What to Bring to Rotations

What I brought to rotations varied depending on which rotation I was on…makes sense right? Being prepared as a student is essential and I personally think it is better to be over prepared than not. Below is just a general guide. A great way to know what you should bring is by talking to other students that have been on the rotation before you or directly asking your preceptor.

In your white coat…

The items in your white coat are essential to success throughout your day. This is a very basic list for general medicine rotations and Emergency Medicine. For surgery you will likely be scrubbed and not wearing your coat all that often.

• Stethoscope (obviously…)

• Maxwell Quick Medical Reference

• Pen light

• Reflex hammer

• Multi-colored pen

• ID badge

• Alcohol swabs

• Stool guaiac tests (especially if on internal medicine)

• Protein bar

• Gum

• Chapstick

• Tampons for the ladies (rounds can last hours and you do not want an unfortunate situation in light blue scrubs, just saying)

In your rotation bag…

• Study guides, reference books, etc for that specific rotation

• Tablet or computer if you have any down time to do practice questions

• Extra resume (definitely a must have toward the end of your clinical year)

• Small hand lotion (the constant “in and out” hand sanitation does a number on your hands)

• Snacks, snacks, and more snacks

• Water bottle

These are clearly just the basics, you may bring less or more depending on the rotation and what your preceptor asks of you.

Good luck!