The nation's leading medical societies have joined forces to create Medem, an e-health network you can trust. Many physicians want to use computers, and especially the Internet, to enhance their practices. But with new technologies being developed constantly, it's difficult for them to keep up with what's available. Patients need reinforcement on simple things such as potty training, dietary issues and even how to respond to fever. New members continue to join, and Web sites are free to physicians who are members of Medem-affiliated organizations.
Surveys show that physicians are using technology more and more.
They are taking courses from local colleges, learning computer skills from their children and during conferences, using online tutorials and even asking their peers for help. Increasingly, they are looking for training from healthcare organizations, professional associations and medical societies, though much of this type of support is still being developed. Jaffe is owner of an informatics consultancy called InforMed in Del Mar, Calif., and chair of clinical information systems for the American Medical Informatics Association. He also recommends the two weeklong summer programs offered by the National Library of Medicine, but those also are difficult to get into. Jaffe himself teaches 40 or so classes annually nationwide, often for medical societies or hospitals where he lectures or helps with hands-on computer instruction.