Isolated to Integrated: An Evolving Medical Informatics Curriculum

ABSTRACT

A library-led introductory informatics theme has been part of the Albany Medical College undergraduate medical school curriculum as a concurrent theme since 1993. Initially, classes were limited to large group sessions focusing on general searching skills. Over the past several years, course content has been expanded and increasingly integrated into other themes and clerkships. Web-based self-paced tutorials have replaced many classroom sessions, and Web 2.0 technologies have been introduced. Collaborations with clinical and basic science faculty in other themes supplement and strengthen the theme.

KEYWORDS:

• Clinical partnerships
• collaboration
• curriculum change
• databases
• information technology
• library
• medical education
• Web 2.0
• Web tutorials

Notes

*Named in honor of Charlene LaGrange, the librarian who was instrumental in the creation of the first year's syllabus but who passed away a month before it went into effect.

Comments and suggestions should be sent to the Column Editors: Stewart Brower ([email protected]) and Linda Hasman ([email protected]).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Enid M. Geyer

Enid M. Geyer, MLS, MBA ([email protected]) is Associate Dean for Information Resources and Technology, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue, MC63, Albany, NY 12208.

D. Elizabeth Irish

D. Elizabeth Irish, MLS ([email protected]) is Assistant Director for Education and Administrative Services, Schaffer Library of Health Sciences, Albany Medical College.