Top 5 apps for the modern medical student

Today’s medical students have an overwhelming amount of technology at their disposal, including smartphone and tablet apps that can help in studying, memorization and even note-taking.

The AMA Medical Student Section Committee on Scientific Issues whittled down the many online apps and tools into some of their favorites.

• Epocrates: The basic version (Epocrates Rx) of this point-of-care medical app, available on iOS and Android devices, includes drug information and interactions, plus a pill ID tool. You can get additional features, such as an infectious disease treatment guide and help with lab tests and panels, with the premium version, which costs $159.99 a year. Check with your school or hospital—many offer the premium version for free.
• Journal Club: This $2.99 app for iOS and Android devices features a database of relevant clinical trials, the studies your attending physicians and residents will know by heart. Search and sort by specialty, disease and year to find study synopses, major points, designs, populations and criticisms.
• Picmonic: This program uses fun and silly pictures, stories and mnemonic devices to help you master complex medical terms fast. Get help with first-year curriculum and USMLE Steps 1 and 2. The app is available as a free trial of 32 cards. You can also gain access to more than 600 cards for one month ($24.99), six months ($124.99) or 12 months ($249.99). Use it on your computer or tablet, or access the program’s mobile site for smartphone studying.
• Evernote: Use this free app to synchronize your class notes, Web files and images across your computer, smartphone and tablet. Take a picture of research info, and the app will scan the photo, save the text and make it searchable so you can find it later. Available on iOS, Android and Windows devices, you can pay $5 a month (or $45 a year) for more storage.
• PRISM: This app, from the National Resident Matching Program, organizes your residency interviews. Add interview dates to your calendar, rate programs, enter notes about your interviews and calculate a composite score for each program. The app is free and available on iOS and Android devices.

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