By 'backwards' I think they just mean to have the stethoscope's ear prongs pointing forwards, into your ears. On the show, the actors frequently put them in their ears the other way.
I agree that the show has really lost it's lustre for a couple seasons, but I'm enjoying some new characters. Although Eve really needs to show some hands-on skill, cause right now she's just all talk!
So far John Leguizamo seems like such a jerk! I hope his character gets better too...