In undergrad I used a paper day-planner now and then, but my life didn't need as much time management that is called for in medical school. Now, I am noticing a lot of school requiring a PDA at least the 3rd year and beyond so I was curious if I should make the switch. I have never used a PDA and am not sure how efficient they are to use as a planner. Anyone have experience one way or the other and know which is better to use for managing day-to-day planning in the first years of medical school?
PDA or Day-Planner
- Thread starter Tarth
- Start date
- Joined
- Dec 17, 2006
- Messages
- 665
- Reaction score
- 5
I think it is a personal choice- I have seen doctors do it both ways- as well as using an online planner (through yahoo or outlook). I wouldn't make the change if the system you have works for you.
The one good thing about the PDA is they have a built in calculator which is good for med calcs and I have witness doctors use that.
The one good thing about the PDA is they have a built in calculator which is good for med calcs and I have witness doctors use that.
4
45408
You could get an iPod touch and cut down on the number of devices you have to carry. Or you could get a smart phone like the iPhone or the new one by Verizon, which has a flip out keyboard. That's an mp3 player, a PDA, and a phone, all rolled into one. If you already have an iPod and a cell phone, I would just get a paper planner. A little digital calendar isn't that much more amazing.
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2005
- Messages
- 2,472
- Reaction score
- 0
I love my PDA for organizing my life. Since it's Windows based I sync it directly with my Outlook. One problem with it now is that the insanely smart people at Microsoft decided to make the new office calendar/contacts programs not compatible with a windows mobile PDA so I had to downgrade my office programs. It does the music and internet and everything which is convenient for going places. I've been thinking about getting a keyboard for it so that I can use it for stuff instead of taking my laptop places.
As for getting it as a smartphone, I prefer having it separate. Since I don't like to carry a purse out with me, I want to have a phone that's small enough to fit in my pockets. I also won't want to take my PDA out to a bar or someplace like that where I won't need it and I'm afraid that I might damage it so having the phone separate is key for me.
As for getting it as a smartphone, I prefer having it separate. Since I don't like to carry a purse out with me, I want to have a phone that's small enough to fit in my pockets. I also won't want to take my PDA out to a bar or someplace like that where I won't need it and I'm afraid that I might damage it so having the phone separate is key for me.
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2004
- Messages
- 30,872
- Reaction score
- 10,062
You will need a PDA in third year, but not so much as a day planner. You really need it as a pharmacopia, a calculator and a portable encyclopedia. Being able to check emails is handy too. You won't have a fixed desk on the wards, and so you need to be able to look things up on the fly. I wouldn't bother with it during the first two years of med school. Your calendar tends to be not too complicated during those years. You have ample time to sit down at a computer and research things. You need to be aware of when your exams are, but otherwise your weekdays will largely be the same each day for many weeks. So no, I wouldn't bother with it for the first two years. Wait until the end of second year -- the technology may change by then and you'll want what's current. Buying it now is like wearing scrubs and a stethoscope to lecture -- it is unnecessary and seems too eager.
