The guide­lines aid in identifying and mitigating risks relate­d to sedation by employing appropriate monitoring and me­dication selection. By incorporating the late­st research, the quality of se­dation practices is enhanced, supporting an e­vidence-based approach and safe sedation training. Let’s de­lve into the key aspe­cts and recommendations outlined in the­se sedation practice guide­lines.  

What Sedation Practice Guidelines Cover: Scope and Goals

Sedation practice guidelines establish clear definitions for different levels of sedation, such as minimal sedation, moderate sedation, and deep sedation. These­ guidelines provide he­althcare professionals with clear indications and contraindications for e­ach class of sedation. They help de­termine when se­dation is appropriate and when alternative­ approaches may be more suitable­. 

For example, the Ame­rican Society of Anesthesiologists has de­fined a continuum of states ranging from minimal sedation (anxiolysis) to ge­neral anesthesia, which has be­en accepted by the­ Joint Commission. The guidelines also outline­ the potential risks associated with e­ach level of sedation, allowing he­althcare providers to assess the­ risks and benefits on an individual patient basis.

The guide­lines emphasize the­ need for a thorough pre-proce­dure review, which include­s obtaining a detailed medical history, conducting a physical e­xamination, and assessing the patient’s suitability for se­dation. They provide­ recommendations on how to prepare­ and monitor patients during sedation and outline crite­ria for patient recovery and discharge­ after sedation. 

That includes guides such as ensuring prope­r vital signs monitoring, evaluating airway assessment, oxyge­nation levels, and ventilation. Lastly, the­ guidelines include spe­cific recommendations on observing post-proce­dure vital signs and monitoring patients as they re­cover from the effe­cts of sedation.

When de­ciding on sedation practice guidelines and choosing the right me­dications, it’s essential to take into account several factors, such as the­ patient’s specific characteristics, the­ complexity of the procedure­, and the duration of the process. The­se guidelines provide­ valuable information on selecting appropriate­ dosages for sedative drugs, diffe­rent administration routes such as oral, intravenous, or inhale­d, and recommended te­chniques. 

They also stress the­ significance of personalized care­ and highlight considering factors like patient age­, medical history, and concurrent medication use­ when making decisions about sedative­ agents.

The guide­lines on sedation practice spe­cify the roles and responsibilitie­s of healthcare providers involve­d in sedation. They also establish the­ necessary qualifications and skills that professionals should posse­ss to administer sedation safely. This include­s requirements for e­ducation, training, and continuous professional developme­nt. By outlining these expe­ctations, the guidelines e­nsure that only qualified individuals participate in providing se­dation and they clarify the responsibilities of e­ach team member.

These­ guidelines also emphasize­ the importance of quality improveme­nt efforts in sedation practices providing the­­ framework for monitoring, evaluating, and e­nhancing sedation practice outcomes. By imple­menting specific performance­ measures, such as following monitoring protocols, maintaining accurate docume­ntation practices, and tracking rates of adverse­ events, healthcare­ facilities can effective­ly assess and improve their se­dation practices. The guideline­s also stress the nee­d to utilize reliable source­s for accurate and up-to-date information.

Application and Implementation of Sedation Practice Guidelines

Guideline­s for sedation should be flexible­ and applicable across a range of clinical settings, including hospitals, outpatie­nt clinics, dental offices, and eme­rgency departments. The­y should also cater to different spe­cialties such as anesthesiology, de­ntistry, and gastroenterology. Additionally, guideline­s need to account for various types of se­dation procedures like e­ndoscopies, radiological interventions, or minor surge­ries. 

Furthermore, it is vital to conside­r different patient populations, including childre­n, older people, and individuals with spe­cific medical conditions. Sedation is not a “one size fits all” procedure. By treating each patient as an individual, healthcare professionals lensure that se­dation techniques can be appropriate­ly modified and tailored to each unique­ situation.

Best se­dation practices prioritize the principle­s of informed consent and shared de­cision-making. Healthcare providers should e­ngage in thorough conversations with patients, providing a cle­ar explanation of the advantages and pote­ntial risks associated with sedation. It is essential to prese­nt alternative options and actively encourage­ patients to express the­ir preference­s.

While sedation practice guidelines offe­r general recomme­ndations, it is vital to follow the protocols and policies of local institutions and regulatory bodie­s or establish them. These­ local guidelines often e­xpand on national or international approaches to address spe­cific considerations, resources, and constraints in individual he­althcare settings.

The guide­lines for sedation practice re­commend utilizing evidence­-based resources and tools, like­ checklists, algorithms, sedation scales, and mobile­ applications. These tools assist healthcare­ professionals in evaluating patient risk, making informe­d decisions, and implementing the­ recommended monitoring and safe­ty practices during sedation procedure­s. 

Importance of Sedation Practice Guidelines for Students

Sedation practice guidelines help students develop the necessary skills and competencies, covering medication use, monitoring, and recovery protocols. 

Additionally, they serve the following purposes: 

• They ensure­ the safe and effe­ctive administration of sedation during medical proce­dures. 
• They help students unde­rstand the appropriate dosage le­vels and monitoring techniques ne­eded during the sedation proce­dures. 
• They assist students in re­cognizing and managing potential complications that may arise.
• They se­rve as valuable educational re­sources and offer clear and consistent re­commendations across different he­althcare settings for students by enhancing the­ir knowledge about differe­nt sedation techniques.

By adhering to the­se guidelines, stude­nts can increase their confide­nce in providing sedation while prioritizing patie­nt safety. Additionally, standardized practices across various he­althcare settings promote uniformity and e­nhance the overall quality of care­. Furthe­rmore, evidence­-based sedation practice guide­lines develope­d by expert panels e­nsure standardized and safe patie­nt care during sedation procedure­s.

Final Note

Sedation practice guidelines cover a range­ of essential topics. They include defining se­dation levels and indications, outlining patient asse­ssment and monitoring protocols, and recommending suitable­ sedative medications. Additionally, the­ guidelines explain the­ qualifications for sedation providers, emphasize­ quality improvement initiatives, and promote­ involving patients in decision-making. 

These­ adaptable guidelines can be­ applied to different se­ttings, specialties, and patient populations with a focus on prioritizing patie­nt safety, enhancing outcomes, and e­ncouraging continuous education for healthcare profe­ssionals.

Healthcare­ professionals play a crucial role in impleme­nting sedation practice guideline­s successfully. They should prioritize continuous e­ducation and training to stay up-to-date with the latest re­search advancements and guide­line updates. This involves active­ly participating in specialized training programs focused on se­dation, obtaining necessary certifications or qualifications, and re­gularly evaluating their sedation practice­s. 

Will

Born and raised in the UK, Will went into medicine late (31) after a career in journalism. He’s into football (soccer), learned Spanish after 5 years in Spain, and has had his work published all over the web. Read more.

willpeachmd.com

Online Shift: Bad and Good

Covid-19 helped herald a mini-revolution. There have been many things that have arisen and become normalized because of Covid-19. We’re going to have a fair look at both positive and negative. 

Anxiety & Depression

The very sudden interruption and the emergence of Covid-19 were revealed to have caused higher rates of anxiety and depression among medical students. This is according to a study published on PubMed under the title: “Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression Among Medical Students During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study.”

On a crucial side note, if you need virtual help right now, it’s high time you consider getting professional help for your academic worries. You can hire an essay writer instantaneously on Studyfy. They can help you tackle the most daunting writing tasks your university has assigned to you. All for a fair price. Don’t wait too long. Now, let’s move on.

Med students, more than other students, need a highly collaborative learning environment because of their field. With the amount of information they have to study and memorize, they typically need all the help and encouragement they can get. 

Covid-19 forced many students from all majors to isolate and learn from home. For some students, this was perhaps very welcome. But others had to take much more time to adjust and probably developed negative feelings because of the change. Students who thrive in solitude or who are used to working alone evidently had fewer issues. On the other hand, social learners especially had a difficult time. 

Increased Self-sufficiency & Independence

Covid-19 forced many students to get used to a remote learning environment. While many students had problems adopting remote learning, some students became much more self-sufficient. Remote learning fosters self-sufficiency and independence because:

• There is less focus on a physically present professor. There’s an increased focus on completing daily tasks while being physically alone.

• Essentially, you are teaching yourself. Most students had to follow their course’s instructions online. They had to motivate themselves to learn as if they were in a classroom. Minus having a guiding figure and the familiarity of being in a classroom.

Of course, heightened independence and self-sufficiency realistically wouldn’t apply to all med students. Some students had to deal with their mental health and well-being.

Virtual Learning

Streaming technology has dramatically changed medical students’ way of taking in information. Education and learning resources could be found beyond the classic textbook. This is one of the more positive notes of the Covid-19 revolution. Virtual reality and role-play tech are being integrated slowly. It shows huge potential to be useful for medical students.

All in all, reliance on online content prevailed during the pandemic. This helped with accessibility. Plus, not having to commute helped med students focus more on their daily learning at hand. 

Virtual meetings through Zoom and other similar platforms like Teams were prevalent during the pandemic. These meetings have stayed for the most part post-pandemic. These meetings were useful for visual training, even at the cost of not being physically present. 

Challenging Shift

Some medical universities were not equipped to shift to online learning so rapidly. Many testimonies online point to rapid collaboration and dependence on outside organizations to help transition. Regardless, most medical universities were able to use new digital platforms and teaching methods to accommodate remote learning. 

Fortunately for most institutions, tech-savvy veterans already existed in the digital space. They lent their hand and services to the in-need institutions to make the change. Without their help, med schools and most schools might have had to postpone classes altogether.

Medical Examinations

According to an article published on the Postgraduate Medical Journal’s website, many clinical and written exams were delayed or fully substituted by online examinations due to the pandemic. As a result, many universities agreed to implement Open Book Examinations as a quick solution to the shift to online testing. Law students also had to be tested in the same way. 

Additionally, medical students had to adapt to working with simulated patients. This was a change from the traditional model of learning through clinical exposure.

Despite the challenges, the integration of new practices and learning methods has proved to be beneficial for medical education. Allegedly, the Open Book Exams have helped the students become better at critical thinking and analysis.

This is because these exams require students to apply their knowledge and understanding of a subject rather than simply regurgitating information from memory. Furthermore, working with simulated patients has allowed medical students to gain experience in a controlled and safe environment without the added pressure of working with real patients.

Key Takeaways

The pandemic certainly imposed a difficult time for students, but it also revolutionized many aspects of an increasingly archaic education system. Here are the most relevant points to consider: 

• The majority of med schools managed albeit with difficulties to switch to online learning. Most students were satisfied with their courses, even if some fostered negative sentiments over time. 

• Remote learning gave students more flexibility which led to higher attendance for some schools. 

• No social interaction led to feelings of isolation in some students.

The medical education system has stepped up to the plate during this pandemic. By using technology and finding new ways to teach, educators have managed to keep training the next generation of doctors and nurses while also meeting the growing demand for healthcare workers. But this isn’t the end of the road. We can use what we’ve learned during this crisis to rethink and improve the way we teach medical professionals. 

Will

Born and raised in the UK, Will went into medicine late (31) after a career in journalism. He’s into football (soccer), learned Spanish after 5 years in Spain, and has had his work published all over the web. Read more.

willpeachmd.com

CPR is a technique that involves giving chest compressions and rescue breathing to restore the circulation of oxygenated blood to essential organs. The importance of CPR cannot be overstated, as it can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency. However, the effectiveness of this type of training depends largely on the quality of the training equipment used, particularly the CPR manikin lungs.

Manikin lungs are designed to simulate the experience of real human airways, allowing trainees to practice and master the technique of rescue breathing. These CPR training tools come in various types, sizes, and materials, but their primary function is to provide accurate and realistic feedback during training. Proper selection and maintenance of these parts can significantly impact the quality of CPR training.

Why Are Manikin Lungs Critical in CPR Training?

Accurate and Realistic Feedback

Realistic feedback helps trainees develop muscle memory and perform chest compressions and rescue breathing techniques correctly. For this reason, the different CPR manikin lungs on the market are all designed to simulate the sensation of a real human respiratory system, allowing trainees to feel the appropriate resistance during rescue breathing.

The feedback from the manikins can be visual or auditory, depending on the type of equipment used. Trainees can observe chest rise and fall during rescue breathing, which indicates the effectiveness of their rescue breaths. Some mannequin lungs produce a sound to indicate the trainee has delivered an adequate amount of air to the patient’s airways. This feedback is essential in helping trainees to improve their performance and skills.

The Practice of Proper Rescue Breathing Techniques

Rescue breathing involves the delivery of oxygen to the patient’s lungs to maintain the oxygenation of vital organs. Trainees must practice proper rescue breathing techniques to ensure that they are delivering the appropriate amount of air.

That said, these training tools play a vital role in this process, as they provide trainees with accurate feedback on the amount of air delivered during rescue breathing.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Replacement Lungs for CPR Manikins

Materials Used in Manufacturing

The materials used in the production of these training tools can affect their durability, realism, and hygiene. It is essential to select models made from high-quality materials that simulate the experience of real human lungs accurately. Those that are made from materials such as silicone, latex, or PVC offer better durability, hygiene, and more realistic feedback.

Size and Compatibility with CPR Manikins

These training tools come in various sizes and are compatible with specific CPR manikins. It is crucial to select designs that are compatible with the CPR manikin used for training. The correct size of the lungs ensures that trainees receive accurate feedback during training.

Feedback Mechanisms Available

As mentioned, the feedback mechanisms vary depending on the type of lungs used. Some produce visual feedback, such as chest rise and fall, while others produce an auditory sound to indicate the effectiveness of rescue breathing. It is essential to consider the type of feedback mechanism required to make the right choice.

The Brand

There are several brands of manikin lungs available in the market, and two of the most popular ones are Simulaids and Brayden.

Simulaids is a well-known brand that produces high-quality manikins for CPR training. One of the key features of Simulaids manikins is their realistic airway management system. They feature a lifelike airway management system that allows trainees to practice various airway management techniques, including intubation, bag-valve-mask ventilation, and suctioning.

All parts of a Simulaid manikin are made of high-quality materials, including silicone, that offers durability and hygiene. Their lungs are made of silicone, which provides a realistic feel and response during CPR training. Simulaids manikins are also designed to be easy to clean and maintain, with replaceable lungs available for customization and longevity.

Brayden is another reputable brand that produces high-quality manikin equipment. One of the key features of Brayden mannequins is their patented chest compression mechanism. The chest compression mechanism is designed to mimic the compliance and resistance of real human tissue, providing a more accurate representation of the force required to perform effective resuscitation.

Cost and Budget

It’s essential to consider the budget available when selecting manikin lungs for CPR training. However, you should also remember that investing in high-quality manikin lungs can result in more effective CPR training.

Type

Disposable

These lungs are designed to be used once and disposed of after each training session. They are typically made of synthetic materials and are affordable. They are an excellent option for training centers that conduct numerous CPR training sessions.

Reusable

Reusable manikin lungs can be cleaned and reused multiple times. They are typically made of high-quality materials such as silicone or latex. These models are an excellent option for training centers that conduct fewer CPR training sessions.

Maintenance Advice

Proper Cleaning and Disinfecting Techniques

Proper cleaning and disinfecting techniques are crucial to maintaining the hygiene and longevity of manikin parts. That said, they should be cleaned and disinfected after each training session using approved cleaning and disinfecting agents.

Regular Maintenance and Replacement of Worn-out Parts

Regular maintenance and replacement of worn-out parts are essential to maintaining the effectiveness and realism of the airway management system. Manikin lungs should be inspected regularly for wear and tear and replaced as needed.

Storage and Handling

Proper storage and handling of all training equipment are crucial to maintaining its hygiene and longevity. Manikin lungs should be stored in a clean and dry environment and handled with care to avoid damage.

To Sum Up

As you can see, manikin lungs play a crucial role in CPR training, providing trainees with accurate and realistic feedback. When choosing, it is essential to consider factors such as materials used in manufacturing, size, compatibility with manikins, feedback mechanisms available, brand, cost, and budget. Investing in high-quality models is important for effective CPR training, which can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency.

Will

Born and raised in the UK, Will went into medicine late (31) after a career in journalism. He’s into football (soccer), learned Spanish after 5 years in Spain, and has had his work published all over the web. Read more.

willpeachmd.com

Educate Yourself on Personal Finance

Many students who are about to graduate might not be that experienced with personal finance, and you have likely accrued debt during your time in school. It might be hard to balance this with the salary you earn as a resident. It’s a good idea to understand aspects of personal finance, such as saving and budgeting. If there are things you are unsure about, like investing or filing taxes, take some time to read up on these topics. If you aren’t much of a reader, there are also plenty of podcasts and videos online. Plus, you might be able to take advantage of your school’s financial counselors.

It’s important to come up with a plan for your student loans, especially if repayments are a new experience for you. There are plenty of options for new graduates, including the option to refinance. Typically, refinancing results in lower overall expenses each month. There are student loan refinancing options that often allow you to combine existing debts into a single one, which makes these repayments simpler.

Prepare for Life in Your New City

You most likely won’t receive a match at a hospital in your current city, so taking some time to prepare for the move can make the transition easier later. It’s always challenging to live in a new city, and residency can make it even harder. You likely won’t receive much time off, but it’s still important to spend time outside the hospital so you can unwind.

Think about where you will live and whether you will have roommates. Take some time to find forums for medical residents in the area so you can connect with like-minded people. Your residency program might provide these forums, or you could meet on other pages on social media. Preparing for life outside the hospital allows you to have an easier transition there.

Take Some Time to Enjoy Yourself

The months between match day and the first day of your residency allow you to enjoy yourself and take some time to recharge. Because of the limited amount of time, you will have outside your residency once it starts, it is important to enjoy yourself, with whatever activities work for you. Make sure you are getting enough sleep at night and exercise every day and take some time to do hobbies that you enjoy.

If you have been too busy to think about the things you enjoy, you can also use this time to consider what you can do to help yourself unwind. Knowing what helps your wellness allows you to focus on these things, which can prevent burnout in the next phase of your journey.

If you are interested in travel, now is the best time to do so because it is hard to travel once you are a resident. Plus, traveling now allows you to go with a better mindset than once you are in the middle of your residency. Going on a trip could make this one of the most memorable parts of your life.

Deciding How Much to Study

After you have a match, you may wonder if you will need to study to prepare yourself for the next step. You have already been working hard for several years and have become used to the grind, and when you don’t have to study as much, it might feel like something is missing. Know that while studying can help you feel more prepared, it is not always critical.

For some, doing extra studying feels comforting and can help them feel more confident going into their residences. It does make sense to refamiliarize yourself with some key concepts of whatever area you are focusing on. That does not mean you need to surround yourself with books as much as you did during the main part of medical school. The program is designed to give you a foundation to build off, and if you have made it this far, you can generally trust that you know the material well enough to be successful in residency.

Plus, no matter how much you study now, your residency will be a difficult time, and you will face a steep learning curve. Studying more now is unlikely to affect how well you perform in a hospital setting. Many students benefit more from allowing themselves to recharge during this time.

Will

Born and raised in the UK, Will went into medicine late (31) after a career in journalism. He’s into football (soccer), learned Spanish after 5 years in Spain, and has had his work published all over the web. Read more.

willpeachmd.com

The medical community of Reddit has many tips and tricks to share when taking the USMLE step 1. 

USMLE STEP 1: What Do Reddit Med Students Have to Say?

This exam can stress the life out of someone, but being a part of the r/step1 community can really help. It even earned the infamous name of “The Beast”! 

Instead of scrolling up and down (and around a ton of Reddit threads) looking for the best tips to study and prep for this exam, we got it sorted for you right here. 

Related: How To Study In Medical School: Reddit’s 26 Best Tips

A Reddit user came across Manik Madaan, who is a 5th-year medical intern from India. He made a video about his tips and tricks to excel on his USMLE exam. It’s basically a general guide to passing the exam. 

You can watch the video here, but we’ve summarized it into its best points below. 

Look At the Question Pattern 

Although this may seem less important, it’s actually beneficial when taking the exam. Step 1 questions need multilevel thinking and reasoning. They are definitely not straightforward and can sometimes trick you. You need to have the ability to make a differential diagnosis to get the right answer. 

The Elimination Principle will help you take out wrong answers, which can significantly increase your chances of getting the correct answer. Another way to dissect questions is to think like the question writer. 

Ask yourself this when answering questions:

1. What is the point of the question?
2. What do they want me to do?
3. Which concept do they want me to show?

By asking yourself these questions, you are already answering the exam question. This leads to an increased possibility of you getting the right answer. 

Sometimes USMLE throws in a random question, which can be super difficult. Don’t worry, though; you can use this concept instead:

• Find out the age, sex, history, and ethnicity
• Fully understand the physical examination finding
• Then gather the lab findings
• Make the best answer with the information you got above, even though you’re not sure about it

Study Resources 

Having study resources is vital to help you prepare for the exam. Reddit med students always say you should not get stressed if you use different study resources from others! It’s not the number of resources you use, it’s the ones you choose to use and how you use them.

These are the most high-yield study resources:

• UFAP, which stands for UWorld, First Aid, and Pathoma. 
• Boards and Beyond (BnB) – see our article; Pathoma Vs Boards And Beyond: What’s Best To Use?
• USMLERx
• Sketchy Pharm and Micro

Devise a Study Plan

Having a proper study plan is also important when preparing for the USMLE. It will help you stay organized and track all the topics you need to study.

Use these simple steps to make your study plan:

1. On your calendar, mark your USMLE exam date. 
2. Work out the number of days before the exam. 
3. Organize 3 NBME self-assessments. 
4. Have special days where you take a break, then other days are to study. 

Everyone studies in a different manner! These steps are just to guide you. Make adjustments and additions to your study schedule as needed. 

Track Progress by Doing Practice Exams

Doing self-assessments are key in preparing for the USMLE. These practice exams allow you to predict your score, take a timed exam, and get familiar with the type of questions on the USMLE. 

What you score on these assessments will also give you feedback on how to study and which topics to focus on more. Self-assessment exams are different from practice questions in a question bank. While it is important to do those question banks, you should also replicate the actual USMLE. 

You get two types of self-assessment tools: NBME and UWorld assessments. 

Related: When To Start UWorld (Plus 5 Beginner Tips!)

NBME assessments are like the USMLE, so many Redditers swear by it. They are about 75% of the length of step 1, and they are divided into timed blocks like the actual exam. Recommended ones are 20 to 24. 

UWorld also offers self-assessments, which are 4 blocks of 40 questions and also replicate USMLE questions. Formats can change over time, so always visit the official website to check. Getting good scores on these practice exams will give you good self-esteem and confidence when taking the actual exam.  

Other Tips to Remember When Taking the USMLE Step 1

Redditers also recommend you to make use of flashcards. Flashcards are a good way to learn a lot of information quickly. They allow you to learn stand-alone facts rather than complicated interconnected concepts. They are best to study when you’re on the go too. 

Related: What Is The Best Anki Deck For Step 1?

If you feel like nothing is sticking in your head, stop studying. Redditers know all too well about burnout after studying for 10 hours. Other people may be flexing about how they pulled an all-nighter the whole week, but sometimes it’s not so productive. Don’t worry about your fellow peers and their study timetables. 

If you feel guilty about taking study breaks, break up your study time with other productive tasks, such as exercise. Whatever you choose, you must step away and absorb the knowledge you just learned!

Go through your resources as many times as you need. A general rule among all med students for knowing if you have studied a topic enough is when you can explain the concepts in an interactive conversation. If you’re able to do that, you learned it, but if you struggle, go back to the books!

You should also maintain healthy habits right up till the test day, such as:

1. Eat a balanced meal to support your brain. 
2. Celebrate study wins. 
3. Get a regular sleep schedule. Sleep is VERY important!
4. Don’t study on the day before the exam. 

That last point might come as a shock but dedicate that time to getting yourself ready. Relax and recharge before taking the “beast.” Take care of the last-minute tasks, such as how you’re getting to the test center, snacks, and the weather. 

Don’t forget to go to bed on time!

What is the USMLE Step 1?

It is a computerized examination taken by med students after their 2^nd year of medical school. When you pass this exam, you can begin practicing medicine under supervision. The main purpose of the USMLE Step 1 is to test the understanding of important science concepts. Its now a pass/fail exam.

The exam also tests your application of those concepts in various medical situations. It is 8 hours and contains 280 questions, which are grouped into blocks of 40 questions each. 

This is a very difficult and broad exam that needs A LOT of prep to pass with a good score. 

You must have the right attitude to pass the USMLE Step 1 exam. With a positive mind and organized test preparation, you can easily tackle the exam. 

Related Articles

• 17 Free Medical School Question Banks (Save Money & Level Up!)
• 23 Best Podcasts For Medical Students
• 11 Best Anatomy Apps For Medical Students (Free & Paid!) 

Verosha Govender

Verosha has been involved in creating content in the healthcare niche for 3 years. She has produced various articles dealing with healthcare, from medications to health careers and education. She devotes her time into producing quality articles that will help people improve their health choices. Verosha lives in the sunny city of Durban, South Africa. 

You’ll need a side hustle that accommodates your hectic schedule. There are many ways to make money; each has pros and cons. Some are well-suited for your medical expertise, and others are less stressful or time intensive. 

If you need extra income to pay off loans or to live a better lifestyle, read on. We’ll cover the five best income side hustles you can start. 

How to Make Money in Medical School

Related: 10 Ways To Make Money Online During Medical School

Tutoring

Medical students are highly desirable since they excel in their academic performance. There are many routes you can take. You can tutor undergraduates or high school students, especially in STEM subjects. 

If you excel in the MCAT, you can easily tutor premed students to help them ace the exam. As an MCAT tutor, the hourly rate typically runs between $15 to $150 per hour. The pay varies significantly based on location, online vs. in-person, expertise, and other factors. 

The easiest way to become a tutor is to apply for jobs with test prep companies or sell your services on marketplaces that offer tutoring. 

Facebook groups like this; MCAT/STEM tutoring, are another good idea to join and start advertising services.

You could build a personal brand by offering free tips on a blog, YouTube channel, or social media to attract an audience. Then, you can sell private tutoring sessions to set your own rates and tutoring packages. 

Pros: 

• You have instant credibility as a med student 
• Relatively easy to land a tutoring gig, especially with test-prep companies 
• A great addition to your resume 

Cons: 

• It can be time-intensive, but a few hours of work could earn you big bucks
• Pay varies significantly depending on which route you take. 

Medical Writer 

If you love to write, you can leverage your scientific knowledge as a medical writer. There’s a wide range of content you can write for. This includes health and wellness blogs, pharmaceutical sales training guides, and journal abstracts. You can even write school papers for undergrad students and get paid handsomely for it. 

Medical jobs are available everywhere. You’ll find listings on LinkedIn, Upwork, Fiverr, Craigslist, and other job boards. While there are healthcare institutions that hire full-time writers, becoming a freelancer is your best bet as a med student. 

According to ZipRecruiter, the average medical writer makes $8,463 per month or $49 per hour! That’s more lucrative than most other side hustles would pay you. 

We’re also constantly looking for writers on this blog. Check out our about page and send an email if you’re interested!

Pros: 

• Get to set your own hours as a freelance medical writer 
• Allows you to take advantage of your existing passion and knowledge for health and wellness. 
• Plenty of opportunities available online
• Medical writers tend to get paid more than other types of writers. 

Cons: 

• It can take a lot of time 
• Not suited for students who don’t like to write 

Medical School Admissions Consultant 

As someone who has already gone through the admissions process, you’d be a great fit to become an admissions consultant. You’ll help students optimize their applications. This may entail refining their personal statement and essay and improving their interview skills. 

The best way to land a job as a consultant is to work for an established, reputable company. Typically, these jobs are flexible, and you can take on as many students as your schedule allows. 

Related: Business Ideas For Medical Students (10 Examples)

You may want to consider becoming a private medical school admissions consultant. This allows you to keep all the profits and charge your own rates. You’re only getting a small fraction of what the customer pays by working for an employer. 

However, you’ll need to create a personal brand, network with students, and find ways to attract clients. 

Pros: 

• Consulting is less intensive compared to writing or tutoring 
• Can set your own schedule 
• Satisfaction of helping other fellow med students 

Cons: 

• Admissions consultants aren’t the best-paying job 

Drive for Uber or Lyft

If you’re exhausted from your studies, you may want to earn income without all the stress of having to do more work. 

There are not many jobs out that are more flexible and easier than driving for Uber or Lyft. You only need a driver’s license, a clean driving record, valid insurance, and a four-door vehicle. Your job will be to pick up riders and drop them off at their desired destination. 

While both companies have made bold proclamations about making $25 to $35 per hour, this largely depends on where you live. The average Uber driver in Atlanta only makes $17 per hour or $3,266 per month. 

Pros: 

• Very easy gig to do 
• Allow you to work as little or as much as you want 

Cons:

• Need a car for this gig since leasing or renting one wouldn’t be worth it
• Pay isn’t the best compared to the options mentioned.

Host on Airbnb

Does your apartment have a spare room? Hosting an Airbnb space require renting or subletting your place to someone for a set period. 

Whether it’s a private wing with its entrance, an entire home, or even a single room that shares your bathroom, these are all great options to host an Airbnb. 

There are so many advantages to hosting Airbnb. While it does take some upfront work to set up, you can receive passive income. You can possibly earn hundreds or thousands of dollars monthly without doing any labor. 

However, you will have to get permission from your landlord. Also, you’ll want to freshen up your place, add amenities, and install privacy features to make the experience comforting for guests. 

Pros: 

• Ability to earn passive income 
• It doesn’t interfere with your schedule 
• Meet new people if they’re staying in your home

Cons:

• High barrier to entry, since you need extra space and permission from the landlord
• Requires an upfront investment such as clean sheets, towels, bedding, keyless lock, etc. 

Scholarship

One of the easiest methods to make money in medical school without work is to land scholarships. Rather than working a job to pay off your loans and tuition, scholarships give you access to free money so that you won’t need to repay after graduation. 

Some scholarships like the National Health Services Corp offer a monthly stipend to pay for your living expenses. This scholarship is available to medical students pursuing a career as primary care physicians. 

There are all kinds of scholarships out there. For example, there are scholarships for minorities or students specializing in specific fields. There are many smaller scholarships and grants, so do your research and find the best options based on your circumstance. 

Pros: 

• Free money that you don’t have to work for
• Can cut down your med school tuition
• So many unique scholarships to cater to your specific situation

Cons: 

• Not many scholarships will offer a monthly stipend to cover your living expenses. 
• Requires upfront work to apply to them

Related Articles

• Do Med Students Get Paid?
• Can You Go To Medical School While Working Full-Time?

Will

Born and raised in the UK, Will went into medicine late (31) after a career in journalism. He’s into football (soccer), learned Spanish after 5 years in Spain, and has had his work published all over the web. Read more.

willpeachmd.com

In this article, we’ll be giving you some tips and examples of what to wear at your white coat ceremony.

If you follow these hints when choosing your outfit, you’ll feel comfortable, and confident and have no trouble commanding attention for all the right reasons.

What To Wear at Your White Coat Ceremony

You’ll want to dress to impress under your white coat, of course, but you should also remember that medicine is quite a conservative field. Most universities advise their students to go for a “business casual” outfit, an intermediate style between casual and business formal.

Related: Medical Student Attire (The Ultimate Guide On What To Wear In Med School)

If you have no idea what these words mean, there’s nothing to worry about! We’ll be giving you some general tips that you can apply when shopping for your white coat ceremony outfit. We’ll also be providing a few examples of different styles for both women and men. 

General Tips

Here are a few foolproof tips that you should take into consideration before choosing an outfit for the white coat ceremony:

• Keep it Classy. Business casual can roughly translate to presentable and professional-looking dresses/outfit combinations for the women and dress slacks paired with button-down shirts for the men. Avoid anything that looks and feels sloppy, baggy, skin-tight, and too short.
• No Short Skirts. Ladies, make sure your skirts/dresses are no shorter than a few inches above the knee. You don’t want it to look like you’re not wearing anything underneath your white coat.
• Comfort and Confidence. These ceremonies are usually lengthy, and you’ll be taking several pictures with family, friends, and classmates. Make sure you’re dressed comfortably yet still feeling confident in what you’re wearing.
• Stay Away from White. There’s no rule forbidding you to wear a white outfit to the ceremony however, covering a white outfit with a white coat might be too much. There are many fun colors, prints, and patterns to choose from.
• Minimal Accessories. If your outfit is simple, you can make it more interesting with the right accessories. Just make sure they’re minimal and tasteful. Women should also opt for closed-toe shoes.

Styles for Women

Women can choose between many different appropriate styles for their white coat ceremony. Depending on their tastes in fashion and what they feel comfortable using, they can wear dresses, pantsuits, or even pair a nice blouse with a skirt or pants.

Dress

Women should opt for dress styles that fit well underneath the white coat. Avoid dresses with too much volume and try choosing something that flatters your silhouette. Sheath dresses, wrap dresses, and fit and flare dresses are always good options.

Dark colors always look professional, but you can also experiment with pastels, jewel-toned colors, and even subtle prints and patterns. Remember to keep your dress at a length no higher than a few inches above the knee, and don’t forget to watch out for the neckline.

Pantsuit

Some women might feel more comfortable and empowered in a pantsuit, which is also a great style option for the white coat ceremony. Choose an outfit that’s well-fitted to your body. If you choose to wear pants try going for a slim fit and if you’re going for a skirt, a pencil skirt will always look flattering under your white coat.

Blouse with Skirt/Pants

It might also be fun to match individual pieces and pair a nice blouse with a skirt or pants. A good chiffon blouse always pairs up nicely with a pencil skirt or well-fitted pants. If you go for subtle-colored bottoms you can play around with the color and style of the blouse, and vice-versa.

Styles for Men

You might think that a white coat ceremony requires men to wear a full suit, but that’s not necessarily true. Most male students actually skip the suit jacket because it’s not very comfortable wearing it under the white coat. 

You want to be able to endure the entire ceremony and still look great for your pictures. Wearing a full suit under your white coat might leave you sweating and that is never a good look on anyone on these occasions.

Dress Slacks with Button-Down Shirt

This is by far the best outfit choice for men. You can never go wrong when pairing some tailored dress slacks with a dress shirt or a smart button-down shirt. Color-wise you can play with dark colors, like navy blue and black, or even go for lighter colors like greys and tans. With this combo, you’ll always look classic and clean.

What Is a White Coat Ceremony?

The white coat ceremony is quite a recent event that marks the moment in which incoming first-year students take their first steps in their profession, by donning their first white coat. All medicine and healthcare students go through this rite of passage.

This is where they also swear the Hippocratic Oath, in which they promise to take care of their patients while always following ethical codes. Friends and family are usually present to commemorate the occasion and present the student with a token (like a piece of equipment such as a stethoscope).

Check out the video below for more on what goes on at a white coat ceremony…

What Does the White Coat Symbolize?

The white coat that first-year students wear during the ceremony is a symbol of the professionalism and commitment they’re having towards their future careers as surgeons and physicians. It is also something that distinguishes them from other medical professionals who don’t use a white coat, traditionally.

For the white coat ceremony, students wear a shorter version of the white coat, and not the full-length lab coat. This is also a way to represent that these students are only at the beginning of their journeys in the medical field, taking their first steps to become doctors, nurses, veterinaries, pharmacists, or any other type of medical professional.

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Raquel Santos

Raquel is a content writer with extensive experience in writing, education, and tech. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and a Master’s Degree in Forensic Genetics, both from Porto University. She also has a certificate in Writing in Science from Stanford University and Coursera.

In this article we’ll take a look at some of the important do’s and don’ts involved when it comes to crafting the perfect med student email signature.

Medical Student Email Signatures: 5 Quick Tips

You really shouldn’t sweat the details too much when it comes to your med student email signature. It’s really not that important in the grand scheme of things. Especially when compared to most other commitments in med school.

Here are 5 quick tips that you might want to think about, however:

1. Look At Your School “Brand Standards”

If you’re stuck for guidance, take a look at your med school “brand standards” information. You can usually find this on some area of their main website or guidance information. The directions here will tell you the best practices for crafting a professional email signature.

Take a look at this page from Johns Hopkins Medicine for example. Here you’ll see directions on what they expect from their representatives when it comes to email sign-offs. They’ve also got a cool email signature maker too.

The important thing to remember is that you’re an ambassador of your med school. Create a signature they’d be happy with.

2. Ask Physicians In Your UME Office

If your med school doesn’t have anything to refer to when it comes to making an email signature then ask the physicians or staff in your university’s medical education office. 

See what they have to say in terms of what to include (and what not to include). 

3. MD Candidate Vs Year of Study Vs Graduating Class

There’s a lot of debate among med students as to whether it’s right to include “MD Candidate” in an email signature. Technically speaking, it’s not. “Candidate” is reserved for Ph.D. students.

But some med schools might ask you to include it.

Most students agree that it’s better to have your year of study or graduating class year in place instead. This is because the former can sound a little pretentious.

Just because you see your classmates doing it doesn’t mean you should copy them!

4. Only Use Your Email Signature Formally

There’s really no need to include your signature on all your outgoing emails. That’s just overkill. Keep the use of it for when you’re contacting people on a formal basis.

Otherwise, just sign off with your first name.

Establish context (who you are, what you’re enquiring about) in the first paragraph if you can.

5. Keep It Simple

Here are a few things you definitely don’t need to include on your med student email signature:

1. Your MCAT score
2. Your GPA
3. Your Step scores
4. Any med school or med student-related quotes
5. Any future statement of ambition (“future cardiac surgeon” etc)

That’ll just come across as arrogant.

Related: Why Are Medical Students So Arrogant?

Instead, keep things simple. Have both your names. Your year of study/graduating year. Then your University.

Nothing else.

Why Do Med Students Need An Email Signature?

The main reason med students might need an email signature is for etiquette. Having one lets people know who they’re being contacted by and in what context.

Other reasons a signature can be useful include:

• Reaching out to people about research opportunities
• Contacting the press or members of the public
• Contacting professors or faculty staff

Having a signature for the email recipient to refer to just adds a look of professionality to your message. This increases your chance of being responded to in a positive manner.

How Should A Pre-med’s Email Signature Look?

It’s probably not necessary for a premed to use email signatures. In the case they do want to line up things like work experience, shadowing, or research opportunities though, a good one won’t do any harm.

Related: Do Medical Schools Actually Verify Activities (7 Important Answers)

Again, keep it simple. Just have your name, your class year, and your current University’s name (if you’re studying at one). Otherwise, just your name and a brief opening sentence on the context should do just fine.

How Should A Resident’s Email Signature Look?

Residents are out of school and already working in hospitals or clinics. For that reason, their email signatures might be a little more important. Especially as they’re likely dealing with patients or plenty of people outside their institution of work.

Of course, the same rules apply. The best resident email signatures are simple; having only their name, residency program and hospital name included.

Final Thoughts

Taking the time to set up a professional email signature doesn’t take long. Just like setting up a LinkedIn profile, med students can benefit from the formality and look of professionalism a good one brings.

Image Credit – @hostreviews at Unsplash

Will

Born and raised in the UK, Will went into medicine late (31) after a career in journalism. He’s into football (soccer), learned Spanish after 5 years in Spain, and has had his work published all over the web. Read more.

willpeachmd.com

Here’s How Hard It Is To Get Into Harvard Medical School…

Harvard Medical School (HMS) is exceptionally hard to get into. Not only is its 3.35% admission rate, 3.9 average GPA, and 520 average MCAT hard to get the best of, but Harvard’s also unclear on exactly what else it wants to see from successful applicants. Fantastic research credentials are one assumption but the picture is far from clear.

So in this article, we’ll go a little deeper into the mysteries of HMS’s admissions and discuss just how hard we feel it is and whether (or not) it’s worth your time applying.

Here’s what else you’ll learn:

• If Harvard Medical School is actually hard to get into
• What people say about the process
• If it’s easier for males, females, or students from underrepresented backgrounds
• If it’s worth your time applying

As a med student who didn’t get into a top-tier school, I understand how tough it is to pursue the dream of becoming a doctor. So I hope to add some interesting discussion to the topic!

Ready to get started? Let’s go.

Is Harvard Medical School (Actually) That Hard To Get Into?

2020’s data shows that of the 6,708 applicants that applied to Harvard Med, only 234 got accepted (with 798 interviews). That’s a low acceptance rate, but actually not the lowest in the US (that honor goes to Florida State University’s College of Medicine at 2.1%)

In fact, by comparison, HMS is not even in the top 10 schools with the lowest acceptance rate inside of the country (Source).

So does that mean that Harvard med is actually easier to get into compared to the other schools on this list? Unfortunately not!

Acceptance rates only reflect the number of admissions compared to the number of available places – FSU has fewer applicants but also fewer places.

That’s why in Harvards’ case, despite the ratio looking better than many other med schools, it’s no indicator that it’s any “easier” to get into. It just means that fewer people apply.

Just as a rock-solid GPA (HMS’ average being 3.9) and a high MCAT score offer no guarantee of getting in, Harvard’s acceptance rate doesn’t tell the full story about the difficulty of its admissions process either.

The truth is how “hard” Harvard med actually is, at least in terms of gaining acceptance to, is something of a mystery.

On the one hand, we have the data and prerequisites given by the school (more on this later). On the other, we have invisible criteria set by their admissions committee.

It’s only the actual testimony and examples of HMS’s current (and previous) medical students – as well as those rejected – that can really help answer the question.

Why Harvard Medical School Is Hard To Get Into (What Harvard Med Students Tell Us)

Here’s what international medical student (and YouTuber) Crazy Medusa says makes getting into HMS difficult…

To summarize, here are the key points:

1. NOT having an undergraduate degree from a US College

Getting into HMS as an international student is significantly more difficult. There are fewer places available, your publications and extracurriculars are less easily recognized and you’re competing with a much broader subset of people.

2. Having no defined GPA score (or a specified minimum cut-off)

Although it’s easy to estimate an average GPA from its matriculants, the school itself doesn’t actually state what the minimum cut-off is that they’ll accept. That means that there could be a slim chance for individuals under the average but that they’ll probably be put off applying due to the publicized average.

3. Having no defined MCAT score (or a specified minimum cut-off)

The same goes for the MCAT (the exam you’ll need to sit as a hopeful pre-med).

4. Attempting to afford the big tuition fee

With the average tuition and fees coming out at just over $65,000 for each academic year, actually affording HMS in the first place is a significant barrier to entry.

5. Not knowing “how to stand out” on an application

The lack of clarity on what exactly the Adcoms at Harvard med most value is another thing that makes gauging how well your chances are of gaining acceptance, inherently difficult. We’ll go into this more later!

6. Not fully understanding what extracurriculars (hours, types etc.) they favor

Harvard doesn’t give much guidance as to the number of hours or exact type of EC’s they value. It’s only through an assumption (and looking at the extracurriculars pursued by alumni and existing faculty) that we can get a rough idea. And things might have changed a lot by the time you get down to applying.

So, as you can see, there are far more unknowns than knowns when it comes to understanding what you have to do to get in!

That makes the whole acceptance process even more difficult.

What Can Make Getting Into Harvard Medical School Easier?

Besides scoring as high as you can on the MCAT and at undergrad, then meeting all the course prereqs (we cover all of these at the end), what else can you do to make getting into HMS easier?

The information Harvard actually gives is pretty generic (and the same for most med schools).

Here are a few snippets…

1. Harvard Medical School looks for demonstrated academic rigor, excellence, and achievement.
2. Harvard Medical School looks for commitment to altruism.
3. Harvard looks for leadership.
4. Harvard looks for specialized clinical and research experience.

Note: these are all listed as “selection factors” on Harvard’s main website (Source).

Any pre-med applicant will already be aware that they’ll have to satisfy all of these factors, but that last point is considered (by many) to be strongly weighted by Harvard’s admissions committee.

One theory on why many applications go wrong?

They focus too much on meeting grade expectations and common extracurriculars, and not enough on published research.

Because Harvard Medical School is #1 ranked in the country for its research (8 places above its primary care ranking (Source)), there could be potential favoritism at stake.

Students with exceptional research credentials, with work published in reputable journals, may stand a better chance.

Related: What Counts As Research Experience For Medical School? (Explained)

So perhaps don’t squander an application targeting it to primary care only.

How You Can Improve Your Chance of Making it into Harvard Medicine

Here’s another take on how “hard” it is to get into Harvard Med (and what you can do to make things easier). This time from an American student!

There are several good pointers here that can help you think about what you can do to improve your chances…

In brief, here are Daniel Gabriel’s tips:

1. Reach out to current Harvard Medical students and ask them what they did to get in (then emulate them)
2. Focus on only one or two things you’re truly passionate about (rather than a bunch of superficial ones)
3. Build your application around what makes you unique and special
4. Put yourself in the shoes of the admissions team, ask yourself what you’d like to see from an applicant

One of the big things Daniel mentions is community leadership. One of the big ways pre-meds can get involved in projects like this is through volunteering.

But I’d argue letters of recommendation (LOR’s) can also make a big difference.

If you can get one from an esteemed and well-known individual, it could definitely help catch the eye.

Pathways Track Vs Health Sciences & Technology (HST) Track

Understanding the application process, and exactly what HMS offers, is another way prospective students can help make things a little easier.

The Pathways Track has more spaces (135) for students than HST (33), with the former also being more clinically focused.

As we’ve already mentioned, HMS is a research-heavy school. For that reason, even if you only intend on applying for Pathways, it might not be a bad idea to still try and get some research experience.

Knowing you can offer something in that area, on top of having a depth of clinical experience, is something that could potentially appeal.

Either way, make sure you understand both of these tracks and exactly what it is they offer.

Don’t get caught out right away because of your failure to pay attention to detail.

Will It Help If I’m From A Background Underrepresented in Medicine?

21% of Harvard’s 2020 admissions came from backgrounds underrepresented in medicine. That’s a large proportion!

As to whether being in this situation can make getting into the school any easier? It’s complicated to say.

You’ll still have to match all the prereqs and get killer grades to even be considered, but it’s also good to know that the school is actively looking to help students that many other schools may overlook.

Is It Easier If You’re Female?

Curiously, 60% of 2020’s admissions to Harvard Med were female. That’s 4% above the national average gender ratio for U.S. Colleges (Source).

As for whether this means it’s easier to get into HMS if you’re a female, it’s really hard to say.

4% above the normal average is too close to make that assumption.

So, Is It Worth Applying?

Clearly, this decision will be entirely down to you and whether you feel you can overcome the difficulties (and uncertainties) of applying.

If you’ve got your heart set on Harvard Medical School then you better make sure you match all the prereqs and do your utmost to push that GPA and MCAT score as high as you can.

Doing so opens the first door to getting in; impressing enough with your academic record so that HMS’s admissions will take a further look at everything else.

If you fail that first part, the energy you spend working hard on leveling up other aspects of your application just might not be worth it.

Either way, before applying, you absolutely need to familiarize yourself with every inch of the application process.

Final Thoughts

Based on my research and the points in this discussion, here’s what I feel is the takeaway summary.

Getting into Harvard Medical School is exceptionally hard. While you obviously have to be academically excellent, you also need something unique and special to help you stand out. Because it’s not clear exactly what that is; the process is only even harder!

Something that influences this viewpoint is reading several personal accounts from applicants who seemingly do everything right (even completing published research at the school itself) and still don’t get in.

I went to MIT and graduated in 3.5 years. I had research done at Harvard Medical School and published with me as the primary researcher. My GPA was 3.87, with recommendations from the Chairman of the Massachusetts medical society, my research adviser, my guidance counselor, and professors in chemistry and physiology. My MCAT’s were near perfect… I was not accepted. I was accepted at multiple medical schools but not the one where I had done 750 hours of research.

(Source)

To them, the mystery of exactly what it is you need to do is even more frustrating!

But although I don’t know the exact reasons why HMS is so hard to get admitted to – but am pretty sure it’s not things like the school favoring its own undergrads, or being biased towards “more diverse” students, or accepting admissions based on the sizeable donations of parents, etc – I do understand any reason they have for making it so.

At the end of the day, the school wants exceptional students to train to become doctors.

And it’s up to them to define that.

Any confusion over what you should or shouldn’t do (in your attempt to get in) should simply be treated like another test.

Yes, it might be the “hardest” one of all (because it’s so unclear). But it’s also not impossible.

The successful students in this discussion are a case in point!

Related Questions

Many of these questions are answered in accordance to the data published by Admissions at a Glance, Harvard Medical School’s Class of 2024.

What Prerequisites Do I Have To Meet To Get Into Harvard Medical School?

HMS’s course prerequisites are made clear on this page.

You’ll need:

• Behavioral Sciences
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Math
• Writing

What Undergraduate Degree Does Harvard Medical School Prefer?

Harvard Medical School states no preference. 70% of the class of 2024 are science degree majors.

What is the Average GPA of Harvard Medical School?

3.9

What is the Average MCAT of Harvard Medical School?

1. BBFL 130.22
2. CARS 128.9
3. CPBS 130.29
4. PSBB 130.41

Total: 519.82

What is the Age Range of Accepted Students to Harvard Medical School?

20-34

What is the Acceptance Rate at Harvard Medical School for International Students?

Harvard Medical School hasn’t released the actual data here. But here’s what their official line is on their website…

While we do accept applications from students with international educational backgrounds, candidates with degrees from accredited institutions in the US and Canada are strongly preferred. Students are required to complete at least three years of college work and a baccalaureate degree prior to matriculation.

It’s probably sensible to assume, based on that, it’s less than the 3.35% acceptance rate given for all admissions.

Only 6 countries other than the U.S. made up admissions for 2020.

Will

Born and raised in the UK, Will went into medicine late (31) after a career in journalism. He’s into football (soccer), learned Spanish after 5 years in Spain, and has had his work published all over the web. Read more.

willpeachmd.com

So, are Littman stethoscopes worth it?

Yes, Littman stethoscopes are worth it. You get what you pay for in quality. They’re robust, beautifully designed and extremely professional. There’s a reason most hospital/clinic staff use them; they’re the most durable stethoscope brand out there.

But they’re also super expensive. And probably only necessary for individuals who know they’ll get a lot of use out of them.

In this article we’ll go a little deeper into the debate.

We’ll cover:

• The main reasons to buy Littman
• Cheap (but decent quality) alternatives
• Why Littman is so expensive (and how you can tell the difference between real vs fake)
• Who they’re best for

As a med student who’s familiar with the brand but opted for another model, I know the pros and cons well. Money is precious, you need to make sure you get what’s right!

Ready to learn more about this iconic stethoscope brand? Let’s dive in.

Reasons to buy Littman

The best reasons to buy Littman (over other brands) include:

1. Precision

Performing a chest examination is hugely important when generally examining patients. Stethoscopes play a key role in helping identify chest sounds associated with the heart and lungs. That’s why precision is crucial.

Littman produce some of the most accurate models available (up to 4 times louder than most other brands). The bell (the part applied to the chest) is solid and finely machine cut. The tubing (the part carrying the sound to the ears) is some of the highest quality around.

The tunable diaphragm feature (on most models), makes it easy to amplify sounds just by adjusting the chest piece.

2. Durability

A stethoscope is something you’re likely to keep with you for years of your education and career. It’s something personal to you. Used (hopefully) only by you.

With a Littman you make that investment once and you get a stethoscope that lasts years.

The double-layered next-gen tubing is resistant to most chemicals and skin oils while being environmentally friendly and latex free at the same time.

3. Quality

Littman eartubes are made up of aerospace aluminium alloy, a premium material you’re unlikely to find in most other stethoscope brands. The strength of this material combines to make them light weight and portable.

Littman rest very comfortably around the neck!

4. Customization

You’ll already likely know about Littman’s prestige but the fact that most come engraved (at your request) helps take them to another level.

Related: 24 Stethoscope Engraving Ideas (Funny, Ironic, Inspiring And More!)

The fact you can convert closed bells to traditional open bells (making it super easy to use on pediatric or smaller patients) and, with tiny adjustments, dampen or tighten the headset pressure (with a simple squeeze), also sets the brand apart.

Is the 3M Littmann Classic III stethoscope the best?

The Classic III model is perhaps considered the gold standard of all Littman stethoscopes.

Here’s why:

• Great value (retails anywhere between $90-150)
• Customizable chest pieces and tube colors (allows you to mix and match)
• Single piece diaphragm makes it easy to clean (compared to earlier models)
• Multiple year warranty (something you definitely don’t get with many other brands)

Obviously the Classic III has all the typical features of a Littman described above too.

What’s bad about Littman?

Of course you have to balance out all the good things about Littman as a brand with some of the criticisms. Only that way can we really know for sure if it’s worth investing in.

Here are the common criticisms when it comes to Littman:Expense:

1. Expense

Littman’s powerful marketing allows it to be priced a little higher than other, similar quality brands (think about it as the Apple of stethoscopes).

For many, it’s just a fashion statement.

2. Risk of theft

With expense comes the risk of theft. Although there are strategic ways to prevent this (via engraving, carry cases and stethoscope tags etc.) they do incur an extra cost.

3. Lack of “try before you buy”

One possible con (although it’s not exclusive to Littman) is that using a stethoscope is a pretty personal thing. Everyone will have their own preferences when it comes to weight, earpieces, tubing and the way it sits around your neck as you work/study.

The fact that you can’t really “try before you buy” when it comes to Littman, could make it an expensive mistake.

Note: that’s why I always recommend looking at medical supply stores in person first (before buying something expensive like a stethoscope).

3 cheap (yet good quality) Littman alternatives

As for some decent Littman alternatives that won’t break the bank but are still high quality enough to be worth a look, here are a few useful suggestions.

MDF

MDF is the brand I went for when I chose my stethoscope for med school. Although they’ve been in the stethoscope game a shorter time than Littman (1971 compared to the 1960’s), they’re definitely not far behind in terms of R&D.

Where they definitely have Littman beat is price. MDF’s models are often half the price but just as customizable and neat-looking.

Check prices on Amazon.

FriCare

FriCare, in my opinion, create some of the most beautiful stethoscopes around. I’ve lost count of the amount of nurses I’ve seen on my rounds rocking these. The premium models are a lot cheaper than Littman too!

Check prices on Amazon.

EverOne

EverOne is another brand that makes stethoscopes very similar to Littman but at significantly cheaper prices. Like the former, they have similar features; dual lumen tubing, stainless steel chest pieces and non-chill rims (making them warm to the touch for patients).

Check prices on Amazon.

Why are Littmann stethoscopes so expensive?

As mentioned before, you tend to get what you pay for with Littman. Their premium materials; non-latex tubing and alloy aluminium, jack up the price.

This is also the reason why Littman’s last longer than your bargain basement stethoscopes though. Especially those using cheap plastic tubing and corrosive, cheaper metals that are prone to bend and snap.

The types of stethoscopes your patients are unlikely to want to be examined with!

Where is the cheapest place to buy Littman stethoscopes?

The cheapest places I’ve seen online that you can buy Littman stethoscopes include:

• Medisave (ranging from $100-200)
• Allheart (ranging from $60-300)

As I said before, it’s a good idea to check the models out in a physical medical supply store first before buying!

How can I tell if my Littmann is real?

Possibly the biggest giveaway between a fake and a real Littman is the tubing. Fake ones tend to use cheaper single-layered rubber (usually latex).

Another thing to look at is the earpiece. If yours is hard and not malleable to the touch, it’s likely not a genuine Littman.

The diaphragm (bell) should be shiny with the Littman logo clearly visible.

Here’s a good breakdown on what else to look for…

Who are Littman’s best for?

Littman’s are definitely best for doctors, nurses and respective students. People who will be examining (or practicing) patients on a daily basis.

Personally I can’t see the expense of them being justified if that’s not something you’re doing.

But you also need to ensure you have the budget for this top of the range brand too. Only go for Littman if you’ve done your research, found and tried out a model you like the look of and are sure you can’t find a well-suiting cheaper alternative.

As you’ll see from my recommendations, I’m definitely not in the “best must be the most expensive” camp!

Do first year healthcare students/med students even need a stethoscope?

I’d say definitely no! Your first couple of years studying involve learning pre-clinical (theoretical) topics with little to no practice on patients.

It’s pointless getting something as expensive as a Littman at this point in your healthcare career.

Summary

Littman makes exceptional quality stethoscopes that are probably the best around. But they do come at a price.

Unless you know you can afford it and definitely want the prestige and comfort of a Littman, then it could be beneficial to look at some of the cheaper (yet still reliable) alternative brands recommended in this article.

If you enjoyed this article you might find the following useful:

• What To Buy Before Starting Medical School (5 Essentials)

Will

Born and raised in the UK, Will went into medicine late (31) after a career in journalism. He’s into football (soccer), learned Spanish after 5 years in Spain, and has had his work published all over the web. Read more.

willpeachmd.com