IMANA NEWS
How Medical Practitioners Can Stay Updated on Technology in Health Care
03 January 2025
Thanks to technology, health care providers can now deliver services faster and more sustainably. Meanwhile, patients are able to experience more accurate diagnoses and positive outcomes.
But dispensing high-quality patient care with the help of technology entails an effort to remain informed on the part of medical professionals. The industry will continue to evolve with cutting-edge innovations so they need to evolve with it.
Being up to date on tech developments also begets efficiency as it helps medical practitioners effectively address complex challenges. It empowers physicians to provide care that aligns with the latest and best practices, ultimately improving overall health services.
Impact of Modern Technologies on Health Care
In recent years, technology has bestowed knowledge, devices, and systems upon the healthcare industry. These are their most significant gifts:
Electronic Health Records (EHR)
What used to be paper charts are now digital images. This is a more efficient way to manage patient data because it can be updated in real time. It also makes access easier and information sharing faster among all health care providers involved in a patient’s case. Coordinated care results in more accurate diagnoses and better treatment.
Telemedicine
Remote medical consultations between patients and their health care providers are now possible through any smart, internet-connected device. By eliminating the need to travel, both parties can save time and resources without compromising treatment. This is particularly beneficial for individuals in rural areas or those with mobility issues, especially in times of emergency.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Diagnostics
AI is famous for its enviable ability to analyze large volumes of data swiftly and accurately. This capability helps doctors identify medical issues earlier and with greater reliability. In addition, AI can also learn and adapt based on the data it receives, which enables it to develop new treatment options.
Wearable Health Devices
Fitness trackers, smartwatches, and smart rings monitor health metrics such as heart rate, sleep patterns, and physical activity. These gadgets empower individuals to take control of health management. Ongoing monitoring of wearable medical devices is also possible with tools from companies like Vesta Healthcare, MedWand, Wellframe, and WellDoc.
Robotic Surgery
Robots can conduct consecutive surgical procedures without getting tired, hungry, or burned out. And they are able to do so with precision and control that humans cannot match. This means invasive surgeries can be greatly minimized, which allows patients to recover faster and lowers their risk for complications.
Various Other Innovations
FDA-approved 3D Printing, Virtual Reality (VR), and Genome Sequencing are collectively pushing the boundaries of what is possible in health care. These technologies make it more efficient, accessible, and effective through customized solutions and personalized treatments.
Keeping Doctors Informed
Here are several practical ways for physicians to stay current with technology in health care:
Online Courses and Webinars
These digital platforms offer flexibility and access to the latest information on innovations in medical technology, allowing doctors to update their knowledge at their convenience.
Conferences and Workshops
Events exclusive to the profession offer opportunities for networking with peers and learning directly from industry experts. Conferences often highlight cutting-edge technologies and present firsthand research findings that are difficult to obtain elsewhere.
Medical Literature Subscriptions
Journals and industry publications are a reliable source of up-to-date information. Many of them publish detailed analyses and reviews of the latest tools and treatments that could benefit patients.
Professional Organizations
Joining groups of like-minded professionals gives physicians the opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences. Such communities often grant access to resources as well, including newsletters, forums, and special interest materials.
Social Media and Professional Networking Sites
Following industry leaders, medical institutions, and tech companies opens doors to real-time updates and insights. Engaging in online discussions and forums also fosters a collaborative learning environment.
How IMANA Remains Up to Date on Technology in Health Care
Even nonprofits in the field of medical service need to stay tech-current. The Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA) is no exception. We recognize that our mission to provide emergency aid to different parts of the world can be achieved faster and better with the help of technology.
IMANA employs a variety of strategies to ensure its members remain knowledgeable about the latest health care technologies:
Educational Programs
Continuing Medical Education (CME) for physicians and healthcare professionals is a major thrust of our ACCME-accredited organization. Our live and virtual CME activities include lectures and meetings that qualify medical practitioners for CME certification.
If you are interested in applying for these educational activities, you may register for online CME courses on IMANA’s LMS at med.imana.org.
Monthly Webinars
Physicians and medical students are among the busiest professionals and academics, so learning from digital devices is a convenient service that IMANA offers. Once a month, we host webinars on various topics with field experts as resource persons.
Annual Conferences and Retreats
In line with our commitment to educate medical service providers, IMANA organizes special events every year. These serve as platforms for experts to share technological advancements in their respective fields. The agenda also includes hands-on sessions where participants can engage in meaningful discussions about the future of medical technology.
Robust Online Presence
IMANA maintains an active website that features numerous online resources on a wide range of health concerns, from breast cancer and COVID-19 to parenting and home exercises. We send regular newsletters as well, which contain updates on the latest research and technological innovations.
Through these formal and informal avenues of learning, IMANA creates an environment that encourages participation, sharing of experiences, and further understanding of new technologies. This approach ensures that members are well-prepared to integrate the latest innovations into their medical practices.