Technical Brain Drain (Full Version)

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mcap -> Technical Brain Drain (May 29, 2001 8:26:00 AM)

Group:

As I sit around and read about new cancer drugs that are highly effective, the unlocking of the human genome and the pharmaceutical/biotech advances coming down the pike, it makes you wonder what is going on with PT. Is there research that combines new computing power and technology with what we do? Is anyone trying? Is this even possible? I don't know.
The funny thing is that I know several technical people who are in PT now. But these former techies/engineers really don't seem to be that interested in combining their old professions and what they do now. I guess they had enough of what they previously did and are content in their new field. Or perhaps research won't pay them what they could make as clinicians.
I think that in some way, we will have to get some people with very technical backgrounds involved in research and innovation. Or am I oversimplifying????

mcap



jma -> Re: Technical Brain Drain (May 31, 2001 4:10:00 PM)

Hello MCAP,
Just the other day I saw a special on channel 13 called the "Body Machine" in which I saw electodes being implanted into the leg muscles of a hemiplegic. There the wires were connected to a computer that sends specific impulses to certain muscles to either walk, stand or climb stairs. This to me is technology working along with PT getting these patients up and walking again. this has been around for a while but only now is it being shown to everyone.



mcap -> Re: Technical Brain Drain (May 31, 2001 7:26:00 PM)

JMA:

That's great!!!! It would be even better though if the PT was involved with the computer and the electrical side of things as well. I would love to see PTs take that step. Of course, with my limited EMG experience, I know it can be a pain (figuratively).

mcap



jma -> Re: Technical Brain Drain (June 1, 2001 4:07:00 PM)

MCAP:
I agree also that PT's should play a role with the new technology that is coming out. For the moment they are working side by side with the medical engineers trying out the new technology with the patients that can benefit from them. Of course to do both would mean having double careers. But for the time being its a start in the right direction.



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