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Promoting the Physician Assistant profession in the UK since 2005

Medical Equipment

The Stethoscope

The stethoscope is an essential piece of medical equipment for anyone embarking on a career in medicine. It will not only see you through your training but the vast majority of your career. It is therefore worth taking the time to research which one is best for you. It is also worth investing in a good one, to cut corners when buying such a fundamental piece of medical equipment is misguided and short-sighted.

This is not to say it will cost you the earth.

Littmann Stethoscopes remain the market leader. They receive great reviews from GPs, Nurses, Cardiologists and Medical students alike and come with a 5 year warranty! A wide range of models are on offer but the majority of students invest in the Cardiology III. This model has the advantage of being able to convert the pediatric side of the chest piece into a traditional bell by simply replacing the diaphragm with the non-chill bell sleeve (which is included with each stethoscope).

In searching for a stethoscope you are sure to stumble across electronic stethoscopes. Experts urge medical students to avoid electronic stethoscopes until they have become familiar and competent using the traditional stethoscope.

Other useful pieces of medical equipment

  • Pen torch
  • Patellar hammer
  • Blood pressure cuff
  • Fundoscope and auroscope

 

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