Thread: Microscopes

Hey gang!
I'm still looking into purchasing my own scope in the US and lugging it with me to SXM. Are there any special considerations I may need to be aware of (i.e. special taxes, duties, etc.) Will I have any other problems by doing so?
Aloha,

Hi all!

Just to show a bit of ignorance, why would you need a scope for residency? Wouldn't you be using the pathology department equipment for any slide work?

Also, if you were to need a nice scope for residency, wouldn't it be a better idea to get by with a cheap-o now and get the really nice one when 1) you won't have to risk transport, and 2) can use it as a tax deduction?

Just curious!

c

SteijenBrat, you make some good points!
If you are in a pathology residency, you'd be using their scopes at the hospital/facility to diagnose/sign out cases. Some of the pathologists I know have their own personal microscopes at home and use them for continuing education or for pondering that oh-so-difficult to classify case. If I do end up pursuing pathology, I'd certainly want to do the same.
In regards to bringing my own scope to SXM, yes, it may be more trouble than it's worth. As you mentioned, it poses a definite risk to travel with such a delicate instrument, especially from Hawaii to SXM, then to the east coast (or perhaps the UK?) for clinicals, then back home (wherever that will be!), not to mention the freight charges, duties, taxes, etc.
It may be cheaper to save now on a used scope and splurge later, however I think I may have a few good deals (too good to pass up!) lined up. I am also pretty spoiled when it comes to microscopes, having had the privilege to work with some high-quality units, so bringing my own is a personal thing, I guess. I must admit that I am concerned about parts should the need arise (I don't suppose I could go to the local SXM Nikon microscope wholesale outlet store, could I?), I would be up the proverbial creek without a paddle. Anyone out there with more experience with this?
Finally, I think that if I truly didn't need (or want) the microscope in the future, I could almost certainly sell it and make most of the money back in the process. In any event, almost any scope I get my hands on would be an upgrade from the one I currently have!
Aloha,

Jon,
I'll have to agree with you that it's difficult going back to a lower quality microscope that you have been using for quite some time. I too was spoiled(in terms of microscopes) and now use a crappy Wal-Mart kind of brand in my Anatomy and Physiology class. It's like driving a Mercedes-Benz and having to swap for a Pinto. It just doesn't feel right.

As for coming out ahead in the long run(you're right, SB), good microscopes are frills just like that extra 0.2 GHz in your computers. You know you don't need that extra bit but it's something you gotta have.

I would love to do pathology if only the job had more patient contact/care but alas, as they say: "Pathologists are the doctor's doctor." (I think the same saying applies to Radiologists).


*Searching for that ONE neurofibrillary tangle in a cloud of normal neurons and glial cells....* <=== I really have no life

Hi microphage,
I suppose the amount of patient contact as a pathologist is really up to themselves. I know there are some out there that perform their own procedures (i.e. bone marrow aspirations, fine-needle aspirates, etc.) however this seems to be largely indvidual. I, too, would love to have more patient contact (the live kind), but pathologists do have that option if they so choose!

Neurofibrillary tangle? What's that?! I forget...must be my early-onset dementia!

Aloha,