The College of Medicine has experienced a tremendous growth in the use of computer systems in normal business activities. Every staff person has a dedicated personal computer.
Electronic mail is the accepted standard for office communications.
Detailed data relating to curriculum, clinical services, and research are stored and analyzed using database systems. The ability of the College of Medicine to meet its goals is now impacted by the availability and continued development of computer-based systems. Our ability to support and develop computer systems is being restricted by our ability to recruit and retain qualified technical staff. The growth of the telecommunications market in eastern Iowa, coupled with the demand for programmers and database staff to address problems associated with the Year 2000 crisis has resulted in a shortage of qualified recruits for new positions. It has also created attractive financial incentives for existing technical staff to leave their university positions and join the private sector.