

Best wishes!

Answer 8

A nice edition of the Physician's Desk Reference.

Answer 9

A doctor would any how would see all doctor related stuff.
so
just a simple good luck card
with affection in your eyes
few sweet words to say how much you care is the best ever gift

Answer 10

Either an expensive pen (like Mont Blanc or anything similar ) or a pair of good comfortable shoes, your friend will really need them while running around in case of an emergency.

Kdo ;)