Growing need for health IT support

There is a growing need for health information technology (health IT) support these days. More hospitals and physician practices are transitioning from paper-based records to computerized records. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are becoming the new "standard" in the world of health care, but technical glitches and computer problems are causing endless frustration. As a result, there are a number of organizations that are rapidly expanding their support staff and they are offering remote IT support to many health care clients. If you have strong computer skills, you may be interested in learning how your skills can be utilized by technology companies that are looking for professionals who understand health care security, compliance, patient privacy, and HIPAA regulations. If you can troubleshoot your own computers, then you'll save countless headaches and delays in workplace productivity by fixing the problems yourself. Or, maybe you'll drag your spouse to the office to fix the computer problems for you. Then again, if you have remote IT access, then you don't even need to go into the office.

There are a number of applications, products, and solutions that offer remote desktop services at an enterprise level. To avoid HIPAA violations, make sure that your connections are secure and that the right level of encryption is available so that your patient records are protected.

10 technology travel tips for the business traveler

Over the past few months, I’ve been traveling more than usual. I’ve been on the train and the plane. I’ve worked from the airport. I’ve used my smartphone as my WiFi hotspot to access the Internet. I’ve taken different computers on my trips: sometimes I carry my heavier convertible laptop tablet PC. Sometimes I just go with my Apple iPad and an external keyboard and I leave my laptop at work.

Today, I’m using an old tablet PC called the Samsung Q1 Ultra UMPC. From a distance, it may look like the Samsung Galaxy Tab. However, this is a really old machine that runs Windows 7. The main reason why I’m using this is because: 1) I need something really light (1.5 pounds); 2) I need USB ports (this one has two), and 3) I need to run Microsoft Windows. If I didn’t need the USB ports, then I’d have my iPad and I’d access my Windows PC using remote desktop connection (via LogMeIn Ignition) so that I can run all my Windows-based applications. This Q1 Ultra has exceptional battery life, so I get to compute all day without looking for a power outlet.

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The need for strong computer skills when looking for a new job

If you're currently looking for a new job, make sure that you've got strong computer skills so that you can work efficiently as you search for jobs, revise your CV, upload your resume, and stay organized. Modern computers have made it so much easier to remain productive in this busy world. I'm constantly connected because I have my smartphone (made by HTC), my laptop (a Lenovo ThinkPad right now, but it will soon be an HP EliteBook), and I even carry a ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) when I go to meetings (this is a Samsung). I always have access to my critical files and the Internet by leveraging cloud computing offline file sharing resources.

How about you? Are you still using an old computer? Maybe it's time to upgrade and buy a tiny little netbook for $300-400 so that you can take it with you. You can work in the bookstore, the coffee shop, or the airport if you're traveling for interviews. You can find some Dell coupon codes online and save even more on these little devices. If you don't like the tiny screen of a netbook, then get a standard laptop that's not too big or heavy. This way, you can still take it with you and remain productive when you're on the road.

The physician in the pharmaceutical industry

What do we know about the role of a physician within the pharmaceutical industry? You probably never did an elective rotation where you could experience this life. You probably never had a chance to shadow a pharmaceutical physician. So how would you know?

Here's an abstract from an Acta Med Port article published in 1993 about "[The physician in the pharmaceutical industry]" (note: the title is in brackets because the original article was published in Portuguese.)

Abstract:

The physician's role in the pharmaceutical industry has changed over the past years. This change is a consequence of several factors, namely the evolution of the industry itself, the legislative and regulatory changes in this particular area, the development of medicine, new techniques and research, and finally the physician's needs. The changes that this activity has undergone not only create new stimuli for the physicians in the industry, but also new challenges and needs for the complete achievement of their career. This is a review article of the main functions and responsibilities of the physician in the pharmaceutical industry as well as the new challenges that this group of physicians faces. Finally, special attention is given to post-graduate courses and their relation with the academic structure.

Acta Med Port. 1993 Jul;6(7):361-5.
PMID: 8379357

I'm sure much has changed since 1993.  Probably one of the biggest areas is in communications and computing technology. Modern business executives are expected to carry smartphones (such as the BlackBerry) and respond quickly to urgent e-mails and other business emergencies. You'll be expected to also have a laptop so that you can work while you're traveling. These types of technologies (particularly the smartphone) were not nearly as ubiquitous back in 1993 compared to 2009. Modern laptops are much more sophisticated and you can do so much more on these mobile computers. You'll be expected to have strong computing skills so that you can be effective and efficient in the corporate world.

Strong computer skills are vital for most non-clinical jobs

How are your computer skills? What if you had to rate yourself? Novice, intermediate, or expert?

Strong computer skills are almost always vital for most non-clinical positions. Why? Because business productivity requires the use of computers and mobile technology. You will probably be expected to use smartphones such as the BlackBerry, iPhone, or even a Windows Mobile device. If you travel for work, you'll find yourself doing quite a bit of work on the airplane. Your productivity will largely depend on your level of computer proficiency. Hence, if you're really slow on the PC and you don't know how to use keyboard shortcuts, then you may be spending a lot of time on your documents or other deliverables.

Learn to be efficient using the Microsoft Office suite of applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). You can view free multimedia tutorials online if you're not very familiar with these applications.

Companies are looking for people who can be efficient since you'll have many different tasks and responsibilities. If you can effectively demonstrate that you have strong computer skills, then you will have a competitive advantage over many other candidates.

Enhancing Computer Skills to Become a Better Job Candidate

If you're considering a career switch into the non-clinical world of healthcare, I'd encourage you to invest some time and energy to enhance your computer skills. We now live in a mobile era where digital technology is ubiquitous and you will be expected to keep up with everyone else in the office. This means that you should get comfortable working on a laptop (or notebook) computer. If you've always had a desktop PC at home, consider getting a laptop so that you're familiar with some of the basics:

• How do you turn on/off the wireless radio?
  
• How do you connect it to a projector?

Of course, you'll also want to brush up on Microsoft Office. Office 2007 is quite different from the earlier versions (like Office 2003, Office XP, etc.). Finally, get very proficient with e-mail. You may not have an iPhone or BlackBerry now, but be prepared to use one if you join the corporate world of pharma/biotech/medical devices and other major healthcare industries. You may not carry a pager, but you'll probably be carrying something that's even worse (you may have no idea if you've never carried a PDA/smartphone).

Freelance Medical Writing

What's freelance medical writing like? Imagine a life where you're working at home. You can wake up whenever you'd like. You can work whenever you'd like (assuming that you don't have too much in school loans or bills to pay). The best part is that you can actually wear your PJs while you're working (for some people, this may actually be a depressing thing). Sound enticing? What, you want to hear more?

The life of a freelance medical writer is not as picture-perfect as it may seem. Working from home isn't always easy, especially if you have a family. For some people, it's the perfect setting. If you have school-aged children, then you can work in an empty house while your kids are at school.

Before you consider a career transition from clinical medicine into medical writing, seriously think about a few critical things:

1. What type of income do you need to make? Are you depending on your income for bills and other necessary expenses? Freelance workloads can be like a roller coaster ride (up and down, up and down).
2. Are you disciplined enough to work completely independently? It's critical to always meet your deadlines.
   
3. Are you a good writer? (you may laugh, but you'd be surprised to know that some very poor writers pursue a career in medical writing)
4. Do you enjoy writing? If you think this would be a great hobby, think again (unless you don't need the income and you have the luxury to do this as a hobby).
   
5. Finally, how are your computer skills? Modern medical writers need to be proficient with the computer. Gone are the days of typing on a simple word processor. Medical writers are expected to be quite proficient with Microsoft Powerpoint, Word, Excel, etc. Technology is playing a bigger part in the healthcare industry, so it remains critical to get familiar with things like mobile devices, laptops, and even smartphones.
   

So what do you think? Do you want to learn more about the intriguing career of a medical writer?