|
Research Elective for Medical Students
Description
The student will carry out a research project under the direction of a Biomedical Informatics faculty member. Many projects involve real systems that are used daily for clinical care, research, and administration. The objective is to teach the student about the use of computers and information science in healthcare, and to expose them to current research issues in biomedical informatics. Students should understand that the elective is research-focused, it is not a general introduction to Biomedical Informatics. Students are encouraged to attend departmental seminars and participate in other educational activities. Prerequisites will vary with the specific research project.
Learning Experience
The student will carry out a project in one of the following areas:
Clinical Data Augmentation
Exploration of methods for transforming raw clinical data into information, knowledge and action.
Enhanced Health Care Communication
Information distribution and visualization techniques to improve communication among health care providers and patient.
Multimedia Health Education
New methods of concept organization and visual presentation to educate health care providers and patients.
Grading/Evaluation
The student will be evaluated by the faculty advisor. The student will prepare a written report of the project (some will result in publication).
Potential Projects
Below is a listing of projects submitted by faculty (in no particular order).
| Project |
Description |
Faculty |
Prerequisites |
CUPEx:
4 weeks minimum |
Digital video-based teaching and learning tool for basics of the physical exam; links to multi-media of all types (sounds, illustrations, videl clips, slides, etc.) |
Molholt |
Knowledge of anatomy and basic web skills |
Electronic Curriculum:
6 weeks minimum |
Various projects in pathology, histology, neruoanatomy, neurobiology, etc. |
Molholt |
Knowledge of web tools such as Flash, or MacroMind Director. |
Electronic Notes:
4 weeks minimum |
developing an innovative medical records system that helps clinicians to create notes quickly |
Johnson |
knowledge of medical records |
Infobuttons to Support Clinician Information Needs:
Weeks to Years |
Infobuttons are links between clinical information systems and on-line
information resources that attempt to anticipate and answer the
information needs that arise while a clinician is carrying out a specific
task, on a specific patient, in a clinical information system. For
example, consider the information needs that arise when reviewing a
peculiar lab test result or contemplating the ordering of a medication.
Projects can range from cognitive studies of information needs to
evaluations of impact on resolution of those needs. As self-contained
project, however, usually involves the creation of a particular link.
This may involve matching patient data items to web sites, creation of a
web site, automating a query against some web resource, building an
intelligent agent, or creating a resource.
|
Cimino |
None |
Usability of Consumer Diabetes Software:
4 weeks + |
The project involves analysis of videotapes of patients using commmercially available diabetes software. The goal is to understand how software helps or hinders patients. |
Kaufman |
none. |
Vesalius Image base:
4 weeks |
Creating an database of 3-D models created from Visible Human dataset; |
Imielinska |
Knowledge of segmentation algorithms |
Vesalius Knowledge base for anatomy:
6 weeks minimum |
Collaboration with Computer Science Department downtown, creating an
ontology for anatomy based on work done at U of Washington. System to be used to navigate 3-D models of Visible Human dataset. |
Molholt |
Knowledge of database programming. |
|
Scheduling / Application
The elective is given throughout the year. Minimum duration is 4 weeks. Suggested duration is 8-12 weeks.
All elective rotations are coordinated by the course director: Dr. Eneida Mendonca. Acceptance into the elective is dependent on coordinating with a faculty advisor on a project. Students may contact faculty directly by email to learn more about particular projects. Emails should include a listing of relevant interests and computer skills. Due to limited space, scheduling should be coordinated through Dr. Starren.
Visiting students should register through the Office of Student Affairs
Contact
Dr. Eneida Mendonca, 212-342-3248, email: mendonca@dbmi.columbia.edu
|