2003 Mayden Lecture

2003 Priscilla M. Mayden Lecture
Information Retrieval: Grand Challenges for the 21st Century
William Hersh, M.D.
Professor and Chair
Department of Medical Informatics & Clinical Epidemiology
Oregon Health & Science University
October 21, 2003 - 10:30 a.m.
George & Dolores Eccles Genetics Institute Auditorium
Abstract: Information retrieval systems (aka, search engines) are now commonly used by a broad segment of the on-line community. Searching for health information is undertaken by both professionals and patients/consumers. Despite the fact that most users understand how to find and use search engines in a basic way, considerable challenges remain for their optimal use. Dr. Hersh has been involved in the development and evaluation of retrieval systems for over a decade, and will describe their grand challenges for the 21st century. He will focus on several issues, including indexing and metadata, retrieval from heterogeneous resources, appropriate evaluation measures, and the challenges to building full-fledged digital libraries.
William Hersh, M.D. is Professor and Chair of the Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology in the School of Medicine at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, Oregon. His research focuses on the development and evaluation of information retrieval systems for clinicians. Dr. Hersh's other research interests include the evaluation of telemedicine and scientific investigation of alternative and complimentary medicine.
The Priscilla M. Mayden Lecture was established by her friends and colleagues, recognizing her service to the University as Director of the Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library.