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Medical Care

Early Adoption of Tech in Med Schools for Health Care

2024-12-04

Medical schools play a crucial role in preparing health care professionals for the high-tech future. A Texas A&M dean emphasizes the need for early adoption of technologies. Getty Images showcases a glimpse of what the future might hold - a robot recording vital signs and communicating with patients. Dr. Amy Waer, the Jean and Tom McMullin endowed dean of the Texas A&M University College of Medicine, is optimistic about this technological evolution.

Empowering Medical Education with Early-Tech Adoption

Early Adoption in Medical Education

In the field of health and medicine, emerging technologies offer endless possibilities. Wearables, 3D-printed medication, and robot-assisted surgeries are just some of the advancements. As one Mays Business School professor highlights, training college students in AI usage is essential. Dr. Waer, an advocate for early adoption, recalls her own medical school experience. In the 1990s, while training as a general surgery resident, laparoscopic surgery was emerging. Some general surgeons were skeptical, but OB-GYNS saw its potential and led the way. Now, laparoscopic surgery is the standard. Waer believes that generative AI will revolutionize healthcare, and medical schools need to be at the forefront.

The Texas A&M University College of Medicine, established in 1977 and approaching its 50th anniversary, is well-suited for early adoption due to its dispersed regional campus model. With campuses in Bryan-College Station, Houston, Round Rock, and Dallas, integrating technological advancements into the academic curriculum is a priority. This ensures that students are prepared for the diverse healthcare environments they will encounter.

Exploring AI in Medical Education

The college has initially focused on using AI for educational purposes. Tools are being developed to assist first-year medical students. Specifically, they are investigating the use of AI-generated personal assistants to provide individualized tutoring and knowledge testing. The hope is to launch a pilot project in the next year. Students desire individual human tutors, but the shortage of senior medical students and faculty makes this challenging. AI offers a solution to provide the necessary support throughout medical school and into their careers.

Dr. Waer also envisions adding patient digital assistants to the health hub in Bryan. By leveraging AI, they aim to help patients navigate the complex healthcare system. Innovation is not just a buzzword; it is about putting technology into practice to enhance healthcare. The college wants to train Aggie doctors to be proficient in using these technologies.

Healthcare enthusiasts in Jennings are about to get an opportunity that could shape their careers. A session specifically designed to provide insights into nursing and Allied Health programs is set to take place at SOWELA's Morgan Smith campus. We had the chance to speak with Kristine Stout, the dean of SOWELA's Nursing and Allied Health program, to uncover the details.

Unlock Your Future in Healthcare with SOWELA's Informational Session

Details of the Informational Session

The healthcare informational session is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, December 10. There will be two time slots available - 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. This free event aims to offer prospective students a unique chance to interact with faculty and staff. They can learn about various programs such as Practical Nursing (LPN), Sterile Processing, and Surgical Technology. Additionally, they will get information about financial aid and scholarship opportunities, the related job market, and Spring 2024 enrollment details.

The Practical Nursing program is a comprehensive course that prepares students to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). It combines classroom instruction with supervised clinical activities in accredited healthcare settings like hospitals and nursing homes. Students gain practical skills and knowledge that are essential for their future careers.

The Popular Courses Offered

Sterile Processing is a two-semester certificate program that opens up employment opportunities in the medical field as sterile processors. This course equips students with the necessary skills to ensure the sterility of medical instruments and supplies. Surgical Technology, on the other hand, prepares students for entry-level employment as Surgical Technologists. They play a crucial role in the surgical team, assisting surgeons during procedures.

Scholarships and financial aid are available for eligible students. This provides a great opportunity for those who aspire to pursue a career in healthcare but may have financial constraints. Spring 2025 classes will begin on Monday, January 13, 2025. It's an exciting time for aspiring healthcare professionals.

How to Register and Get More Information

To register for the informational session, interested individuals can visit www.sowela.edu/info-session. For more details about the event or how to enroll in SOWELA, they can contact SOWELA Morgan Smith at (337) 824-4811 or onestop@sowela.edu. Don't miss this chance to take the first step towards a rewarding career in healthcare.

In an event held in Leuven, Belgium, a remarkable insight was gained into the convergence of 'Health meets Hardware'. Hardware plays a crucial role in the new advancements within healthcare, yet there exist significant challenges. IT emerges as an important innovator in this field, yet a notable mismatch between the significance of technology and the knowledge about it persists within healthcare. This disparity even begins during school years, as pointed out by Gratienne Sioncke, the Founding Executive Director of BORGinsole, based on her experiences with trainees. They often require time to adjust to the technological aspects of the workplace, which are not adequately addressed in education.

Uniting Health and Hardware for Enhanced Patient Care

Hardware's Role in Healthcare Developments

Hardware serves as a fundamental component in the ongoing healthcare developments. It enables the creation of innovative solutions such as 3D-scan-based insoles for (elite) athletes by companies like BORGinsole. The production process involves a blend of digitization, automation, and robotization, emphasizing the precision required. This shows how hardware is integral to bringing about advancements in healthcare.

Moreover, in nursing homes, students from UCLL Hogeschool have proposed the 'dementia harp'. By simply touching one of the tubes, personal memories in the form of photos, videos, or audio start playing automatically. This simple yet effective device improves the lives of patients with dementia on multiple levels, bringing back memories and reducing social isolation.

Challenges in the Healthcare-Hardware Convergence

One of the major challenges is the mismatch between the importance of technology and the knowledge about it within healthcare. Trainees, especially in the initial weeks, struggle to adapt to the technological side of the workplace. This highlights the need for better integration of technology in education.

Another challenge is security. The healthcare sector is increasingly becoming a popular target for ransomware criminals. For instance, patients with deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices do not have the option to upgrade to new versions easily due to the complexity and sensitivity of the brain. This shows that while hardware brings benefits, it also poses significant security challenges.

Jan Vermeir, President of the Young Parkinson’s League, also emphasizes the painful gap between IT innovations and patient well-being. Technological tools designed to improve lives sometimes face challenges due to manufacturers' focus on financial interests rather than patient needs.