This means that there is less of an opportunity for trainees to talk to patients than in the past. This also means that it is more difficult to assess students in an examination context. This makes us almost unique in Ireland and means that all of our students will leave with a good understanding of computer technology. They have to be. More and more patients are looking up their symptoms and conditions on the Internet and doctors have to be aware of this and keeping up to date with their own research.
Education never stops and medical science keeps changing.
The body doesn't change, but the methods of treating do and the Internet is a very powerful tool for keeping abreast of these changes. He sees the possibility for IT and the Internet to make profound changes in the way medicine is taught in the future, but also cautions that the profession is more noted for reckless conservatism than radicalism. The extensive use of IT could mean that all of the scientific aspects of the medical degree could be taught over the Internet and at a distance, while the practical, hands-on training elements would be grouped together in modules rather like Open University summer schools. But I don't see any rapid change in that direction in the future. The medical profession is naturally very conservative and will not make any changes unless it is sure that they will be to the ultimate benefit of the profession and to patients.