The modern physician now relies on more than just a stethoscope.
From smartphones to fluoroscopy units, many physicians have incorporated the latest devices into their medical practice. Here, members of Arlington-base Texas Health Resources and Texas Health Physicians Group share the devices and technology that have quickly proved indispensable.
Husam Alkhersam, MD, Neurologist
Device: iPad
"It does everything," says Dr. Alkersam. "I have my neurology journal and continuing medical education apps on the iPad. I can see my patient list on the iPad. It is very useful and easy to use," he says.
Additionally, "there are thousands of medical apps and books than can be downloaded on the iPad and used at any time," he says.
Neeraj Badhey, MD, Interventional Cardiologist
Device: Picture archiving and communication system
"Gone are the days where X-rays, CT scans and MRIs were viewed on hard film," says Dr. Badhey. "Almost all hospitals now have all their radiology images stored on PACS and the ability for most physicians to access them at a patient's bedside and personally review them," he says.
"It gives a whole new dimension to the meaning 'pictures are better than a thousand words,' and lets us provide better quality care to our patients," he says.
Joseph Borrelli Jr., MD, Orthopedic Surgeon
Device: Portable fluoroscopy units
"Although the ability to harness X-rays for the assessment of osseous structures has been around for more than 100 years, the use of 'portable' fluoroscopy units in the operating room is indispensable," says Dr. Borrelli.
"This simple technology allows the orthopedists to 'see' the bones without extensile surgical exposures. Doing so allows us to reduce and stabilize fractures quicker and with less morbidity and improved patient outcomes," he says.
Dr. Borrelli says the newer units have a distinct advantage over older models: "The newer units are extremely reliable, minimize radiation exposure to the patients and OR personnel, and allow storage, transmission and post-operative image manipulation. Unfortunately, the older units have been very reliable and in many cases have continued to 'function' well beyond their predicted life expectancy. This is why many of them are still in use today even though they do not offer the benefits and safety of the newer units, he says.
Tu Le, MD, Cardiovascular Disease Specialist
Device: Portable echocardiography machine
"Historically, these devices were large, 'mainframe' systems doing only 2-D imaging," says Dr. Le. "Now we can do three-dimensional imaging with devices the size of laptops and with TEE probes the size of our index fingers." The smallest echocardiography machine with full functionality have dimensions of a small lunchbox, he says, and can easily be carried around.
These devices provide "immediate point-of-care imaging. Who needs a stethoscope when I can see how the valves open and close, and watch the heart squeeze and blood flow in real time?" he says.
Satin Patel, MD, Reproductive Endocrinologist
Aman Haider, MD, Geriatric Specialist
Device: Galaxy S3 smartphone
A smartphone "is probably my most valuable electronic device," says Dr. Patel. "From looking up drug interactions to synchronizing a patient's IVF calendar, my Galaxy S3 keeps my patients and clinical-care team coordinated to ensure instant communication and optimal patient care," he says.
"One thing that I consider indispensible is my Galaxy S3 smartphone with iGeriatrics app," says Dr. Haider. "This helps me provide evidence-based medicine to my patients. It also helps me supervise and coordinate my nurse practitioners and physician assistants while they are serving my patients out in the field. I also use my smartphone to do the billing and coding for the patient visits that I do. I definitely save a lot of time through this gadget," he says.
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