Computers in Primary Care Teaching: New software can help train residents to diagnose and treat illness.

Physicians have used computers for years. Although the most popular applications are billing and scheduling software, physicians are increasingly turning to the computer as a tool for medical education. Computers can teach core topics to residents in family medicine and help assess their clinical competence, can help the program director monitor the quality of the educational experience for residents, and can help physicians improve the quality of patient care. Teachers in family medicine can play a role in apprising residents of these developments.