Medical fraternity wants limited tech learning

NAGPUR: Technology has seeped into every aspect of the human existence. The newly proposed 'Vision 2015' of the Medical Council of India (MCI) aims to take it into the field of medical education, too. Teachers, students and medical fraternity hail this step, but wish to limit the use of technical wizardry.
The Board of governors of the apex medical body has suggested making use of simulators, mobile phones and computers in order to make teaching more appealing for the younger generation.They also want to teach the medical graduates skills like making web pages and PowerPoint presentations along with some other computer related skills. Medical education now can also be passed on through means of distance learning.
"Since the youngsters today are more comfortable with the electronic gadgets like computers and cell phones, it is a very good step to use these technological enhancements for their education. Research would be easier for students if they are well versed with the use of these devices," opined Dr Pankaj Nalawade, President of Maharashtra Association of resident Doctors (MARD).
Even students give the move a thumbs up. "Moving away from the 2-D format of textbooks and visualising some procedures in digital format would definitely be a better way to study. Yet, I would still want to retain the old methods of acquiring knowledge as well," said medical student Abhinav Jogani.
Agreed his friend Kiran Rajput, "It would sure be helpful but I would want a mixed method of learning. Of course, learning to operate with the help of MMS's and videos sounds exciting, but witnessing an actual surgery being performed even as seniors give you special pearls of wisdom has no replacement."
Even teachers were upbeat about this novel way of teaching. "This is a sign of moving with the times we are living in. These techniques would be especially beneficial for some of the private medical colleges where patients are not in such abundance as in government colleges. This would enable a complete hands-on training to students," said Dr Lokendra Singh. He pronounced proudly that despite being an old timer, he completely agrees with these technological advances being infused into medical education.
"Audio visual medium is a very effective way of teaching several complicated topics as it leaves lesser room for any sort of confusion. Yet, it should be kept in mind that nothing can substitute a teacher in the field of education. Probably, all these changes are being made to ape the other fields of learning without realising that teaching and learning of medicine is totally different," opined Dr Mukund Baheti. He also warns that being a teacher what he thinks of as being of prime importance is a clear base of knowledge through any means. "As far as that is taken care of other things only remain secondary," he said.
However, a warning is issued by the former dean of Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). "Until a doctor learns to diagnose a patient by touching him, he is not a complete doctor. Use of technology is fine until it is limited to creating ready-to-use resources. But using it as a way of teaching has to be kept to the bare minimum," suggested the veteran medico.