Walmart and eClinicalWorks: An Odd Couple?

I stumbled on an article that talks about Walmart and eClinicalWorks. It's an interesting perspective about how Walmart/Sam's Club and eClinicalWorks (eCW) are an odd couple with good intentions. Hence, it's approriately titled, "Wal-Mart + eClinicalWorks Electronic Medical Records | An Odd Couple with Good Intentions."

The author makes some interesting and probably accurate predictions about how physicians may get exposed to eCW by visiting Walmart or Sam's Club, but they probably won't buy the EHR solution on that first visit. If they do some price comparision and shopping around, are they likely to find a better deal (or better product) somewhere else? Physicians may purchase Quicken or TurboTax at Walmart, but what's the likelihood that they'll purchase an EHR from the shelves of a local retailer? Maybe the bigger question is: what's the return policy on eCW if you purchase it from Walmart?

Top Colleges with Record-Low Acceptance Rates in 2009

Wow, as I looked into the acceptance rates of other highly-selective colleges, here's what I found on US News & World Report:

• Harvard: 7%
• Columbia: 9.8%
• MIT: 10.2%
• Brown: 10.8%
• Dartmouth: 12%
• Duke: 17%
• University of Pennsylvania: 17%

These acceptance rates reflect the fact that so many more students are applying to college. With online applications, the process is very easy. Yes, you still need to write your essays and get your letters of recommendation, but you don't need to mess around with typewriters (yes, I used one of those in my day). Aren't you so glad that we now have modern technology and computers?

How low will these numbers go in the next several years?

MIT Acceptance Rate: Record Low at 10.2%

Wow, this year, MIT's acceptance rate fell to a record 10.2%! As the number of applicants increase each year, this trend will only continue. Last year, the acceptance rate was 11.6%. Only 1,597 students out of 15,661 applicants were admitted to the MIT Class of 2013. Waitlist spots were offered to 454 applicants.

I really miss my days in Boston. Those 4 years at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology went by very quickly. Although they were many years ago, they feel almost like yesterday. Now, I have the unique opportunity to interview high school students who are applying to MIT. As an Educational Counselor, I've met some extremely talented students and it's a unique privilege to speak with them and hear their stories.

I often wonder what most MIT students plan to pursue. Engineering? Science? Technology? Medicine? When you go to a school like MIT, you eventually meet pre-med students who are majoring in fields like mechanical engineering (that was me), computer science, electrical engineering, aeronautical engineering, and materials science. Of course, you have your droves of biology and chemistry majors. You also get countless bioengineering and chemical engineering students who are pre-med. What's rare is to find a student at MIT who majors only in Spanish. I knew one student during my 4 years at MIT who was a Spanish major. I think she probably picked the wrong college.

Windows 7 Build 7048 on Samsung Q1 Ultra UMPC

I decided to give Microsoft Windows 7 another try on my little Samsung Q1 Ultra UMPC. This is the older model that is thinner but also slower. The 800 MHz processor just isn't fast enough to run Vista effectively. I have to admit that Build 7048 is much better on the Q1 Ultra. I had tested some earlier builds and they just didn't work well at all.

There is another Build of Windows 7: Build 7077. I haven't had the chance to get my hands on that version yet, but that will be my next project (maybe I'll get to it next weekend). In the meanwhile, I will play around with Build 7047 this week and write about my findings. I've been running XP on my Q1 Ultra, but this week I plan to use Windows 7. My excitement for Windows 7 has been renewed. I'm not being overly optimistic (yet), but I am hopeful that this OS may replace XP on my Q1 Ultra.

FREE Epocrates Cardiology through Cardiosource

Are you a member of the ACC (American College of Cardiology)? Do you use Cardiosource? You may be happy to know that Epocrates and Cardiosource have joined forces up to provide a FREE one-year, one-time subscription to Essentials for Cardiology. Visit Cardiosource and look for the information about Epocrates by clicking here. More and more physicians are abandoning Palm and Pocket PC/Windows Mobile and moving to the iPhone and BlackBerry, so it's great to have Epocrates for these mobile devices.

Most Popular Content: Jobs for Physicians with No Residency Experience

The most popular content on my blog over the last few weeks has been this article that I wrote last summer: Jobs for Physicians with No Residency Experience

I suppose it's a catch title, since there are some medical students who simply don't want to go through residency. I didn't write this to encourage students not to enter residency. Instead, the purpose was really to help inform students about some of their options if they decide that clinical medicine isn't the right fit for them.

Health IT is an Integral Part of Healthcare Reformation

We will probably see some significant changes to the healthcare system in the next few years. The big push is on Health IT or HITECH, so let's see how doctors and other clinicians adopt to all this change. We all know that Health IT will play a major role in healthcare reform. The bigger question is: how will clinicians adjust to the changes in medicine and technology? Will they become more productive or will they reluctantly adapt so they don't get penalized? There are non-clinical jobs in health IT for clinicians who have that level of interest. Are you qualified?

Is HITECH the new Health IT or HIT?

You can blame President Obama for the phrase HITECH. Since the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) calls it HITECH, is that going to be the new buzzword for health information technology? The problem with HIT is that it's not a unique acronym. It looks like a word - Bobby hit the ball. Health IT will probably continue to be used since we refer to general information technology as IT and that's not going to change. Perhaps the real question is: will the phrase HITECH actually catch on and become a mainstream phrase? These are the things I often wonder about as I sit at home and drink a glass of wine.

HTC Touch Diamond Now on Verizon Wireless

The HTC Touch Pro has been available through Verizon Wireless for a while now. Well, they're moving backwards and they're now offering the HTC Touch Diamond (the slim version without the slideout keyboard). It still has TouchFLO™ 3D, so it's touch-friendly and it looks like a great phone for medical students, residents, and physicians who want something small, thin, and light. It's a shame that Verizon Wireless doesn't offer the Apple iPhone, but I suppose this allows other companies like HTC and RIM to market phones like the Touch Diamond and the BlackBerry Storm.

Pfizer Oncology: Martine J. George, M.D., M.Sc

Pfizer announced the appointment of Martine J. George, M.D., M.Sc, to Vice President of Medical Affairs for its Oncology Business Unit. Dr. George received her M.Sc in Pharmacology from Montreal University and her M.D. from Paris University. Her industry experience includes companies like J&J, Ortho Biotech, Novartis, sanofi-aventis, and more.

Because the pharmaceutical industry is really an international business, there are opportunities even in the United States for foreign medical graduates (FMGs) / international medical graduates (IMGs). In order to climb the corporate ladder, you have to have strong business skills and excellent people skills. If you're an FMG or IMG interested in non-clinical opportunities, build your social network so that you can find the right types of opportunities.

Windows 7 Build 7077 on the Samsung Q1 Ultra UMPC

This is my next project: Windows 7 Build 7077 on my Samsung Q1 Ultra UMPC. This build 7077 is rumored to become the RC or Release Candidate version of Windows 7. The last time I installed Windows 7 on my Q1 Ultra, I was not impressed by the results. However, now that Microsoft has had a chance to fix some bugs, clean the code, and make some improvements, I'm willing to give it another try.

The future of medicine relys advances in technology such as mobile computers, UMPCs, gadgets, and other devices. It's exciting to see how the world of medicine is changing because of technology.

Blumenthal and HITECH in the NEJM

If you get the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), you may have seen David Blumenthal's article about Health IT (or HITECH) in the April 9, 2009 edition. It's a Perspective titled, "Simulating the Adoption of Health Information Technology." If you have any interest in health IT, then you should read this article. It's a short article - just a few pages long.

At what point is a PC too small?

We live in a world of mobile technology. We see PDAs, BlackBerrys, iPhones, Smartphones, iPods, and all sorts of other mobile devices. Computers are also getting smaller and we see young people using UMPCs, netbooks, micro PCs, and other miniature computers. But at what point is the PC so small that you fail to be productive? At what point does the small size hinder your ability to do what you need to do? How do you balance size, weight, and functionality? After all, you can probably find a PC in a very small size, and then if you look some more, you can probably find another one that's 25% larger. So how should a physician, pharmacist, or nurse decide on the size of that mobile PC when working in the clinical setting? At what point is an ultra-mobile PC too small?

Making the Non-Clinical Transition

I often get asked, "how do you make the transition into the non-clinical world? Isn't it risky?" The answer is that change can be risky. But, you have to be certain of your talents and interests. If you find yourself very dissatisfied working in clinical medicine, then ask yourself why you're dissatisfied. I try to encourage people to look for another opportunity in clinical medicine where the work-life balance might be a better fit. Many physicians who wish to leave clinical medicine are simply burned out and they need a break. If that's you, then make sure you take a break and be comprehensive as you plan your future. It's important to remember that it can be very difficult to re-enter clinical medicine after you leave.

Updated Drivers and Software for the Lenovo Thinkpad X200 Tablet

I just downloaded and installed some of the updates from Lenovo for my Thinkpad X200 Tablet PC. The new software seem to have fixed some of the Wi-Fi connection problems I was having before. The Thinkvantage System Update is undergoing some changes and it probably won't be running until May. So, you have to manually download and install these updates.

AASLD Hepatitis C Practice Guidelines April 2009

The AASLD (American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases) just released updated Practice Guidelines on the Diagnosis, Management, and Treatment of Hepatitis C. They just came out this month in Hepatology, so make sure you take a look at them. Advances in medical technology are improving noninvasive liver tests of fibrosis and these tests may someday replace the needle biopsy. I did some biomedical research on biopsy needles during my days at MIT.

Bioject Zetajet: Injections without Needles

Does it sound like Star Trek? Can you give drug injections without needles? You can if you're using jet force propulsion to deliver medications such as vaccines subcutaneously or intramuscularly. Bioject Medical Technologies Inc. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted market clearance for the Zetajet™ Needle-Free Injection Therapy System. No needles! I'm sure kids and moms all over the world will be thrilled. Plus, this reduces risks for healthcare providers too. No needle-stick injuries if you don't have any needles!

The BlackBerry Storm 2 will have Wi-Fi

Yes, the rumors seem to be true. There will be a newer version of the BlackBerry Storm that will have Wi-Fi. Why the big deal? Because most hospitals have Wi-Fi and you won't be relying on a slow data plan to access the Internet. Also, what if you could use Skype or some other Voice Over IP (VoIP) solution to make free calls? Do you think Verizon will allow that? If so, sounds like some great perks for medical students and residents. So what other cool new features will the updated Storm include?

FDA: Raptiva Voluntary Withdrawal

Do you follow the FDA on Twitter? The FDA has announced that Genentech, the manufacturer of the psoriasis drug Raptiva (efalizumab), will begin a voluntary, phased withdrawal of the product from the U.S. market. Why? Because the use of Raptiva is associated with a potential risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare, serious, progressive neurologic disease.

MobileHealthComputing.com

I secured a new URL today: http://www.mobilehealthcomputing.com/


I've been writing about UMPCs (ultra-mobile PCs), netbooks, MIDs, PDAs, Smartphones, iPhones, iPods, tablet PCs, and other mobile devices for a while now. I thought it was time to get a new URL for my old blog that focuses on these gadgets and mobile technology in healthcare. Welcome to the world of cloud computing.

Will OQO Make a Device Just for Healthcare?

Some people are eagerly awaiting the new OQO model 02+ which will be available very soon. I've been happy with my OQO model 02 (except I wish the fan was not so loud). This micro PC (or some may even call it an ultra-mobile PC or UMPC) has even been used in various healthcare settings. As younger physicians and other healthcare professionals get more familiar with mobile technology, tiny devices like the OQO will become more ubiquitous within the healthcare setting. The landscape of medicine is changing quickly, so gadget lovers should rejoice!

Spilled Water On a Laptop Keyboard

Well, I didn't spill the water. Thankfully, it wasn't my current Lenovo Thinkpad X200 Tablet PC (which has a spill-proof keyboard). It was my older Fujitsu P1610 Lifebook (which is a tiny device shaped like an UMPC and has a porous keyboard). I quickly unplugged it, removed the battery, and disassembled it to speed up the drying process. Thank goodness for online service manuals. I'll have to wait until tomorrow to see whether or not it will work. Fortunately, this device has become a recreational device (even though it is a convertible tablet PC with a passive touch screen). It's a great little computer that I used for a while, but I quickly realized that I needed a full-size keyboard to be more productive while I traveled for work. That's why I switched to the Thinkpad. I'll miss the p1610 if it dies, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Drug and Alcohol Rehab Programs

I've seen many patients who have needed some type of drug or alcohol rehabilitation. Do you know where to go to find help? It can be difficult to find a good drug rehab facility because of the social stigma associated with addiction problems. It's also very difficult for addicts to quit their addictions. I don't think that most people or family members would feel comfortable asking their friends and colleagues for referrals to rehab programs. However, it is important to find a good program that has the proper support structure and that centers around your beliefs and values.

Many celebrities fall into drug and alcohol addiction. Remember the musician Ray Charles? He was a heroin addict. The biographic movie about Ray Charles had some graphic scenes showing him go through heroin withdrawal. Heroin withdrawal can be difficult to witness at home, so it's important to have your loved one in a safe and professional environment. Ray Charles should have gone through a detox program and heroin rehab.

Project HealthDesign

How do you keep your personal health record (PHR)? Do you use an online system like Google Health or Microsoft HealthVault?

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) has announced a new call for proposals for Project HealthDesign: Rethinking the Power and Potential of Personal Health Records. This is a $10 million national program to stimulate innovations in personal health information technology. A total of $2.4 million, with grants of up to $480,000 each, will be awarded to up to five grantee teams for 24-month demonstration projects.

What Do You Think About Rezonic/Zunrisa (Casopitant)?

Rezonic/Zunrisa (Casopitant) is a new drug that's being developed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). The indications will be for:

• Treatment for Nausea/Vomiting -- Chemotherapy Induced
• Nausea/Vomiting -- Postoperative

How does it compare to Merck's Emend (aprepitant), which is also an NK-1? Get familiar with the results of an ASCO 2008 abstract titled, "Phase III results for the novel neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonist, casopitant: Single oral dosing regimen for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in patients (Pts) receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC)." That's quite a title.

The conclusion is simple: A single oral dose of casopitant added to a regimen of OND/DEX provided a clinically significant reduction in the number of pts experiencing CINV events over the first 5 days after HEC. This benefit appeared to be maintained through repeat cycles. This regimen was generally well tolerated over all cycles.

7th Annual MD/MBA Conference

7th Annual MD/MBA Conference in Dayton OH
When: April 17-19, 2009
Where: Wright State University School of Medicine and College of Business
Want to learn more about this event? Click here.

You may think that most people who pursue a combined MD/MBA plan to pursue non-clinical careers, but that may not be true. An MBA can be very beneficial to help you run a more efficient practice or hospital. If you stop to think about it, medical management is really a form of business administration, so if you're properly equipped, you'll be better at it.

HITECH for Health IT

HITECH now stands for health information technology or Health IT. President Obama is making history on several levels: the first Black president, the huge economic stimulus plan, and the push for HITECH to get doctors into the 21st century. Get used to hearing more and more about Health IT or HITECH.

When I hear HITECH, I think of hiking. Why? One of my first hiking boots were made by a company called Hi-Tec. They're still in business and they make footwear for hiking and golf. Now, when I hear HITECH, I'll be thinking about Health IT. Thank you Mr. President!

FDA: Listeria Contamination in Smoked Salmon

The FDA has issued a new warning: Don't eat Strubs Norwegian Style Sliced Smoked Steelhead Salmon in 300 gram packages because of potential contamination with the Listeria monocytogenes. Distributed by West Side Foods Inc. of Bronx, N.Y., the smoked steelhead salmon was imported from Canada, and 13 cartons were sold to three kosher retail stores in New York and Maryland. Are you following these FDA alerts on Twitter?

Coupons for the Apple Store

I'm a big fan of the Apple Store. But, it's hard to find really good coupons for the Apple Store. Have you looked at Savings.com? You can find some incredible Apple coupons, discount codes, and more. Certain promotions are only available to teachers and students. Apple has been loyal to the education industry. You can also get certain Apple discounts through various alumni networks and honor societies like Phi Kappa Phi. But if you look on Savings.com, you can some great deals and discount codes even if you're not a student.

I've been playing around with the iPod touch and I've been having a blast testing software and evaluating how the iPod and other handheld devices will change healthcare. My wife has a Macbook Pro and she loves using that at night because of the backlit keyboard. I'm often tempted to get a Macbook myself just for that feature alone - glowing keyboards. If you're looking to make a purchase at the Apple store or any other online retailer, make sure to look for coupons and other valid promotions codes that can help you save money. Medical students and residents, are you listening?

Health and Beauty Products Online

Where do you shop for health and beauty products? I'm a big fan of online shopping and I even purchase large items through the Internet. I recently purchased a new car and I did all my price comparisons online and got the best price via e-mail by corresponding with several dealers in the area. When it comes to health and beauty products, it's important to know what other people think about certain products. This is where social networking and Web 2.0 can really change the way you learn about things before you shop.

Have you ever used a wiki? You've probably heard of Wikipedia. Well, take that to the next level - the shopping level. Looking for bath and body products? Cosmetics? Don't get stuck with counterfeits. Maybe you want to change your look and you need some new hair care. If you want to get input from other consumers and users, then you may want to visit ShopWiki for a different online shopping experience. Wouldn't it be great if you could find doctors and hospitals like that?

Health IT and the NEJM

I don't think I've ever seen so much content related to health IT in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). I'm sure more and more universities are offering programs in medical informatics and health informatics. The March 25, 2009 issue of the NEJM had an article titled, "Use of Electronic Health Records in U.S. Hospitals." The issue that I got today has an article on health IT by David Blumenthal, MD, MPP.

Treating Acne

Many teenagers and young adults struggle with problems related to acne. You don't have to be a dermatologist to see how prevalent acne can be in this country. There are many available acne treatments out there and some are safe while others are associated with some significant risks and contraindications. So what are you supposed to do? How do you select among different acne products that are available? Many are over-the-counter, some are prescription-only, and then there are others where you may not quite be sure. You have face creams. Pills. Gells. Scrubbing pads. Acne body wash. Well, make sure you do your research and evaluate the evidence behind those acne treatments that are out there. Murad offers an acne treatment called Resurgence and you may have even seen Joan Lunden, age 57, advertise this product on television. When you have celebrities endorsing cosmetic products such as acne products, do you feel more or less inclined to evaluate that product? As physicians, we must always be evidence-based and evaluate clinical data fairly and objectively.

HIMSS Virtual Expo 2009

HIMSS is winding down and if you weren't able to go to Chicago this year, then you can still experience HIMSS by attending the Virtual Conference Expo this June. I attended the virtual expo in 2008 and made some great connections, attended some virtual meetings, and had the opportunity to expand my network. Health information technology is changing the way physicians are practicing medicine and I think we're going to see some significant movement in 2009 and 2010. Everyone is anticipating major changes in 2009, but we're already in the second quarter. Stay tuned and keep up with everything going on in the health IT world.

Becoming a Physician Entrepreneur

Do you consider yourself a physician entrepreneur? How does one become an entrepreneur? Most medical schools don't teach much about business skills. As a result, medical school graduates know very little about entrepreneurship. Yet there are many young entrepreneurs who are making a tremendous impact in the healthcare industry. For instance, health IT is a budding area that will only grow as more dollars get directed into electronic health records (EHRs) and other health IT initiatives.

MIT recognizes young entrepreneurs by featuring those who are under the age of 35 in the Technology Review TR35. The categories include: biotech, nanotech, infotech, and energy. That makes sense since MIT is about technology. If you wish to learn more about being an entrepreneur, then you may want to check out the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a very common condition that causes foot pain. Advances in technology have led researchers to use ultrasound to deliver extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and reduce the pain associated with plantar fasciitis. There have been various studies evaluating extracorporeal shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis. One recent study suggests that radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy significantly improves pain, function, and quality of life compared with placebo in patients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis. It's great to see how advances in technology are improving the landscape of medicine.

Do Electronic Health Records Reduce Medical Errors

Guns don't kill people, but people can use guns to shoot and kill people. Electronic health records (EHRs) or electronic medical records (EMRs) don't reduce medical errors by themselves. However, they can help clinicians reduce the risk of medical errors if they are used properly. Hence, although they have many automated alerts, reminders, and warnings that may pop up when an error is about to occur, there is still a need for human discretion when using these systems. Doctors (and other prescribers), pharmacists, and nurses need to be know how to use EHRs to reduce medical errors. As they become more familiar with the advantages of EHR/EMR solutions and as they get more proficient as using them, medical errors will decrease.

Actor Dennis Quaid has been pushing hard for EHRs and he made quite an argument at HIMSS 2009 in Chicago. He told his story of how his 10-day-old twins nearly died after they were mistakenly given excess doses of heparin at a Los Angeles hospital. Could this have been prevented by more robust EHR systems that alerted the entire healthcare team about the improper dose? Technologies such as computer physician-order entry (CPOE) and bar coding may have reduced the possibility of confusing drug packaging. Dennis Quaid and his wife have started the Quaid Foundation to promote awareness of the need for more information technology as a way to prevent medical errors.

Downgrading from Windows 7 to XP

Looks like Microsoft XP continues to live on. According to rumors, consumers will be able to downgrade from Windows 7 to XP. Maybe the netbook version of Windows 7 will really be XP with a new skin. I still use XP on most of my machines and I run Vista on my Lenovo Thinkpad X200 Tablet PC. To be quite honest, my expectations for Windows 7 are not very high. I've been doing some beta testing and I haven't been impressed with the new OS. I hope to be pleasantly surprised, but I'm not getting my hopes up.

Herbal Nutritional Supplements in Medicine

I was trying to explain the concept of herbal nutritional supplements to someone the other day. This person really didn't seem to understand that herbal agents are not the same as prescription medications. We were talking about a bottle of 81 mg baby-strength aspirin that you can purchase at your local drug store. You don't need a prescription since this is an over-the-counter medication. However, Bayer has a new bottle of 81 mg aspirin called "Bayer with Heart Advantage." This is a bottle of aspirin that also includes a supplement called phytosterols, a natural plant-based supplement that are also known as plant sterols.

Some people are fanatical about nutritional supplements and they even become Herbalife distributors. I personally think you can have quite a successful business in this industry because there are so many people who want to engage in holistic medicine, complementary medicine, alternative medicine, herbals, nutritional supplements, and much more. Many clinicians are members of the American Holistic Medical Association (AHMA) and may even achieve board certification. Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit? Want to learn how to become an Herbal Life distributor? You don't need an MBA to build a successful business that integrates the distribution of herbal nutritional supplements.

Old iPod Chargers and new iPods

So I have several older iPods and a few new ones (yes, I admit that I'm a gadget freak, but most of these were not purchased). I've had the opportunity to win some iPods through drawings, Sermo, and a few others sources. I love iPods because they are great travel companions. However, I've recently noticed that my older iPod chargers don't charge my new iPod nano (4th generation) and iPod touch (2nd generation). If you have no idea what models I'm referring to, then take a look at this Apple Support page on different iPod generation models.

So I'm very disappointed that my Firewire charger, my Kensington Universal Charger (tip J3), and several other old iPod chargers do not work on my newer iPods. What's going on Apple?

Using the iPhone or iPod Touch in Healthcare

The Apple iPhone and iPod Touch are versatile devices that can be used in the healthcare setting. Can you think of more than 15 ways they can be used? If you're a medical student or a resident, maybe you can empty your white coat and replace some of your tools with this single device. Here's my list of 15 ways:

1. Epocrates (drug reference)
2. Web browsing (research)
3. Record patient data
4. 2-way communication with others (get rid of those pagers!)
5. Neuro/rehab tests and exercises (use the built-in accelerometer and improve your gait)
6. Visual acuity tests and exercises
7. Vibratory stimulation test (no need for that bulky tuning fork)
8. Auditory test (can you hear that high-pitched sound?)
9. Reflex hammer? Maybe, if you're really talented.
10. Take a photo of that rash or wound (great for surgery and dermatology)
11. Flash cards
12. Anatomy reference (try ADAM)
13. As a phone to answer your pages (if you still carry a pager)
14. As a flashlight in your call room
15. To watch Scrubs, ER, or other educational medical TV shows.
16. Medical podcasts, earn CME/CE credits.

I could go on and on, but I was thinking about these things as I played around with my iPod. Can you add to this list?

Opera Mobile 9.7

I'm waiting to try Opera Mobile 9.7 on my HTC Titan XV6800 (Sprint Mogul). I've been using Opera Mobile 9.5 and it's been working quite well so far. However, it's slow compared to Opera Mini, and Opera Mobile 9.7 is supposed to have Opera Turbo. So, when is Opera Mobile 9.7 going to be available?

Many Questions Related to Residency and Non-Clinical Careers

I've received quite a few questions recently on the Student Doctor Network about residency, clinical medicine, and careers in non-clinical medicine. Here's the bottom line: you'll have many more career opportunities if you complete a residency and become board-certified in a medical or surgical specialty. Of course, if you're stuck in the middle of a very long residency and you really don't enjoy your work, then you may want to consider switching to a shorter one. You can still find opportunities if you don't complete a residency, but make sure to do your research so that you understand your options.

Also, you don't need an MPH or an MBA to succeed in the non-clinical world. Although these degrees help, they aren't necessary.

Twitter Getting Jammed

Twitter seems to be getting jammed quite a bit these days. My guess is that their servers are getting overloaded. Speaking of servers, I often wonder how EHR/EMR providers have their servers set up. After all, you can' t have your server go down if you have thousands of clinicians using an ASP version of your EHR solution. Do you worry about that if you're using a free EMR or free EHR?

Excitement at HIMSS 2009

The buzz and excitement at HIMSS 2009 is fantastic! It may not compare to CES, but it's still quite revolutionary this year. I didn't make it this year, but I've heard from several people who are there and they tell me that it's unlike previous years. The economic stimulus plans have people excited about some major opportunities in health IT.

Fitness Watches

So how often do you go to the gym? There are so many ways to improve your health and fitness. Buzzwords in the health industry include: wellness, health, fitness, and prevention. This way, you avoid the need for things like disease management since you're preventing disease.

I spend a fair amount at the gym and I've seen some significant changes in consumer health technology that have made it both fun and easier for people to exercise. For instance, I use a Polar heart rate monitor strap so that I can easily monitor my HR during exercise. I also wear a Timex sports watch. I'm also a fan of other brands, but Timex has always been reliable and cost-friendly. If you can afford to spend a fair amount of money for a nice sports watch, then you may want to also look at Suunto and Polar. I've had watches made by both companies and still wear my Suunto at times.

If you like to run, then you may want a watch that also includes a sensor that measures your running speed. You don't necessarily need a GPS to do that. I also love the fact that some of these watches now incorporate solar technology and rechargeable batteries. I've had a Timex Ironman for several years and I haven't even had to replace the battery yet. So improvements in battery technology and recharging capabilities have really improved the capability of sports watches.

HIMSS 2009 Chicago

How many of you are enjoying HIMSS in Chicago? Microsoft is heavily involved at HIMSS (have you checked out Microsoft Surface yet?)

There are some great topics this year, especially with so much buzz around health IT driven by talks about economic stimulus. We've heard so much about this from President Obama. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, signed by President Obama on February 17, includes $19.2 billion for healthcare information technology (health IT). This means that there are many pieces to this gigantic pie for different companies raning from small and large corporations. How do you plan to contribute to the health IT revolution?