He has also given lectures to help other residents improve their computer skills. Dr. Karras said he believes that moving into the computer age is essential for young doctors. Those who resist probably will survive, he said. But our goal is not to just get by, but to do the best we can. However, training in medical informatics still varies widely, said Paul Gorman, FACP, assistant professor of medicine and health informatics at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, and assistant director of medical education at Providence Medical Center.
Most programs fall somewhere in between, providing informal training during other rotations.
That means most residents are probably getting a running start for a future in which computer skills will be a necessity for practicing physicians, Dr. Gorman said. However, some residents may need to supplement their program training by taking electives outside their institution or by inviting experts to give guest lectures. Beware cocktail talk Even the most ardent computer advocates warn that residents who do find opportunities for training ultimately can waste precious time on computer applications with little value. For instance, medical information available on the Web ranges from peer-reviewed literature to cocktail conversation, said David Trace, FACP, dean of clinical affairs at Chicago Medical School. Computer searches also can take extra time for residents who like to consult CD-ROM texts or Medline when confronted by a difficult diagnosis or complex treatment protocol.