Anyone else using Wikipedia to study?

[02115]

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Sometimes it seems easier to look stuff up in Wikipedia on the fly than go digging through FA or my BRS books. Wikipedia seems to be very well written and informative-- anyone have ideas?

 

[Idiopathic]

Wikipedia is a dicey source, because its open to anyone to post info. They do not have to be an expert on the subject. Id rather use eMedicine searches, since they are backed up by research. Wiki stuff can lead you in the right direction, but dont take it at face value too often.

 

[exmike]

I use wiki for drugs. I find that it is a reliable and quick resource for that. For conditions, emedicine is great

 

[JayZee]

omgoodness! hahaha 😛

yes, sometimes...so quick!

but i do double check in case i'm not sure, so could be double work...

 

[DrPak]

I use wikipedia all the time. The entries relating to science are generally the most accurate of all because they've been written by professionals (as opposed to an entry on, say, Britney Spears, that might have been edited by a 12 year old). I've found the text to be very reliable and well-written. Most medical textsbooks are often written poorly with convoluted, long-winded sentences. Wikipedia never seems to go down that road.

 

[lord_jeebus]

My favorite use of wikipedia is to look up obscure sounding drugs that pop up on QBank. If there's no wikipedia entry, I don't bother learning it.

 

[ndspider]

I am using wikipedia.

In fact, it is more accurate than peer reviewed Britianica.

So don't think that there are numerous bad facts. In general, the "general public" likes to perserve the truth. It is more up-to-date etc...
There have been studies to compare the truthfulness of wikipedia articals and they have always held up.
There are exceptions, the more controversial the subject, the more likely one's opinion will be injected into the subject. Eg. Israel and middle east issues.
But for stuff like albuterol and chagas.... now way.

Use it for behavioral science. The DSM-IV sections are excellent.

 

[exmike]

eventually, all of preclinical curriculum will be on wikipedia. who needs med school? 😀

 

[ndspider]

eventually, all of preclinical curriculum will be on wikipedia. who needs med school? 😀

How many of my aunts and uncles said "on google it says this is my disease"

or "what does the doctor know"

eventually going to... "i am going to sue his ass... wikipedia states this...."