Technology when do you purchase a PDA?

[xTinaBna]

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hi!

just looking for some advice for an incoming 1rst year 🙂 when exactly do you require the use of PDA's in med school? Do you purchase them for your rotations or are they needed for residency and onwards? also, do hospitals provide you with a pda or is it recommended that all med students purchase one? thanks! 🙂

 

[southerndoc]

It varies by hospital and medical school. Some require them, some don't. Some purchase them, most don't.

I bought one before medical school and used it during my first two years. It's a great quick reference for medications (we also did clinical shifts during our first two years), and it's great for scheduling appointments and such.

My suggestion is to buy a cheap PDA for your first two years, and then get a better one your third year. You can get PDA's for about $99 now.

 

[OSUdoc08]

hi!

just looking for some advice for an incoming 1rst year 🙂 when exactly do you require the use of PDA's in med school? Do you purchase them for your rotations or are they needed for residency and onwards? also, do hospitals provide you with a pda or is it recommended that all med students purchase one? thanks! 🙂

You won't need it until your 3rd year.

I would suggest getting a PC Phone. Since my contract is every 2 years, I can upgrade to a new PC phone around the time I graduate if I feel mine is out of date at that point.

There is no reason to carry around a cell phone AND a PDA.

 

[DOctorJay]

OSU is right, you won't NEED it until 3rd year and Southerndoc is also right, it can be very helpful during the first 2 years.

I used mine throughout the first 2 years to download my lectures, took notes into the powerpoint files on my palm (via wireless keyboard), and kept track of all my grades/GPA (program called 4.0 student which is freeware), as well as all of my exams and work schedule. you can basically use it as a mini laptop if you sync it frequently with your desktop/laptop or buy a large SD card (1-2 gig is plenty).

Those who bought early are having an easier time finding info on the wards whereas those just purchasing now are fumbling around a bit.

p.s. I just upgraded to a Palm Treo smartphone today!

-J

 

[OSUdoc08]

I'd recommend a Cingular 8125 pocket PC or its equivalent with Verizon.

It is by far the best PDA/phone combo on the market.

 

[Buckeye(OH)]

I just got a Palm TX and Im getting ready to start my second year. I bought it because its just one more resource to help me get ready for boards etc; plus, I will actually be very proficient at using it by the time 3rd year comes.

 

[m1234d]

I got the TMobile MDA, as a TM customer, i was able to convince them to give it to me pretty cheap. I think the sprint, cingular, phones are basically the same. so far so good, it's been 2 days though. i'll update once ive been on surgery for a while.