Auditorium Presentation

Enhancing Medical Teaching and Learning via the Collaboration of Students and Faculty: The McGill Molson Medical Informatics Project

Raisa Lev, Jonathan I. Gates, MD
McGill University Faculty of Medicine

Abstract:

The McGill Molson Medical Informatics Project (MMIP) was founded to maximize the effective use of computers in medical education at McGill. Specific goals include the education of students in web development and computer technology in medicine, and the development of internet-based materials to help patients learn about medical problems and procedures. As part of the MMIP, a series of student projects were initiated in the Spring of 1997.

Projects can be proposed by either students or Faculty, and may involve from one to four students, and one or more faculty supervisors. Any student with or without computer experience may apply to work on a project. All applicants are given a list of current projects and a list of supervisors seeking students, however S/he may chose any supervisor and/or propose a novel project. There are few restrictions: the chosen project must be in a medically-related field, original, and geared toward an appropriate medical audience, including patients. A one page proposal including the title and a detailed plan of work is then submitted for review.

Currently, over 25 students are working on projects that cover a broad range of topics. Completed projects can be viewed at http://sprojects.mmip.mcgill.ca The MMIP student projects are active during the entire year, offering students a challenge of balancing a demanding medical curriculum and their project. Students receive a modest stipend.

In order to improve computer proficiency of the students and faculty involved, there are mandatory weekly informational meetings. Lead by students or guest speakers, these meetings include tutorials on various aspects of computer programming and web development, frequent updates of the projects, and software and multimedia demonstrations. These meetings encourage collaborations and information exchange, and make it possible for students with minimal computer experience to learn practical as well as cutting edge computer information technology for application in creation of their respective projects.

The MMIP is funded by a grant from the Molson Foundation. We thank Dr. Leon Glass, Department of Physiology McGill University for his role in initiating the student projects and for his guidance in their execution.

Benefit in Attending Session:

During this presentation, several of the individual sites will be presented. Questions will be entertained pertaining to the MMIP.

Raisa Lev
514-284-4479
lev01@med.mcgill.ca
 
Jonathan I. Gates, MD
1100 Dr. Penfield Ave APT 1108
Montreal, PQ H3A 1A8
 
514-284-0134
Fax Number(s):
514-284-0134 (call ahead)
jonathangates@hotmail.com
http://www.escalix.com/freepage/jpages/Index.htm