Question for the DR's...What stethoscope to buy for an OB/GYN?

[whusurdadi]

The lawyers always get the good advice threads...so this one's for the doctors...
My wife is graduating PA school in 2 months, and she's about to start her last rotation, where she's doing OB/GYN in a local hospital. She really enjoys the field, and has already gotten a job offer for a full time job pending graduation/boards, and they plan on training her during this rotation. It's a win win for the hospital since they won't have to pay her during the training period since she's still technically a student

...

Anyways, I wanted to get her a graduation present, and I remember her saying that the Welch Allyn stethoscope that she got 2 years ago wasn't as good as the rep claimed it would be and she wasn't so happy with it. So, the super awesome husband that I am thought it would be nice to get her a new one...

But, my problem is, I know nothing about stethoscopes, or what to even look for.
Are the more expensive ones better?
Advice? suggestions?
Thanks!!

 

[scribbles]

How much are you looking to spend? Also do you know if she is comfortable using a tunable diaphragm or if she would prefer to have a dual headed stethoscope with a bell? Those answers are pretty important to picking out the right one

 

[Prada_Ferragamo]

Depends on your budget. I like my Littmann cardiology III.

 

[scribbles]

That'd be my number one choice as well. Dual heads, with the option to swap back and forth between a pediatric diaphragm and a bell. If that is a bit out of your price range you may want to look at the Littmann Class II SE.

 

[Prada_Ferragamo]

I got my stethoscope along with other instruments through school. IMO unless one's a cardiologist, there is no point of spending over 200 dollars on a stethoscope.

 

[Jumbie]

Wish I had some advice for you but most people don't have a lot of experience with different steths in my experience.

I see most people using some kind of Littmann or the cardiologists sometimes have an electronic one. I have the Littmann Master Cardiology and I like it.

I think Littmann is something of the Rolex of stethoscopes. Not necessarily the best but one of the best marketed with brand recognition and that's why so many people have them.

FWIW I've seen this being discussed on forums when I was a student.

 

[shadrach]

there are doctors on this forum?

 

[scribbles]

There are quite a few extremely well educated individuals from various fields of study here on SF. Who'd of thunk it that the types of people that take pride in their schooling and work would also take pride in the way they dress. Crazy idea, I know.

 

[Night Owl]

Originally Posted by scribbles

There are quite a few extremely well educated individuals from various fields of study here on SF. Who'd of thunk it that the types of people that take pride in their schooling and work would also take pride in the way they dress. Crazy idea, I know.

i think hes saying that drs usually dress like ****

 

[scribbles]

Most people in general dress like ****. At least doctors have a decent excuse. Who wants to get blood all over their cordovan loafers?

 

[Night Owl]

Originally Posted by scribbles

Most people in general dress like ****. At least doctors have a decent excuse. Who wants to get blood all over their cordovan loafers?

 

[TylerDurden]

I bought a 3M Littmann lightweight for nursing school. Worked great on my patients, I could hear everything I need to hear.

Ether get a Littmann lightweight or one with a regular head, costs about $60.

Felt like it was made to last.

When you get to the +$200 range your getting into electronic amplified stethoscopes.

There are other brands, but most RN's I talked to use the $50-60 littmann. Doctors I don't know. Nurses do more hands on then doctors, so I'd think you'd be set with a littmann.

 

[Frodo]

I have the old Cardiology II and after 15 years it's still going strong. Littman will redo the tubing for a few bucks every decade or so.

 

[Dakota rube]

What?
Somebody call me?

Oh. Nevermind.

 

[willpower]

Originally Posted by shadrach

there are doctors on this forum?

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