For the first time this year, participants in Digestive Disease Week (DDW) will be able to download conference information from the DDW website to their personal digital assistants (PDAs). The software allows them to search sessions and a list of all abstracts (titles only) by key word, title, speaker, society, day and time, and immediately integrates the data into the PDA’s datebook. The information will also be downloadable from any of several “beaming stations” at the conference itself. The service is funded in part by AstraZeneca.

Physicians who are new to the idea of wireless systems and PDAs as an integral device for daily clinical use will also be able to take a course on the subject at the conference. In “The Wireless Gastroenterologist,” instructors will review hand-held computer systems for prescription writing, billing, medical records, and medical information exchange. The pros and cons of various wireless applications will be demonstrated using various PDA software applications.

Digestive Disease Week is a joint production of the American Gastroenterology Association, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and the Society for Surgery of the Ailmentary Tract. It takes place May 19 to 22 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.

DDW is the largest international gathering of physicians, researchers and academics in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy and gastrointestinal surgery. DDW showcases approximately 5000 abstracts and hundreds of lectures on the latest advances in GI research, medicine and technology. The meeting also provides an opportunity for professionals in the field to discuss the medical, technological, ethical, regulatory and legal issues facing the profession today.

To learn more, click here.