As you start thinking about a future career in medicine, it’s crucial to understand how technology is going to affect the way in which you study. Seemingly every element of your classroom instruction and clinical internship(s) will continue to be influenced, from patient interaction to surgical tactics to health records.
So what are the biggest recent shifts in how medical schools teach students – and what sort of changes can you expect over the coming years?
Digitalized Classrooms
“What is digital learning?” We’ve come a long way from the age of chalk and blackboards. Today’s modern classroom places greater importance on screens – from Smart Boards to tablets to smartphones. Virtual education is beneficial for different styles of learners, and also provides faster answers and more realistic images.
Smart Boards: Changing the Way We Study
Smart Boards are the perfect addition to any pre-med course. Not only are they able to provide more interactive lessons, but they also improve student retention. Students absorb more when they’re engaged, and interactive whiteboards promote hands-on learning, especially when it comes to anatomical lessons.
At AUSOMA, every classroom is outfitted with these devices. This encourages professors to personalize lessons by utilizing anything from microscopes, anatomy apps, and anything else you can think of – the sky’s the limit!
Our Brains Are Adapting to New Learning Methods
Recent studies have linked smart classrooms to improved learning, focus, and exam results. In fact, a study discovered that people from the millennial and GenZ generations prefer on-screen reading materials instead of paper. What’s more surprising is that these populations read more often than any other generation.
In a learning environment, digital learning platforms mean that there’s less emphasis on having your nose stuck in a thick textbook. Students are able to utilize 21st-century technology to watch videos, interactive apps, and even lectures from previous semesters.
Other great parts of digitizing the learning process include being able to work remotely. Imagine being able to receive textbooks, notes, research, and feedback from anywhere in the world – at the touch of a button.
3-D Printers
The rise of 3-D printing in medicine is one of the most exciting developments of the last few decades. From dental implants to prosthetics to surgical prep, a new generation of surgeons has greater training than ever before, thanks to real-life 3-D materials. In addition to improving patient recovery rates, enormous amounts of time and money are saved.
Interactive Dissection Materials
We’re sure that you remember memorizing two-dimensional diagrams during high school health class. We’re also sure that you’re aware that the human body is much more than a two-dimensional, black and white diagram.
Anatomy textbooks are still the best resource for information, but they’re not the be-all, end-all source of education. That’s where interactive dissection materials come in. Instead of two-dimensional images, you’ll be able to learn about the shape and function of anatomical structures with three-dimensional angles.
While digital applications can’t totally prepare you for an actual cadaver, having your basics down first will also save universities time and money on dissection materials.
Interactive Apps Are Endless
For physicians and nurses, smartphones are one of the most relied-upon pieces of technology – and for great reason.
Medical apps for students are becoming more realistic with each passing month.
Muscle and Bone Anatomy 3D
People who learn visually can check out precisely how detailed bone and joint movements are. The quizzes provide excellent study practice for nearly every anatomical test imaginable.
Brainscape
If you’re studying for the MCAT (or just need a great paperless flashcard alternative), Brainscape is an app that even allows you to digitally share your flashcards with friends!
Essential Anatomy 5
Considered by many to be the best anatomical app on the market, Essential Anatomy 5 offers realistic, 3-dimensional graphics. Best of all, you can view any part of the body in isolation and combine it with challenging quizzes written by medical professionals. Rather than staring at intimidating, two-dimensional images, you can view ganglion cysts from every angle possible, then discover how the neural network is interconnected.
Is AI Going to Take Over?
Many medical professionals are concerned about their industry’s increased reliance on technology, especially when it comes to making judgment calls during emergency situations. Artificial intelligence simply can’t factor in all possible health issues, and many are concerned that there will be a shift away from the “human” element of care.
While future doctors won’t be replaced by robots or apps anytime soon, there are major developments looming on the medical horizon. One thing is guaranteed, however: It’s a thrilling time to enter the medical world’s digital era.
What We’re Most Excited to See in the Medical World
There are incredible developments in AI that help medical experts manage patient data and health conditions far more efficiently. Applications might allow physicians to instantly pull up a patient’s electronic health record, obtain lab results, and add medical notes to their files. Wearable medical devices will be improved to detect potentially deadly heart issues, blood sugar levels, and more. Best of all, the hospitals in that network will be updated simultaneously.
With the collective knowledge of the medical world at the tip of your finger, why rely on a single way of learning?
That doesn’t mean your professors and lecturers aren’t providing a vital part of your education: Their real-world experiences bridge the gap between “old school” and modern methods. Learn everything you can, but remember that the only way is forward!
Enroll in AUSOMA and Reap the Benefits!
If you’re looking for a top Caribbean medical school, look no further than the American University School of Medicine Aruba. To help their students succeed, this institution places smartboards in each classroom and encourages students to balance their coursework with medical learning gadgets.
AUSOMA is the way of the future – join our ranks today!