In our modern world, every aspect of life seems to be affected by technology. This is no different for higher education, specifically medical school. But how exactly does technology change the way that professors and students interact with each other? Learn more about the impact of technology in the medical education world below.
Mobile Devices in College Education
It’s no secret that textbooks are expensive, heavy and not eco-friendly. With shifts to laptops and tablets, schools are officially starting to recognize that there’s a better way to transmit course materials. Specifically, medical schools such as Yale and Harvard now provide textbooks online. Yale even provides tablets for students to use.
Mobile Patient Tracking
Besides textbook shifts, some schools now use mobile devices to help medical students in their third year of medical school. During clinicals, professors and students use an app that tracks patient encounters. The professors can discreetly review the student’s performance, effectively streamlining and softening feedback.
Doctor and Professor Review Sites
Another innovation that didn’t exist when your grandpa was in medical school is doctor and professor review sites. Students and patients alike can easily Google reviews for specific doctors or teachers and learn all about them. They can use that knowledge to inform decisions on choosing certain courses or finding a new doctor. This may be beneficial to patients and students, but it harms doctors and professors who get slammed by harsh critics. Not to mention, happy interactions rarely make it on to these reviews, effectively skewing a professional’s actual rating.
Simulation Technology
Students in medical school can now experience real-life situations in a safe space with simulation technology. They learn how to perform procedures that would be unsafe to practice on a living human. This technology comes in the form of mannequin simulation; these robots simulate cardiac rhythms and respiration. Screen-based simulation is also used in about 60% of medical schools. These virtual realities allow students to practice interviews, exams, diagnoses, and treatments in realistic situations.
Population Science
Population science studies the growth rates, geographic locations, and timelines of outbreaks like Ebola, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. These online databases help doctors and professors determine causes and formulate long-term cures and prevention tactics. Medical students benefit from this because they can learn how to use the technology in their careers.
Advanced Machinery
Besides websites, apps, programs and databases, physical technology has advanced greatly in the medical field. Students can now learn how to use the latest machinery to more effectively diagnose and prevent diseases. For example, radiology procedures such as CT scans, ultrasounds, MRIs and X-rays are all more precise than they were even 10 years ago. Prospective doctors can learn about the technology in a safe and controlled environment before testing it out on patients in the real world.
Technology is only going to get better as the years go on. It’s good for medical schools to embrace the technology that will be applied in real life.
Informational Credit
The information for this article is credited to Adventist University which offers bachelor’s degrees in radiology.
