How Often Do You Microscopes?

[SevenofNine01]

Yes, I know. Strange question. 

 

I'm not able to see through a Microscope. Only just discovered this in January when I took my first Undergraduate Bio class. There's a long winded explanation as to why, and I can explain if anyone cares to hear it, but just to keep this short - 

 

How often do you use a microscope as a medical student? Is it imperative to your program? Would not being able to use one severely impact your path to becoming a Doctor? 

 

Thank you so much for your thoughts!

 

 

[NLengr]

Almost never use them. Won't matter at all. I hate the damn things.

 

Might be an issue if you want to become a pathologist, an ophthalmologist but otherwise you'd probably be fine.

[amichel]

Almost never use them. Won't matter at all. I hate the damn things.

 

Might be an issue if you want to become a pathologist, an ophthalmologist but otherwise you'd probably be fine.

Or a nephrologist. They're really keen on doing their own urine microscopy.

[rmorelan]

Once. I have used on once as a resident when I first assisted in removing a brain tumour. Side note - radiologists can act as surgical assistants

 

it would be extremely rare to need to use one. Only in special sub branches. 

 

 

[Birdy]

I've actually used a microscope a fair bit, but that's because one of my tutors was an extremely enthusiastic pathologist and loved to show us cool stuff (awesome guy.) Also in OB/Gyn you check for ferning, but if you have a legitimate thing preventing you from using the microscope it's hardly going to be make or break for your rotation.

[SevenofNine01]

Thank you so much to everyone. That's very reassuring!

[rmorelan]

I've actually used a microscope a fair bit, but that's because one of my tutors was an extremely enthusiastic pathologist and loved to show us cool stuff (awesome guy.) Also in OB/Gyn you check for ferning, but if you have a legitimate thing preventing you from using the microscope it's hardly going to be make or break for your rotation.

 

ha that is mostly for fun though - I mean he is just being a good teacher  

 

I wonder if in some strange case it would be needed if you couldn't just get an electronic one that hooks up to monitor. 

[Arztin]

Perhaps a few times in histology labs as a preclerk. Most places show pictures on a computer since it's easier and faster.

Other than what people mentionned, for certain spine surgeries, you use microscopes.

In vascular surgery, since it's not by laparascopy, and they use very small sutures at times, surgeons often have added microscopes to their protective eyeware. If your eyes have great vision, it's not a problem.

So not being able to use a microscope won't matter for the vast majority of specialties. Now, if you can't see through microscopes because of amblyopia, you need to inform yourself, although again, amblyopia won't limit you for the vast majority of fields.

[SevenofNine01]

Perhaps a few times in histology labs as a preclerk. Most places show pictures on a computer since it's easier and faster.

Other than what people mentionned, for certain spine surgeries, you use microscopes.

In vascular surgery, since it's not by laparascopy, and they use very small sutures at times, surgeons often have added microscopes to their protective eyeware. If your eyes have great vision, it's not a problem.

So not being able to use a microscope won't matter for the vast majority of specialties. Now, if you can't see through microscopes because of amblyopia, you need to inform yourself, although again, amblyopia won't limit you for the vast majority of fields.

 

I do have a little bit of a lazy eye.... I'll go ahead and type out whats up (this is a board full of potential doctors, and I've heard it is kinda interesting from the specialists who have checked it out....). 

 

When I was a teenager, I lost sight in my left eye almost overnight. My parents took me to the optometrist - sure enough I developed cataracts in both my eyes at the age of 16, cause unknown. At 17, I had the cataract in my left eye removed, but I never regained the vision in that eye. I've been told that my optic nerve stroked out. 

 

I did see a neuro-ophthalmologist about 10 years ago in Florida (fancy, fancy smart lady)  who recommended that I leave my right eye alone unless I found my vision was substantially hindered. As it stands, its generally fine - I can drive, I get along fine. But if I look at a bight light (like if someone catches me in the eye with a flashlight), or if I'm skiing on a sunny day it's really rough.

 

When I look in a microscope (compound) I see a weird brown/beige-y pattern with terrible glare around the edges (like looking into a headlight at night). I think it's because the path of light points directly into my Pupil, its like a eyeball lunar-eclipse. 

 

Again, thanks for your thoughts everyone. Strange how something I never really think about in my day to day ended up being a bit of a un-anticipated PITA this semester. 

[SevenofNine01]

ha that is mostly for fun though - I mean he is just being a good teacher

 

I wonder if in some strange case it would be needed if you couldn't just get an electronic one that hooks up to monitor. 

 

Ah-ha! That's exactly what my Lab instructor does. I'm allowed to use the "Cool" microscope at the front of the class that's hooked up to the monitor. 

 

Actually, my instructors have been wonderful about it so far.