New Medical Member

[TriPLeX]

I am getting into college, and I am seriously interested in pursuing something in the medical field. I just want to know what people recommend for me, and how important is a PDA to the medical community. Really large thanks if you respond.

-TriPLeX

[crh3f]

By "what people recommend for you", what do you mean? What kind of field to go into?

As for PDA use, it's definitely on the rise. Hospitals and clinics are beginning to use them for patient records. Mostly, though, physicians and medical students are still using them for reference...drug handbooks, looking up diseases/treatments/info.

2nd year medical student, by the way.

[sc20]

i would say make sure you want to do something in health care before buying a PDA for that specific reason.

i saw a recent survey, 50% of doctors would not do it all over again.. that says something. heck, i think i'm one of those!

BUT, if you want a pda cuz you want to take notes in class with a portable keyboard, or manage your day-to-day stuff, listen to MP3s, play some games, etc etc then I would say yes.. or if it helps with some specific function of a job you have.

honestly, I really don't think it's how much medical knowledge you have (or is on your PDA) BEFORE you apply to med school... or any other health profession for that matter.. that's why you go to med/grad school.

[crh3f]

Also...anything you get now will be SO obsolete by the time you get into medical school, so I'd get whatever suits your purposes at this time.

[GoCats]

Agree with the above comments- no need to buy a PDA right now just for future medical purposes- it will be obsolete by then. Buy what suits your needs right now, if you need a handheld. PDA use in medicine is certainly on the rise, though, and will only increase.

[Unregistered]

Really think carefully before you go into the medical field! You are looking into at least 10 years of no money, no social life, no sleep and getting yell at by everyone in the hospital. Yes, including the janitors, have you watch Scrubs lately?