Thinkpad X200 Tablet - coming soon

More information is coming out on the Thinkpad X200 Tablet. It's great to see Lenovo improving their popular tablet PC. I can't wait to actually see the X200 when it gets released. This will be the first widescreen tablet offered by Lenovo/IBM. Now that widescreen is a standard feature on most laptops/notebooks/tablet PCs, it's not a surprise to see Lenovo making widescreen machines.

See the review from Laptop Magazine.

It's too bad that the price is so high!

Priced at $2,323, the ThinkPad X200 Tablet is yet another excellent business machine from Lenovo. It contains all of the security, durability, and performance you’d expect from the company, in addition to smooth tablet functionality. If you prefer pen inputs complementing your normal keyboard strokes, this tablet makes for a compelling choice.

What is my blog about?

Some people have recently asked me what my blog is about. My blog isn't a focused blog on a single topic. My blog is really about me - my personal passions about healthcare and technology. I love to use gadgets for work-related professional and personal purposes. I see how new technology may impact the healthcare system. I also think about how innovations in mobile technology and gadgets may ultimately assist healthcare professionals to deliver more efficient care.

So, what's my blog about? It's about technology and healthcare from both a consumer and a professional perspective.

Loving my aGPS on my XV6800

I've been loving my GPS experience using my XV6800. Now that I can get a GPS lock within a few seconds, it's been great. I use my GPS while driving and walking. It's been a great experience and I can't imagine using a smartphone that doesn't have a built-in GPS.

So if all future smartphones come with integrated GPS chips, then who's going to need those stand-alone GPS units like the TomTom and Garmin devices sold at BestBuy?

The economy and healthcare

The volatility of the stock market has everyone scared. What's the economy going to look like next year? These are really uncertain times. How can one person (the president) significantly change the economy?

As I think about the stock market, I also find myself reflecting on the healthcare system. The upcoming presidential election will dramatically impact the future of the healthcare system. Can you imagine what universal healthcare coverage will look like in the United States? Having worked in the VA healthcare system, I see what universal coverage might look like. Our veterans have access to some of the most sophisticated medical technology along with free medications through the VA system. However, how would you rate the quality of care they receive? If you've never worked in a VA hospital before, then you have no idea. I don't mean to criticize the VA system. I think our veterans deserve more than they receive, but these are government dollars that are being spent to provide for their healthcare needs. Some may argue that our veterans receive excellent health benefits, while others may easily say they deserve more. Considering the rising cost of healthcare, many will be glad to receive any level of care along with free medications.

Are patients really consumers? Should they be offered sales, discounts, and special bargains? Should they be "shopping around" for their healthcare services? At the end of the day, will the healthcare provider who offers the "best bargain" win?

The value of an M.D.

I've recently had some interesting discussions with college students interested in the healthcare industry. Some want to go into pharma marketing while others want to work in hospital management. The question often comes up: "Do I need to get an M.D., or am I better off pursuing a different degree like an M.B.A. or an M.P.H.?" The obvious answer may seem like "get both" - but I tell them that it really depends on what type of long-term goals they have for themselves.

For instance, if you mainly want to work in pharma marketing, you certainly don't need an MD. Having an MD may open certain doors and provide unique opportunities, but the vast majority of people working in the marketing arena are not physicians.

The road to an MD is a very long and expensive one. The time investment is huge. The financial commitment is significant. Think about your long-term goals and make sure that you know what you're getting yourself into. If you're interested in medicine, learn about the business of medicine and the healthcare industry. Understand how physicians work and live. Consider all the practical ramifications and then evaluate whether you should pursue medical school.

Touch Screen BlackBerry Storm (RIM)

The first Touch Screen BlackBerry is about to come out on Verizon Wireless. Introducing the BlackBerry STORM.

BlackBerry devices are great for corporate users, but not so good for clinicians. Too few relevant medical applications exist for the BlackBerry. Perhaps the release of a touch screen device will change that. I've always been a user of a touch screen device. Starting with the Palm OS, then Windows CE, then Pocket PC, and now with Windows Mobile. I tried using the non-touch screen Motorola Q for a few days, and that just didn't work for me. Having a touch screen improves efficiency, quickens navigation, and allows for so much more productivity. I'm glad to see that BlackBerry finally realized the need to release a touch screen device. Let's see how the Storm does once it's released.

Tainted Infant Formula in China Leads to Arrests

Don't feed formula to your infants in China. According to the Los Angeles Times, Chinese police have arrested individuals suspected of being involved in a scandal over tainted infant formula. Infants in China have been getting kidney stones from this. The FDA has already issued a warning about infant formula imported from China.

I have several friends in China who have infants and growing kids. I really hope they're able to find some safe supplies for their babies. Formula isn't cheap, but it also should never be compromised for safety.

Windows Mobile 6 on Verizon Palm Treo 700wx

For Verizon Wireless customers: The Windows Mobile 6 ROM update is now available for the Palm Treo 700wx

Get it here:

http://www.palm.com/us/support/downloads/treo700wxupdate6/verizon.html?AID=10380937&PID=1511436

Make sure to read the fine print. Sounds like there may be some problems if you use TomTom navigation software with your Treo.

Windows Mobile 6 isn't a huge improvement over 5, so it may not be worth the trouble unless you want some of those features. It's a shame they didn't make the update a Windows Mobile 6.1 update.

Working Assisted GPS (aGPS) on the XV6800

The folks at XDA Developers have found the "fix" to get the assisted GPS (or aGPS) working properly on the XV6800. Get to this fix by going here

It's great to get an instant GPS lock now. In the past, it may have taken up to a few minutes to get a GPS lock. Now, it's practically instant. This is because the GPS lock is assisted by location data collected through the phone's data network. So even if the sky is cloudy, you'll get a fast GPS lock using the "fixed" assisted GPS chip on the XV6800.

Non-ABSM Board Certification for Medical Doctors

The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABSM) has a list of general and subspecialty medical board certifications. Many consumers don't realize that there is no board certification as a "general practitioner." Family physicians and general internists may refer to themselves using that term since people are familiar with the phrase "GP."

Even healthcare professionals do not realize that "doctors" can get board certified in other fields that are not listed by the ABSM. For instance, the American College of Physician Executives (ACPE) offers board certification education. You can become board certified in medical management by the Certifying Commision in Medical Management (CCMM) and become a certified physician executive (CPE). You're probably a physician involved in serious management responsibilities if you're pursuing that board certification. Some doctors interested in non-clinical opportunities have also received this certification. You can also get board certified in medical quality by the American College of Medical Quality (ACMQ).

The American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine (ABIHM) offers board certification in holistic medicine. Some people have very strong opinions about alternative medicine, so I won't get into that somewhat controversial topic right now. You can also become board certified by the American Board of Medical Accupuncture (ABMA).

Have you heard of the American Board of Environmental Medicine (ABEM)? They offer board certification. How about the American Board of Medical Physics (ABMP)?

You can become a fellow of the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA). I do not believe they offer board certification at this time. However, I think that's likely to change in the future.

Well, that's enough for now. I'm sure there are others out there, so I welcome comments from those who know of other non-ABSM board certifications that are available to US physicians.

2009 CME Requirements for State Licensure Renewal

Wow, is 2008 almost over? The AMA now has an updated 2009 list of CME (continuing medical education) requirements for every state in the US. That document can be found here:

http://www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm/40/table16-2009.pdf

Some states also have specific requirements about mandatory topics that must be covered each year. Examples of such topics include: HIV/AIDS, risk management, cultural competence, pain management, etc. How do you get your CME?