Things you DONT need to bring

[currentstudent]

Kirst wrote:

Below is a list of equipments listed in the admission booklet:
-Dissecting kit
-Gloves
-Lab coats
-Scrubs
-Stethoscope
-Ophthalmoscope
-Sphygnomanometer
-Stationaries
-110v-220v voltage transformer for electronics

I would also recommend you stock up on prescription drugs, specific toiletry items, reflex hammer, flashlight, bug repellent, basic electronics, etc.

There's a dress code, so be sure to bring along professional wear that are easy to wash and hang dry, sun light resistent. Beachwear is not allowed.

PEOPLE!!!!!!!!! this is very important!!!!......it is not necessary to bring a sphygnomanometer, Opthalmoscope, Stethascope, Lab Coats, or a Dissecting kit......you do not really need scrubs either unless you want them(they are very comfortable especially in this HEAT).....The school provides you with the dissecting supplies, lab coats, and gloves.....The stethascope and stuff will be provided for you in fourth tri during your physical diagnosis class so SAVE YOUR MONEY and dont buy these things!......It is not totally proffestional attire!.....you are allowed to wear shorts and T-shirts.....just no bikinis and muscle shirts!....A reflex hammer is also not required!.....When the equiptment is required the school will provide them for you to use!!!!![/quote]

[psinha]

Thanks for the info i was gettinga little worried about bringing that stuff down there!

~Prity

[emerson24]

I was going to post something along the same lines. However, I was a bit tenative because I didn't know the details of what was mentioned. I was just going to say that if you didn't get yours, don't stress because you can use someone elses. That's not to say just blow it off b/c someone else will have it, but if for some reason the store is out, money is a major issue :roll: One can argue the cost of a few items though, but whatever, or if you can't find it etc. What I do know is that you WILL use it for PE (physical exam) and once you pass HEENT (head eyes ears nose throat), your otoscope(ears)/opthalmoscope(eyes) which is combined in one tool, will not ever be used again, unless you use it on your CSA exam which I would imagine you will need it. I can't say for sure as I haven't been there and know if they provide. But it's not a bad thing to have anyhow, mine was a bit of cost. And I also didn't find it in storage so I will be one of those without. I spent around 150-225 for mine. Therefore, I'm not buying another one when I'll find it some other day. But if your friend ever has an earache or whatever, it's not a bad gadget to have around. You can tell them they have ottitus media (inner ear infection) and you'll be a star :wink: Well, anyhow, if you don't have it, don't stress. Now, if we get their and we need it, we know who to go after :P :lol:

Thanks for the info Current.

EDIT: As I think about it, I would definately get a stethoscope, you will need that for rotations. Don't put yourself in a situation where you don't have it when it's time to go, you WILL need it. Plus, you'll like the feeling of having it around your neck. Kinda makes you feel like a doc. Hey, it's cool at first. I thought so. It's allllll good Feel excited :D

EDIT EDIT: I disagree now, i would get it all, with the exception of the gloves.

Scrubs- light weight, comfortable, easy on and off. They'll be your best friend. Trust me.
Oto/Opth- already discussed.
Reflex hammer-don't look stupid when you're on a rotation and you don't have one. You will at one point need one. Doc says, you got a hammer? UHH NO! Not good. Unprepared. BAD BAD BAD
Lab coat- what are you going to wear on rotations ? I would get one short length, with my first and last name on it over the left side.

Sorry, current, but I big time disagree. I've been on rotations, and I know the game. Nothing more nothing less. Just my 2cents

[psinha]

Thanks for the input Chris, by the way when did you say you were getting in? With all the bantering going on between you and all the other forum frequenters i lost track. I'll be coming in on the 26th with my dad. I want to make sure that i get a safe, reliable, comfortable place....not to mention my dad is a pretty vicious go-getter. Hope all is well! See everyone on the island!

~Prity

P.S. that day is getting closer and closer!

[emerson24]

Thanks for the input Chris, by the way when did you say you were getting in? With all the bantering going on between you and all the other forum frequenters i lost track. I'll be coming in on the 26th with my dad. I want to make sure that i get a safe, reliable, comfortable place....not to mention my dad is a pretty vicious go-getter. Hope all is well! See everyone on the island!

~Prity

P.S. that day is getting closer and closer!

Bantering...Yeeees, now that's one that you don't hear often :wink:

I'm arriving the 27th, with myself. I'm just vicious...don't know too much about the go-getter part though :lol: JK

I haven't really even thougth about where to stay really, as they provide four names and I don't see Vieux Fort being "booked" solid :lol:

Kirst is arriving on the 27th too. She's like two hours behind me.

Chris

EDIT:


I just talked to someone whom as I know it to be is a reputable source and has provided me with some helpful insight to the school. They feel that the Kimitri hotel is in blunt terms "a dump", the restaurant is horrible (+mosquitos) and not worth the money. THe Skyway or Juliettes lodge would be better. So take it as you will.

Also, They brought up another good point as they informed me that they also agree to bring your own equipment. Having you're own equipment will allow you to practice on each other. Also, they were talking about the locals as well. I don't know to what depths that would be, but it is good to have it. Also, one never knows if they want you to leave with their equipment and take it home. I would assume no. How many do they really have ? I seriously doubt they have enough to go around.

I realize that we all want to save money, and so forth, but being prepared is KEY. Now here's the kicker, I'm not going to have some of the stuff. However, I say this absolutely not from an arrogant way, but I have been through all this exam stuff before and practices, so I don't really need to do things over and over. Certain things like looking into the eyes I will obviously feel like a novice again. But a lot of the other things I can get away without having all the equipment. If you haven't practiced, you NEED to put in the time. As well I to brush up. Also, the other thing that negates the prior sentence is that I am going to be using my partner Kirsts otoscope/reflex hammer, so it's not like I"m going in without a plan. Whatever help I can offer, and within my alloted time that I'm not swamped, I will.

I seriously think you should get this stuff if you can. If you can't then you can't, everyone has their reasons and I'm not going to think about it. Just make sure you do what's right for you.

[Dr2B]

September class is always big so dont rely on some of the school supplies.

What to bring:

1. Bring your own lab coat. doesnot have to be expensive. just buy a cheap one. You NEED it for public health when you go on health fairs 2nd tri. short or long (short i would say so when you LEAVE St. Lucia and do rotations in the states you won't have to buy another one. Plus the white coat ceremony. The school usually brings the ones from the lab but again :?

2. Stethescope. Again, need 2nd tri for public health and health fairs, unless you want to stick someone elses stethescope in your ears :? although you can clean them, NOT RECOMMENDED

3. Scrubs. Not necessary but some people like to wear them to classes.

Things Not to bring
1. dissecting kit + Grant's dissector.
2. 3. 4......otoscope, hammer, gloves (maybe if you want to clean your apartment :lol: ), and everything else mentioned. Those are too expensive and you can buy them when you leave st. lucia and go back to the states.

the school will provide those while you are in st. lucia

[go-man]

thanks "Dr2B" and "current" for all the advice....you have saved us time and money ! :D

Gauhar

[psinha]

I know this isn't really pertaining to the medical supplies that we are going to need, but i was wondering if anyone had suggestions about what else we should bring. Aside from toilettries and proper attire, i'm kind of lost. I know about the converter and the rain gear. I'm definitely bringing a water filterer, coffee-maker (I'm addicted), and laptop. Do i need to bring extra locks for my door? What about food? I understand the grocery store is fairly small, but that doesn't really tell me what is available. What else do i need to bring? Any suggestions?

~Prity

[psinha]

I forgot to add....does anyone know if it would be possible to set up an account with a bank there? And what about Phone services?

~Prity

[emerson24]

I know this isn't really pertaining to the medical supplies that we are going to need, but i was wondering if anyone had suggestions about what else we should bring. Aside from toilettries and proper attire, i'm kind of lost. I know about the converter and the rain gear. I'm definitely bringing a water filterer, coffee-maker (I'm addicted), and laptop. Do i need to bring extra locks for my door? What about food? I understand the grocery store is fairly small, but that doesn't really tell me what is available. What else do i need to bring? Any suggestions?

~Prity


Well, you can bring two suitcases and a carry on. With your pants, shorts, underwear, bra, shoes, shirts, and other garments, I see one suitcase gone. Then you have your other one, books, toiletries, rain gear, water filter, and a whole host of other things. How much food do you actually think you are going to fit in there ? I assume not much. Plus you're going to be over there for quite along time. Even if you packed that whole suitcase full of stuff, how long is that going to last you ? I'd just forget about food. Some one did tell me that if you cook with a lot of spices, you may want to bring those, as they are expensive. Also, how bigs the coffee maker ? You may have to bring that on board with you, and most carry on can only take up so much space, so keep that in mind.

As for other things, I hear you may want to buy a mosquito net and a lot of insect repellant or just plain old bug killer. Kirst posted a list of things someone told her a while ago. Not sure what it's called though :?



TO CURRENT:
1 How many Otoscoope/opthalmoscope units does the school have ?
2 Also, how many BP cuffs do they have ?
3 Can you elaborate on the Health fair and what it's like (# of people,
are there stations ?, what kind of exams ?)
4 Can you also comment on PE Lab ?
5 How often is the class and what are the exams like ?
6 Do they bring in mock patients ?

[Dr2B]

grocery stores carry SOME US goods, UK goods, and mostly cheap brand stuff. Like a bunch of "Best" brand things. It depends on the shipment that comes in weekly. The grocery stores are not bad. Julian's has a bigger selection than JQs.

If you have any particular types of foods you want like spices or noodles or special rices (they do sell rice and uncle ben's sometimes) then bring that. They sell indian spices but they are expensive and you have to go to castries.

Home phones are through cable and wireless. cell phones from Cable and wireless, digicel, or AT&T (expensive).

There are a few banks to choose from. Barclays, RBTT, Scotiabank. They go thru all that in orientation which is sometime during the first week of classes.

I would at least bring a few snacks for your first night in St. Lucia in case you don't want to go out the first time and bring your toiletries. at least a roll. just in case :wink: :lol: and meds wouldnt be a bad idea either. Tylenol, Immodium, Cough syrup, etc :lol: :lol:

If you are picky about deodorants, soaps, shampoos, then bring those too. They have stuff like Herbal Essence, Loreal, and more at the grocery store but it can get expensive for US brands.

Locks? they are usually on the doors already. Big ones usually. :wink: Maybe bring burglar chain for the door if you are really concerned. I dont think landlords would mind you installing those if you have it already and they do not.

[Kirst]

It sucks to read about what not to bring after I already purchased the items! Oh well, I best play safe and bring everything mentioned in the admission booklet... cuz what one can do without, doesn't necessarily mean i can do without.

...Ok pretty sad attempt but I'm just trying to make myself feel better here!

Thanks for the great information DrB and currentstudent.

[emerson24]

It sucks to read about what not to bring after I already purchased the items! Oh well, I best play safe and bring everything mentioned in the admission booklet... cuz what one can do without, doesn't necessarily mean i can do without.

...Ok pretty sad attempt but I'm just trying to make myself feel better here!

Thanks for the great information DrB and currentstudent.

At some point you have to question you and preferrences. Are you a person who likes to be prepared and with your own things ? Or do you want to use other people equipment and rely on someone else. I like to have my own stuff. I like to have my own unmarked books, so i can mark in them. But everyones different. I myself don't know what goes on in the class room and fairs. I would just prefer to have my own stuff.

I don't know how much the stuff cost per se', you can go all out (which is not necessary) or go cheap (which is more than adequate.)

I myself am still happy that I bought my own equipment 5 years later. But that's just me. To each their own.