Third Year Medical Student Mobile Device Requirement

updated 12/8/2009
Mobile devices are useful tools in a variety of clinical settings. They provide quick access to reference materials and medical applications. All third year medical students are required to own one of the recommended mobile devices. The entire Student Source site has been optimized for iPod Touch/iPhone. For more resources see our Mobile Medicine site.

Mobile Devices were made a requirement several years ago to make them eligible to be included in financial aid packages. We found that over 90% of all third year students were buying them on their own before the requirement.  By making them required, up to $250 toward the purchase of a mobile device may be covered by financial aid.  

If you will be purchasing a new mobile device we recommend the following models:

Standard

  • Model: Apple iPod Touch 8 GB
  • Operating System: 3.1 or later
  • Approximate cost: $200

SmartPhone 

  • Model: Apple iPhone 3GS 16 GB
  • Operating System: 3.1 or later
  • Approximate cost: $200 plus monthly calling plan fees

The Major Differences:

The iPod Touch and iPhone use the same operating system and can run the same software. Both have WiFi built in, and have identical iPod capabilities for playing music, videos and podcasts. The iPhone is also a cell phone, currently only available for the AT&T network. It also includes a camera, microphone and speakers which are not included in the iPod Touch. The iPhone allows you to check mail and surf the web over a cell phone connection, as well as a WiFi connection. Both models work equally well for medical applications.

Should I get the models with more memory?

Both iPod Touch and iPhone models are available with more memory. Eight GB is fine for running medical applications. The only reason to consider the higher capacity models is if you want to store large amounts of music or video on your device.

Where to Buy:

iPod Touches are available at all Apple retail locations, including Cavalier Computers, Walmart and Best Buy. iPhones are available only through AT&T retail locations, Walmart, Best Buy and Apple's online store. 

How much are iPhone calling plans?

Please see AT&T's current iPhone plan information.

Desktop/Laptop Connectivity

A personal computer with Internet access is recommended to install mobile software and perform regular updates. See the Apple site for minimum operating system requirements.

Can I use a Palm Pre or Pixi Smartphone?

We do not recommend or support the current generation of Palm smartphones. They are not compatible with legacy medical applications that were available on earlier models.

How about Windows Mobile devices?

The number of applications for this platform and the functionality lags behind the iPod Touch/iPhone. We do not recommend the purchase of Windows Mobile devices for medical students.

How about Blackberrys?

While Blackberrys are good phones, the medical software available for this platform lags behind the iPod Touch/iPhone and Palm OS. We do not recommend Blackberrys at this time, and no support is offered by the school of medicine or ITC.

How about Android based Smartphones, like the Droid?

There is very little medical software available for the Android operating system. We do not recommend or support Android devices at this time.

Mobile Medicine Portal & Available Software 

Students most frequently use mobile devices for quick access to reference materials and medical calculators. We have developed a portal specifically for use by mobile devices, Mobile Medicine, to give quick access to resources, software and instructions on how to set up your device. Bookmark it in your mobile device's web browser.

Links to downloads for other recommended mobile software packages can be found at the Health Sciences Library's Mobile Resource page .

Mobile Device Assistance

?The Health Sciences Library offers walk-in assistance in setting up your mobile device for the UVa wireless network and UVa email. They also maintain a collection of online documentation answering common questions on these devices. For assistance, vit the Library's Serive Desk, contact them here via phone, IM, or text, or take a look at their Mobile Resource Page. 

A walk-in session will also be offered during Transition Week in April, 2010.

Have questions about your current mobile device and the requirement?  Contact John Jackson at jjackson@virginia.edu or 924-1528.