Installing Lexicomp on your smartphone and other techno goodies

Like lots of other things in the Army - confusing as hell.  Made much more difficult by the fact that you're not "hardlined" into MEDCOM's computers when you're with a line unit.  I realize now that being on the hospital side is like being in a cozy cocoon fortress; sitting by a crackling log fire in a stone cabin on a snowy Midwestern night, protecte by many many layers of cyber-security. 

Conversely, trying to access those MEDCOM systems from the FORSCOM side is like trying to break into the Louvre.  And this is when you have proper authorization.  It's bleeding impossible.

Enough of that - on to the tech.  Digital medical resources include medical librarian at your local MTF (military treatment facility), AMEDD Virtual Library and, of course, this blog. 

*Note: the Lexicomp website does have separate instructions for specific mobile platforms.  And the layout of the website may have changed since this entry was made.  If so, keep poking around.*


If NEW ACCOUNT:
     -log on to AKO using your CAC
     -log on to AMEDD Virtual Library (https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/303426)
     -find "Lexicomp" link under Databases on left-hand side
     -click "My Account" in upper right hand corner, then "Create account" link
     -click "Create account" button under "Institutional Users" heading.  Use Army address.
     -PRODUCT CODE is the magic key supplied by your residency program or Med Library

If EXISTING ACCOUNT:
     -if you don't have Lexicomp on your phone, go to the App Store; reinstall/update it
     -go to http://myaccount.lexi.com; click on "Add Product to Account"
     -fill in email, password, PRODUCT CODE; should yield "Successful Activation" message
     -open Lexicomp on phone, select desired programs and hit "Update"
    

*Note #2: when you do update, make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi and plugged in.  You'll be chewing thru data and battery life pretty quickly.*

    

Inaugural Post (for 62A)

Vision for the blog:

-mostly for myself as a repository for work-related (medicine, Army)thoughts
-way to look back when I forget how to do something or navigate Army systems
-way to help newbies from floundering; how-to guide, though somewhat scattered

This blog idea was inspired by my frustration with the steep learning curve associated with being a new brigade surgeon.  I attended a "brigade surgeon course" at Ft. Sam prior to arriving at my new unit.  I use quotes because it was hopeless - they really need to re-prioritize the 2 week curriculum or increase the course length.

More recently, I navigated the confusing process of obtaining something called command sponsorship for my wife.  This led me to a website called "Married to the Army" which has a similar mission: act as a digital log for explanations about Army life, from the perspective of a military spouse. My wife said something that struck a chord with me: "You'd think that someone would have written this down somewhere already."

With that said, here we go.