If you are looking for the best desk setup for medical school, you’ve come to the right page.
One of the things that you should prioritize during your med school journey is your study area. You will spend most of your time studying your lessons there, so make it as personal and comfortable as possible.
Many components contribute to an ergonomic desk setup, which we will discuss in this article.
Bonus: Want to learn how I got a 3.9 GPA in med school using a simple-to-follow study strategy? Get access to my exact study method from med school for free here.
Importance Of An Ergonomic Study Area
There are many benefits to having an ergonomic study area, and they are as follows:
Physical Health
Proper ergonomics in your work area lowers your risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This includes diseases like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis, often caused by improper posture.
Incorporating ergonomics in your study area can help your body develop a better posture over time, allowing such diseases and discomfort to disappear. This can also help relieve stress and keep you focused throughout the day’s lessons.
Improved Quality Of Work
An ergonomic workplace can significantly improve your productivity. Aside from lowering the pain related to long-term sitting, it also helps you stay focused and complete the task quicker than usual.
Improved Mental Clarity
Reduced physical discomfort and an improved posture can help you maintain mental clarity to work more efficiently.
When you are comfortable, you will focus better on your work. It can help strengthen your muscles and increase the blood flow in your body. This can result in better mental clarity.
Decreased Pains
Ergonomics focuses on developing designs for certain equipment and tools that help reduce muscle strain, fatigue, and stress among people. Designers make sure to develop a concept that promotes comfort and safety to the users.
Ergonomic chairs, tables, and furniture can significantly improve your studying experience. You can also expect yourself to remain healthy and productive as you need to be.
Focus On Safety
Ergonomics can help maximize safety in a work environment, including your study area. By removing hazards and optimizing your study area for less discomfort, you don’t have to worry about your safety.
Best Desk Setup For Med Students
Do you want to have the best desk setup while you’re studying for medical school? These are the items that you would want to complete your study area:
External Monitor
If you already have your laptop before starting med school, it would be much easier if you have an external monitor to come with it. The good thing about such monitors is that you can always plug in your laptop when you need a bigger screen, then remove it when you need to bring your computer.
Sometimes, having a wider screen for your video lessons is also much better.
One example of a good external monitor is from Samsung. This is a 23.5″ curved computer monitor that has an ultra-slim design. It is excellent for gaming, work, and studying.
The curvature of the screen allows you to have a more immersive viewing experience. It even has the option to reduce blue light emissions while you are reading documents, viewing videos, and watching movies.
The best feature of this monitor is the brilliant quality of the graphics. It utilizes Samsung’s Active Crystal Color technology to view the darkest and brightest scenes.
- IMMERSIVE VIEWING EXPERIENCE: The 1800R curvature of the screen lets you enjoy big, bold and stunning panoramic views while you work or play at home or the office
- SUPER SLIM DESIGN: Make a stylish statement with its ultra-slim and sleek profile; Monitor measures less than 0.5 inch thick and the simple circular stand adds a modern look to your space
- ADVANCED GAMING w/ AMD FREESYNC: This technology allows users to enjoy smooth images, even during the fastest moving scenes; It minimizes input latency, dramatically reduces image tearing and stutter
- FAST 4ms RESPONSE TIME: With its 4ms response rate, youll see the fastest on-screen motion clearly and smoothly with less blur, judder, and ghosting, allowing players to experience their games at the highest level
- EYE SAVER MODE: Optimize your viewing comfort by reducing blue light emissions and flickers at the touch of a button; Read documents, play games, watch movies and edit photos for longer periods without worrying about eye strain or fatigue
- BRILLIANT PICTURE QUALITY: Experience vibrant, vivid colors with Samsungs Active Crystal Color technology; The excellent 3000:1 contrast ratio delivers deep blacks and bright whites so you can see clearly even in the darkest or brightest scenes
- ECO-SAVING PLUS: This feature reduces screen brightness to save power, plus the screen brightness automatically transitions fluidly, reducing energy use even m
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Adjustable Desk
I’m pretty sure you’ve already seen one of those adjustable desks that allows you to work either sitting down or standing up. As medical students, you’ll know how straining it is to sit for a long time. Sometimes, all you need is a little stretch to continue studying.
Adjustable desks are a trend right now, and for good reasons. If you are tired from sitting down and would like to move your legs for a while, it is now possible to work standing up.
This Monomi Electric standing desk is one of the best options that you can get. Unlike other adjustable desks, its wider surface lets you place more items in your setup. It even comes in different colors based on your preferred aesthetics.
This adjustable desk has four preset buttons customizable to your preferred heights. It is sturdy, so you don’t have to worry about your computer falling, and durable enough to support up to 188 lbs weight.
Lastly, it is easy to install. You can set it up quickly, even alone in your dorm or with friends.
- 【Electric Standing Desk】-- The Electric height adjustable standing desk has 4 preset buttons to customize your desired heights from 28.3 to 45.7 , can be used by people of different heights in different scenes.
- 【Spacious Work Area】--Large 55” x 28” eco-friendly desktop offers a roomy setup for 2 monitors and 1 laptop,plus enough room for ongoing projects and office supplies so you can spread out and calmly take on the challenges of the work day.
- 【Solid and Sturdy Desk Frame】--An industrial-grade steel frame combined with a durable desktop allows for a 188 lbs weight capacity . The wide T-shaped foot design makes the table maintain good stability even when used at the highest height. Come with detachable and lockable caster, you can use to make your desk moves eaily.
- 【Easy To Install】- Detailed installation manual, accurate installation video guide. Embedded screw hole locations and provided a hex key provide ease of installation.You can easily assemble the sit stand desk (about 30~45 min). If you have any problem, we provide you 7x24 hours customer support.
- 【Durable and Quite Motor】This standing desk uses an advanced motor,each height adjustable desk has been tested more than ten inspection processes before sell ,ensure longer service life.Our standing desk adjustable height with anti-Collision Technologyis protected from bumps and scratches with a sensor for detecting obstacles in the path of desks moveme
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For other standing desk options, you can check out this article: Top 10 Best Standing Desks For Medical School
Bonus: Want better grades with more free time (and less stress)? Get access to our free 3-step study system here to see what other top students do that you may not be doing!
Noise-cancelling Headphones
When studying, you’d either want to do it in complete silence or while listening to relaxing background music. In that case, you’ll need good noise-canceling headphones on your setup.
Noise-canceling headphones are beneficial if other people walk in and out of your dorm room. This Bose headphone has a Bluetooth range of up to 9 meters, so you can still move around the place while listening to music.
Unlike other headphones, it provides fullness and sound depth, giving any volume a balanced performance. You can still get clear bass and audio if you turn down the music.
This headphone has quiet and aware modes, so you can still use them outdoors. It will still allow you to be aware of your environment if you want to.
The best thing about it? It has a battery life that can reach up to 24 hours. Yes, you can use it all day without worrying that its battery will run out. Even a quick 15-minute charge will give you up to 3 hours of playback time.
- Noise cancelling wireless headphones – The perfect balance of quiet, comfort, and sound. Bose uses tiny mics to measure, compare, and react to outside noise, cancelling it with opposite signals. Bluetooth range-up to 9 m (30 feet). Compatible App-Bose Music app
- High-fidelity audio – The TriPort acoustic architecture offers depth and fullness. Volume-optimized Active EQ maintains balanced performance at any volume, so bass stays consistent when turned down and the music remains clear when turned up.
- Quiet and Aware Modes – Choose Quiet Mode for full noise cancelling, or Aware Mode to bring the outside into the around ear headphones and hear your environment and your music at the same time.
- Personalize your audio. Adjustable EQ allows you to set the bass, mid-range, and treble levels to your personal preferences or select one of several preset options.
- Up to 24 hours battery life – Enjoy 24 hours of battery life from a single charge. A quick 15-minute charge offers 3 hours when you’re on the go, or plug in the included audio cable to listen for even longer in wired mode.
- Personalize your audio. Adjustable EQ allows you to set the bass, mid-range, and treble levels to your personal preferences or select one of several preset optio
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Here are other headphones that you can choose from: Top 10 Best Headphones For Medical School [Full Breakdown]
Ergonomic Chair
Another essential component of a good desk setup is the chair. If you are going to sit for a long time, you’d want to have a comfortable and ergonomic chair.
This office chair has good lumbar support and an adjustable headrest. If you want to stretch after reading your lessons, you can sit back and relax on this chair.
Aside from that, this office chair also has an adjustable height and back support. It can support people who are 5’6″ to 6’2″ tall.
Although it is technically an office chair, you can still use it comfortably at home. It is easy to assemble and only takes up a little space in your study area. It is also much more comfortable than most gaming chairs available.
One of its features is its breathable mesh material that keeps your body cool for a long time. It is also more durable and not easy to rip, unlike the leather chairs you can get at the same price. This ergonomic chair can support up to 330 lbs and only takes around eight steps to assemble it completely.
- 【ERGONOMICE OFFICE CHAIR】- The ergonomic chair provides 4 support points (head/back/hip/hands) and proper lumbar support. SIHOO designs ergonomic chairs to meet different needs, with seat height, headrest adjustment, lumbar support and back support adjustment, suitable for long sitting and reduce your pain. Suitable for people 56 to 62 tall.
- 【For Home and Work】 SIHOO chairs can be applied in different scenarios according to the needs of different consumers in needs. Can be used as student office chairs, computer chairs, ergonomic chairs, desk chairs, gaming chairs; not only can sit comfortably, but also save money;
- 【Breathable Mesh】 Mesh Office Chair Premium Backrest features flexible non-pattern mesh fabric while keeping your back cool and comfortable, allowing you to sit focused and relaxed at the same time.
- 【High Quality & Easy Assembly】This home office desk chair passed the BIFMA test and the 1136kg static pressure test. Our ergonomic office chair can support up to 330 lbs. Simple instructions allow anyone to put the chair together in eight easy steps.
- 【3-Year Warranty】If there are any quality problems, Sihoo Home Office Chair promises to provide you with zero-profit product accessories within the three-year warranty per
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Get The Exact 8-Steps I Used To Get A 3.9 GPA In Med School For Free Below!
Desk Clock
Sometimes, you will forget the time when you were immersed in preparing for a major examination. You might realize it’s been hours since you started, and you haven’t eaten anything.
This is a common circumstance in med school, so it would help if you had a clock reminding you to take breaks and eat at the right time.
This MOSITO desk clock is an excellent addition to your study area. It is digital, so you’ll immediately know the time with a glance. It comes with great colors that would add an accent to your desk apart from its functionality.
This desk clock comes with wireless charging for your phone if you place it on top. It is not your fastest charging option, but it still works great if you are not actively using your phone.
It also has five levels of dimmable brightness. You can customize it based on your preference level, especially if you are working only with the lamp.
The manufacturer of this clock ensures that everyone will have an easier time operating it. It has straightforward buttons, so either kids or elders can set it quickly.
- 【Wireless Charging】 - Support most universal wireless charging cellphone models. It provide much convenience for you to place or charge your phone.
- 【Improved Feature 1：5 level brightness Dimmable】 - Compared with the old version of 3-level dimming, this new version digital alarm clock has more clear LED digits with 5 level range dimmable, you can easily adjust to your favorite brightness level. It will never disturb your sleep at night.
- 【Improved Feature 2：Volume Adjustable】 - Compared with the old version that cannot adjust the volume of the alarm, the volume of this new version digital alarm clock is adjustable from 60dB - 90dB, you can set a volume level that suits you. Meanwhile, it supports snooze function.
- 【Improved Feature 3：Simplier and Faster Operation】 - Compared with the complex operation of the old version, this new version digital alarm clock optimize the functional design and simplified the operation, make it simplier and faster for users to set the time and alarm. Even grandma and little kids can operate it without any difficulty.
- 【Stylish Wooden Design for Decor】- This must be the most delicate alarm clock you have ever seen. It is not only a clock, but also a great decoration for your bedroom. Stylish appearance and multiple functions make it suitable as a gifts for ki
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Blue Light Glasses
If you work in front of a screen daily, it would be best to have anti-blue light glasses. Unlike regular glasses, it has a filter blocking harmful light from reaching your eyes. It also works great in preventing you from having dry eyes.
One good option is the CNLO blue light-blocking glasses. Although highly effective against eye strain, it also has stylish frame designs. It comes with a clear view and a durable frame for longer use.
There are many ways to protect your eyes from too much screen time, and having suitable blue light eyewear will undoubtedly be a game-changer in your routine.
- TR90 FRAME,Strong and not easily deformed
- MORE THAN 92%HIGH TRANSMITTANCE LENS,Clearer view
- 35% ANTI-BLUE LIGHT.Can effectively block harmful blue light from TV, mobile phone, computer, etc.Beneficial blue light can pass through
- Protect Your Eyes -Alleviates visual fatigue and discomfort from long periods of web surfing,
- PC LENS, strong impact will not be dama
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Docking Station
You will need a durable docking station if you want a highly functional desk setup. Usually, laptops don’t come with enough slots for all of your dongles. It would be better to have extra ports for all kinds of hardware you will need along the way.
This particular USB C docking station is compatible with most computers and has up to 15 ports supporting VGA, HDMI, ethernet, audio, SD cards, PD, and USB C/A. You won’t have to worry about not having enough ports for your devices.
This docking station comes with a super-speed data transfer that only takes seconds. Accessing data from your memory cards will be much easier without removing other connections.
- 14 In 1 USB C Docking Station--FALWEDI USB C Docking is designed with 2 HDMI, 1 VGA, PD 3.0, 3 USB 3.0, 2 USB 2.0, 1 USB C, RJ45 Gigabit internet, 3.5 mm Audio/Mic, SD and TF ports(parcel wont include SD or TF card), which meet all your connecting needs in a dock. It is compatible with all full function Type C laptops, supporting connection with USB drivers, HDMI monitor, VGA monitor, external disk and Internet simultaneously through one USB C port
- Up to 4K HD Resolution and Triple Display--The HDMI ports with resolution can be up to [email protected] and the VGA can be up to [email protected], downward compatible with displays of different resolutions. The resolution will be 4K(DP1.4) when connecting 2 HDMI. For Windows, it supports triple display when connecting 3 monitors, but not for Mac OS. The Mac Os itself does not support MST (extended) model, but our USB C Docking can achieve 2 different contents for your Macbook and monitors
- Super Speed Data Transfer--The USB-C data port and 3 USB 3.0 ports of this docking with up to 5Gbps transmission rate, support transfer files in seconds. The 2 USB 2.0 ports provide 480Mbps at maximum, which allows connecting the keyboard or other USB devices without any lag. The SD and TF card slots are equipped 5Gbps rate, easy to access media files simultaneously. To reduce the distractions, it would be better to plug the computer peripheral devices into the USB 2.0 ports
- High Power Delivery and Gigabit Ethernet--This docking is not only designed with a PD 3.0 port that provides high-speed charging with original charging cable and allows 100W power in, making you no worry about power storage(only applicable to devices with PD protocol), but also designed with a Gigabit Ethernet port presenting you a stable and fast Ethernet condition, perfect standby for your laptop without Ethernet sockets when the wireless network fails
- Super Compatibility--Our docking with outstanding compatibility, and work with most Type C laptops with Thunderbolt 3 on the market, compatible with MacBooks, ChromeBook Pixel, and laptops from Surface, HP, Lenovo and so on. No need to install any drivers or software, just plug and play. It is also made of thin and sleek precision milled aircraft grade aluminum enclosure, better for faster heat dissipation and more stable performa
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Bonus: Want to learn how I got a 3.9 GPA in med school using a simple-to-follow study strategy? Get access to my exact study method from med school for free here.
Walking Pad
Walking pads trend alongside the adjustable desk because they let you study and work out simultaneously.
If you don’t have enough time to stop studying and go to the gym, how about doing it simultaneously? Yes, it’s possible and wouldn’t bother you that much. You might even feel a rush of energy from all the endorphins you’re getting from walking.
This walking pad is ultra slim and foldable. It can fit your study area well when you’re tired from sitting all day.
Despite its smaller size, you can still control its speed based on your needs. It is also noise-free, anti-slip, and wear-resistant. It will be an excellent investment to help you maintain a healthy body even if you are always studying at your desk.
Pair it with the adjustable desk, and you’re all set.
- Foldable Design -- The WalkingPad S1 can be folded in halfway. Through the 2 rollers at the bottom, it can be moved smoothly in /out to/from the limited space under the desk, sofa or bed, etc.
- Free-Installation, Two Modes of Operation -- Plus and Play. M(Manuel) mode Is operated by remote control to On/Off, Sarte/Stop, Acceleration/Deceleration. A（Auto） mode is operated by the user’s footsetp to Sart/Stop, Acceleration/Deceleration
- Footstep Induction Speed Control -- By the high Precision pressure sensor in the walking treadmill, you can control the WalkingPad in high, medium or slow speed, through footstep on the front(acceleration) zone, middle(uniform velocity) zone or tail (deceleration) zone.
- Noise Free, Comfortable Fitness Experience -- With the wear-resistant anti-slip walking belt, and the noise-reduction multilayer structure, you can walk or jog comfortably at home or office, without disturbing the work, entertainment or rest of families, neighbors, colleagues or even yourself. Maximum weight: 220lbs.
- Multiple Security Protection and Visualized Walking Data -- With the child lock protection, overload protection, auto standby, and novice speed limit functions, you can rest assured to use this WalkingPad. By connecting with the KS Fit APP or through the LED light on the dashboard, you can see the data for each walk, and quantify and urge you to exercise. One-year warranty,our average response time is 12 hrs or le
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Tips For Staying Healthy While Studying
While you’re prioritizing your studies, never forget about your health. Being healthy is just as important as passing your exams in med school.
An unhealthy study habit and a tired body will also affect you mentally and possibly cause you to lose focus more often. Thus, these are some tips on staying healthy while you spend most of your time studying:
Eat A Well-balanced Diet
As a student, you may have a limited budget for food. You’ll likely reach out for take-outs and frozen pizza for a quick solution to your hunger, but you won’t get any nutrition from that.
If you are not eating right, your brain will starve the nutrients needed to function well. If you want to sharpen your focus, do these things:
- Stop skipping your breakfast. Eat protein-packed eggs, nuts, fruits, and berries to start your day.
- Eat more leafy greens and fish.
- Eat smaller portions of your meals throughout the day for steadier energy.
- Avoid eating high-sugar and fatty snacks that would spike your blood sugar.
- Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.
- Don’t over consume caffeine.
- Get a good night’s sleep.
It is known that in med school, having a good night’s sleep is not always available. Between your studying, leisure, and social life, most students barely prioritize sleep.
However, if you want to use your brain’s maximum function, you will need to give it a rest. Consider your schedule and give yourself enough time to rest during the night. A good sleeping habit can help improve your productivity and health over time.
You can start by limiting your screen time during the night and be consistent with your scheduled rest. Instead of binging shows on the bed, try reading a few pages from your favorite book.
Use Stress Management Tools
Everyone has their ways of managing stress. Some people like working out to release tension and refocus their minds, while others like to disconnect from their books and gadgets to have a nice meal outdoors.
It is essential to have an outlet to manage your stress. Medical school can be overwhelming, and having those feelings is not helpful in your studies. Even a quick 20-minute walk, nap, meditation, or catching up with friends over coffee is sometimes enough to make you feel good again.
Bonus: Want better grades with more free time (and less stress)? Get access to our free 3-step study system here to see what other top students do that you may not be doing!
Take breaks
Another good thing to manage your stress is to take a break. Yes, you can do that (even if you are too busy)!
It doesn’t have to be a weekend-long vacation. Micro-breaks such as sipping your tea or coffee, walking outside for fresh air, and resting your eyes are good enough.
Work-life Balance
Sure, you’re busy with med school, but that doesn’t mean you can’t live your life anymore. Take breaks from your studies to spend time with your friends and go on dates.
As a student, your time doesn’t always have to revolve around studying. You can participate in sports, enjoy your new city, and explore your surroundings. This can also help avoid burnout and create great memories during your medical school journey.
Take Care Of Your Body
These days, studying requires more screen time than ever, which can result in eye strain. Some classes require online meetings and video lessons, and your gadgets’ additional screen time can dry your eyes.
Your eyes are just as important as anything else in your body, so protect that too. Position your screen at least arm-length from your face. You can also take breaks in between or use blue-light filter glasses.
Another thing to pay attention to is your posture. If you spend most of your time hunched over your textbook or laptop, you need to make readjustments. Sit straight on your back and elevate your screen to your eye level.
Get The Exact 8-Steps I Used To Get A 3.9 GPA In Med School For Free Below!
Studying for long hours is expected in medical school, but you must prioritize your well-being so you don’t become patient. One thing to promote healthy study habits is to have the best desk setup for medical school. If you’ll spend most of your time in this area, make it a space that reflects your needs and personality.
The above items are only some things you can incorporate into your study area. They can keep you focused on your work and help you achieve great results from your lessons.
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Have you found this article helpful? Check out these similar posts:
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Until the next one my friend…
