[fobside]

Do any of you use Apple computers in medical school? I'm refering to personal computers. Are you able to get by or is there Windows-based software that the schools are using now? I ask, because a friend of mine wants a PowerBook. My friends thus far have had Windows machines as well, so this issue hasn't come up. Does anyone have any input on this subject?

Thanks in advance for any tips or help.

[larkost]

They will have to answer questions on a very specific basis. I work for a Veterinary school, and there are a few pieces of specialized software that require Windows, and others that require MacOS (mostly 9). Your friend will have to figure out what they will need, and what the platform requirements are, and it is likely to depend very much on the department.

[tkmd]

I got through medical school using my Pismo 400!!! Most of the stuff schools use today falls into the category getting info about the lecture off a server, which should be no problem. Some of the bigger named proprietary sw runs both mac and windows versions. Otherwise the vast majority of sw is usually written in real basic or java to save money. You should be fine. Alot of students use PB's. PM me if you've got further questions.

[Cadaver]

I got through medical school on a Quadra 605, but that was a whole 'nother world ago.

[krove]

I start this fall and plan to buy myself a brand-new 15" PowerBook. Software-wise, PowerPoint is probably the main concern these days...Internet and PowerPoint.

[typoon]

My brother uses an iBook 600 for Med school. He also uses an iPod with the iTalk for lectures.

He mostly uses Word, Keynote, some powerpoint.

[fobside]

I actually had my friend talk to the school she is going to and they said it should be fine, although they don't provide any support for it.

[Mithras]

You'll be better off with a Palm than a computer of any kind for med school. After the 1.5 or 2 years of classes, you'll be WISHING you had time to sit down and put a laptop in your lap.

[wakefield79]

I'm currently using a G4 desktop and a 12" iBook for med school. Any laptop will be fine (but not necessary) for the first two years. Most of our material was posted on PowerPoint and there was only one occasion where I had to bust out virtual pc (for a ct atlas). Though, I have plenty of friends that saved money and just use the schools computer lab. I also have an iPod that I would tape lectures with and occasionally play back while on long drives, but I would say it wasn't very helpful.

The only big thing that your friend should consider is PDA compatibility with Macs. Today was my first day of third year clerkships and have found that epocrates doesn't support Tiger yet. I'm sure that will change, but in the meantime my options are pocket references or shelling out for something like Lexi drugs. Also, syncing in general with Tiger seems to be in disarray. Knowing this, I still wouldn't give up my Macs, but it is something to keep in mind.

[G-mac]

I'm currently in my 4th year of med school and haven't had any major issues using a Mac. In fact, the computer lab recently purchased a bunch of iMac G5s for the learning center, but Dells still predominate. Luckily, the head tech guy is a Mac fan and has been squeezing in Macs whenever possible.

Currently, I'm using an iPod 15GB, Palm Tungsten T, and PM G4 1.25 MDD. I've had the Mac and iPod for years and recently purchased the Tungsten from eBay for $90 (didn't want to get a new $300 Palm broken/stolen in the hospital).

Although I do use my Palm on occassion, I still find myself turning to my trusty pocket guides more often. ePocrates is not Mac compatible, so you'll need to install it using Virtual PC or your school's PCs. As you go along you'll find students beaming each other little apps for specific rotations - just ask a PC user to beam you the free version of ePocrates and other apps. Also, at my school we use PELS (Patient Encounter Log System). This is a mandatory patient database that all med students are required to use. At the end of each rotation, we upload the info from our PDAs into our school's PELS system. Currently there is no way to upload the info from home on my Mac, but luckily a neighbor lets me use his PC. Again, Mac users can find a way!

The iPod is a lifesaver! I used it to record lectures, listen to music when I was bored, and keep me company during overnight call. I think it's a great gadget to have in school. I've seen a few residents/attendings wear Shuffles around their necks - they use them to carry around PowerPoint files. One thing I wish I had in the first two years is the iPod photo. I'm guessing you could put all your histopath and clinical images on it and use it as a rapid study guide. Also, you could put your PowerPoint presentations on it so you don't have to lug around your iBook all day. I'm also wondering if any docs out there use the iPod to record dictations?

Finally, I've been using my PM for MS Office, Stedmans's dictionary, surfing the med databases through our school's server, and viewing images for histo, path, and clinical rotations. You'll definitely need to view images in school - not an issues with Macs. Also, you'll be making lots of presentations - also not an issue. In general, there aren't many apps that schools use that don't work on a Mac. You'll mostly be using MS Office, an email app, and the web.

So far, I have not encountered any software that cannot be used or simulated on a Mac. We still use cadavers, not virtual dissection software. Our school and hospitals have wireless access - no problem linking up with the Mac. Also, most of your learning will be via books - most of the time, software options for these books don't even exist. One thing I forgot to mention is online question banks, i.e. Kaplan. These banks of Q's can be useful for Board preparation - again, no issue with Macs.

Sorry about the lengthy reply! Good luck with school!

[G-mac]

In retrospect, viewing histo slides on a 2" screen would not be the best idea. Forget appreciating "ground-glass" appearance or that extra rib on CXR.