Medical Technology and Science News

These blogs focus on new related to medical technology and science, including stories from different medical professions.

1. Med Tech Sentinel: This blog from OneMedPlace features news stories focused on medical technology and science advancements.
2. Med.Tech.Blog: Addresses current issues and news in medical technology today, and goes over the latest news and issues.
3. Med Tech: This is the medical technology blog run by Tech News World. Offers a geek view as it features the latest in medical studies and technology advancements.
4. medtech Pulse: News and information on technology developers and issues in medicine and health today.
5. MedTech IQ: This community features blog posts from different sources on what is happening in medical technology.
6. Medical Technology News: Stay up to date on medical technology issues with this blog from Science Daily.
7. MedTech1.com: Interesting news and information on what is happening in the world of medical technology and science breakthroughs.
8. The Medical News: Offers information on medical research and technology in a variety of medicine related fields.
9. MTB Europe Medical Technology News: Get information and news on the development of medical technology in Europe.
10. Medical News Today: The latest headlines in medicine and technology, as well as the latest happenings.

Breakthroughs and Inventions

There have been a lot of interesting medical technology breakthroughs and inventions. Keep up to date on the latest developments, and see what’s coming next.

11. medGadget: A blog devoted to looking at new breakthroughs and gadgets that improve medicine.
12. Health and Medical Devices News: Learn about the latest health devices available in the field of medicine, as well as what might be coming in the future.
13. Ivanhoe’s Medical Breakthroughs: This blog devotes itself to covering the latest breakthroughs in medical technology, and looking at upcoming inventions.
14. Breakthrough Digest: Medical technology news based around breakthroughs in different treatments and devices.
15. Latest Medical Breakthroughs: Discusses the latest medical technology research and breakthroughs, and the implications they could have in the future.
16. Latest Medical Technology: Addresses the latest technological advancements in medicine and introduces new devices.
17. Time’s Top 10 Medical Breakthroughs of 2009: It’s a blog post, not a blog, but this reference to Time’s breakthrough list from 2009 at ProCPR Blog offers insight into some of the most interesting breakthroughs.

Radiology and X-ray Technology

Read about the issues and news related to radiology, and see how x-ray technology is helping the medical field.

18. Imaging News – CT, MRI, and PET: This blog focuses on the latest developments in the world of imaging and radiology.
19. Top Radiology News: A collection of interesting radiology from around the Internet via Alltop.
20. Radiology 101: Learn the basics of radiology, and other aspects of medical technology.
21. Tomography Blog: Keep up with what is happening in radiology and imaging.
22. Student Radiographer – Lost Sock: An interesting look at radiography from a student’s point of view.
23. Not Totally Rad: A look at medical technology from a humorous and down to earth perspective.
24. Radiology Art: This is a cool med tech blog that features images that have been turned into art. Very interesting.
25. X Ray Technician Blog: Learn about interesting topics in x-ray technology.
26. RadGirl Radiology Blog: Insights into radiology and medical technology.
27. Radiology Ramblings: Thoughts and information on radiology and related medical technology subjects.

Medical Science

Read about the science that leads to our up and coming medical technologies.

28. Advancing Science: This is the medical science blog from the Mayo Clinic, so you know it’s trusted source for what’s happening in the world of medical science.
29. Health and Medical Research News: Keep up with medical science news from this blog at SciCentral.
30. Medical Science: This blog features information and news about medical science and its advancements.
31. Science Based Medicine: A look at medicine as a science, and information on the relationship between science and medicine.
32. Science News: Offers a number of interesting posts on science, including medical science and breakthroughs.
33. Science Translational Medicine: Looks at translating science into useful applications in medicine.
34. NeuroLogica Blog: Looks at neuroscience specifically, and makes interest connections between science and medicine.

Medical IT

Information technology with a medical twist. Learn how IT is helping the medical profession.

35. Healthcare Technology News: A look at what goes on with health care and technology.
36. The Health Care Blog: This blog has been described as “The New England Journal of Medicine meets Wired.” It is aimed at looking at health care and health technology.
37. Neil Versel’s Healthcare IT Blog: A look at the common issues in health and medical IT.
38. Future Health IT: A medical IT blog written from a British perspective.
39. Medical Connectivity: Aims to address issues related to making medicine more connected through technology.
40. HIStalk: Medical IT news, opinion and commentary.
41. eHealth: A look at health IT and technology related to medicine.
42. The Healthcare IT Guy: Insight into how medical information technology works.

Medical Informatics

The combination of medicine and technology has given rise to a whole host of new possibilities, and health informatics helps to put medicine together with science and technology to make it more effective.

43. Health Informatics Blog: Learn about the intersection of computers, IT, technology and medicine.
44. HealthNex: A look at what can happen when medicine is combined with technology.
45. Biological Informatics: Learn about biological medicine and how it interacts with technology.
46. Health Care Renewal: This blog is about using technology and other ehealth tools to improve the medical system.
47. MedicalComputing.Net: An interesting collection of posts and articles about how to integrate computing into medicine.
48. Ted Eytan, MD: Get a physician’s view of medical science, technology and what the next steps are.
49. Goomedic: Informatics, medicine, and different technology tools aimed at improving medicine.
50. Mobile Health Computing: An interesting blog about integrating medical technology and information for those who are on the go.

1. Swords: For thousands of years, sword swallowing has been a tradition of certain performers. Those who do it properly have no need of help. However, the hazards remain, even for professionals. You can endure sore throat and lower chest pain, as well as intestinal bleeding as part of sword swallowing — and that’s if you do it right. Imagine what happens if you do it wrong!
2. Planes, trains and automobiles: French entertainer Michael Lotito (died in 2007) was well-known for is penchant for…just about anything. His willingness to digest the un-digestible led to his nickname “Monsieur Mangetout (“Mister Eat Everything”). Lotito trusted his thick intestinal walls and highly powerful stomach acids to protect him from harm. He famously spent two years eating a Cessna 150 airplane.
3. Cobblestones: Why swear at or throw things at when you are angry with your boyfriend? Instead, eat 20 cobblestones. That’s what a woman in China did on an impulse while arguing with her boyfriend. However, instead of passing through her system as she assumed would happen, the stones stayed put, knocking about in her stomach and forcing her to seek surgery.
4. Wire mesh: When he discovered that the walls of his prison were made of wire mesh, one man tried to eat his way out. After carefully twisting off pieces of the mesh, he would hide the evidence by eating it. When his actions were discovered, his jailers discovered that he could probably safely pass the mesh.
5. Fork: When a cockroach jumped into an Israeli woman’s mouth, she decided that it would be a good idea to use a fork to remove the pest. Unfortunately, she ended up swallowing both the fork and the cockroach. Surgery was needed to remove the fork, which lodged sideways in her stomach.
6. Spoon: If you get the urge to eat something metal, just head down to the kitchen and find a metal eating utensil. That’s what one woman did, swallowing a spoon to satisfying her craving. Not only did she eat a spoon, but she also enjoyed a 9 volt battery and coins. While at the hospital, awaiting surgery, the woman gnoshed on paper clips. Other women have swallowed spoons by accident, including a woman in Sydney who accidentally ingested a spoon during a fit of laughter.
7. Bed spring: If you were in jail, what would you do to taste a little bit of freedom for a few hours? Would you eat something you shouldn’t? A prisoner at Central Prison in Raleigh, North Carolina decided that eating a bed spring was worth it in order to get out of prison for a trip to the hospital.
8. Safety pin: Children swallow all sorts of things. But one of the most dangerous things to swallow is a safety pin — especially if it is open. Children swallow them open, and they can rip and tear down the esophagus and into the stomach. However, many safety pins pass through the system with relatively little damage, though some need to be removed surgically.
9. Hair: You’ve probably heard of pica, a disorder in which people compulsively eat things that aren’t supposed to be eaten. One of the most common things eaten is hair. It is easy to get to, and seems limitless. However, one of the largest amounts of hair found in a person’s system was in an 18-year-old girl’s stomach in New England. She had amassed a 10-pound hairball that needed to be surgically removed.
10. Grill: Not a barbeque grill, but a mouth grill. Grills are mouth jewelry worn by a number of people. One mom thought it would be fun to purchase a grill for her seven-year-old son at a flea market. Unfortunately, the grill came loose in his mouth. After choking on it, the boy finally swallowed it and doctors recommended he pass it naturally.
11. False teeth: One Romanian woman, while locked in a passionate embrace with her lover, swallowed his false teeth. They were experimenting, so perhaps this woman will think twice before trying new ways of loving her man.
12. Toothbrush: While brushing her teeth, a woman accidentally swallowed her toothbrush. Brushing the back area of her tongue, a move recommended by oral hygienists, she triggered a gag reflex and ended up swallowing her toothbrush. It was removed from the esophagus using alligator forceps — no surgery required. Other women have swallowed toothbrushes as well.
13. 350 coins: Here’s a new method for protecting your money: swallowing it. A French man ingested $650 worth of metal coins. He was a known criminal who often stole coins and ate them. He also ate other metal objects, once accumulating 12 pounds in his stomach. He died due to complications after surgery.
14. Engagement ring: Why buy an engagement ring for your girlfriend when you can steal one and eat it? That’s what one man tried, attempting to convince the store attendant that he had given back. When the store got it back, though, it was with mixed feelings. Obviously the store won’t get full retail price for it.
15. Quartz: It may not be as precious as a diamond engagement ring, but quartz is still a “Treasure of the Earth”. One girl swallowed a piece of smoky quartz that came with a publication about rocks and minerals. She wanted a safe place to put it, so swallowed it. It event passed through her system.
16. House key: In order to keep partying, a drunk college student in England swallowed the key to his dorm room. That way, he reasoned, his friends couldn’t force him to leave.
17. Antenna: One man swallowed a radio antenna in six sections. The man had a personality disorder, and swallowed a number of other objects, from pens to pencils to stationary.
18. Magnets: Girls and boys alike seem to find the pieces of the Magnetix toy appealing. Indeed, there have been reports of both genders eating the toys. The biggest danger associated with eating the magnets is the fact that they are attracted to each other in the stomach, and can cause tearing similar to gun and knife wounds.
19. Battery: One of the most dangerous things for humans to ingest in mercury. So when a three-year-old girl swallowed a mercury battery, the situation was serious. Her stomach acid corroded the battery to a point that the mercury entered her system and caused renal failure. As a result of this tragedy, batteries are now made to be more resistant to acid.
20. Thermometer: In another case of mercury ingestion, a woman swallowed a thermometer. It took her six weeks to seek medical attention after vomiting and experiencing abdominal pain.
21. Screwdriver bit: A young child swallowed a screwdriver bit. However, it turned out to be much ado about nothing as she passed it safely.
22. Vest buckle: This is an interesting case of something that happened more than 100 years ago. A young boy swallowed a vest buckle, and the Mayo brothers (of Mayo Clinic fame) to an x-ray. It was their first x-ray (taken in 1897), and after the buckle was successfully removed, it proved that this technology was useful.
23. Nails: A man in Ethiopia had 15 minutes of fame after doctors removed 750 grams of metal from his stomach, including a number of nails measuring 15 centimeters in length. He had also ingested hair pins, keys, watch batteries and coins.
24. Bullet: A woman claimed that the bullet discovered in her stomach was inside a hot dog she had been eating. She claims that she bit into the second bullet in the dog, but didn’t swallow it.
25. Glass: In India, there is a man who regularly eats glass with his dinner. He first discovered a taste for glass when he attempted suicide by downing glass with alcohol. He survived, and now glass — from light bulbs to soda bottles — is a part of his three squares a day.

The following list contains famous people from around the world who have contracted H1N1. The list is categorized and each link within the categories is listed in alphabetical order for your convenience.

Actors/ Television Personalities

1. Chris Eakin: Chris Eakin is a newsreader on the BBC’s 24 hour rolling news channel, BBC News.
2. Harry Smith: Another TV show host, Harry Smith for the Early Show, told viewers that he believed he had the H1N1 virus in mid-September. He taped a video from his New York home to air on the show.
3. Jackiey Budden: Mother of deceased reality star, Jade Goody, was treated at a Spanish clinic where she was treated for possible H1N1 symptoms. It appears she has recovered.
4. Nazrudin “Naz” Rahman and Sheahnee Lee: This celebrity couple in Malaysia both were confirmed infected by the H1N1 virus in July. Naz recently appeared in the hit drama series Ghost and has hosted NTV7’s the Breakfast Show while Sheahnee is a newscaster on NTV7.
5. Rupert Grint: Harry Potter actor, Rupert Grint, was one of the first celebrities to contract H1N1. He was down in July, but has since recuperated. His only symptom was a sore throat.

Singers

6. Baby V.O.X.: A singer with the last name, Kim, was suspected to have H1N1 and quarantined in July. Baby V.O.X. is a popular South Korean female band.
7. Heidi Range and Amelle Berrabah: Two singers of the group, Sugababes, contracted the H1N1 virus at the end of July.
8. Jens Lekman: Swedish Indie rocker Lekman contracted H1N1 while on tour in South America in June. He recuperated after a rest at home in Sweden.
9. Kasabian: The entire band picked up the H1N1 virus somewhere between Japan and Australia, and were forced to remain in Oz to recuperate during the latter part of August. This means Australian shows were cancelled, but they intend to play Malaysia.
10. Kim Hyun-jung: Although this article stated that Kim was the first Korean celebrity to be diagnosed with the disease, it appears that Baby V.O.X. beat him to it. He was diagnosed in September, whereas V.O.X. felt the H1N1 sting in July (unless the Baby V.O.X. story was a hoax…). Kim is a opp idel and actor, a mamber of the boy band SS501.
11. Stephy Tang: Tang was declared the first Hong Kong celebrity who succumbed to H1N1. She returned to work the second week after her diagnosis.
12. Tulisa Contostavlos: Lead singer for chart-toppiong British band N-Dubs was diagnosed with H1N1 in early May. Despite numerous confirmations of her hospitalization, in August – when it was suspected she was sick again – she stated, “I don’t have swine flu – it’s not physically possible to have swine flu twice anyway but no I don’t have swine flu – I never had swine flu!”
13. Zainal Alam Kadir: According to AsiaOne Health, this singer went to Singapore and came back with H1N1 in July, but he’s recovered nicely.

Politics

14. Alvaro Uribe: Colombian President Alvaro Uribe was diagnosed with H1N1 at the end of August. Uribe is the second Latin American leader to come down with the swine flu.
15. Cherie Blair: Wife of ex-British Prime Minister Tony Blair was diagnosed with H1N1 in mid-July.
16. Michael Gove: The Shadow Cabinet minister for Children, Schools and Families in the UK, Michael Gove, was laid low with H1N1 after his wife contracted the flu virus.
17. Oscar Arias: Arias was the first Latin American political leader to contract the H1N1 virus in mid-August.

Sports

18. Landon Donovan: U.S. national soccer team midfielder, Donovan stated he tested positive for the H1N1 flu virus in mid-August. Donovan, who also plays for the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer, said he felt ill when he arrived in Miami to train for the World Cup qualifier against Mexico in Mexico City.
19. Makiri Pugh: Georgia defensive back Makiri Pugh tested positive for swine flu in early September. Coach Mark Richt said after Saturday’s 24-10 loss at Oklahoma State that Pugh, a redshirt freshman, did not travel with the Bulldogs after testing positive for the swine flu.
20. Micah Richards: Manchester, England footballer, Richards, was stranded in a holiday resort after contracting H1N1 in mid-July. He recuperated after rest and a series of Tamiflu meds.

Sports Teams

Note: It’s football season, and coaches across the country fear an outbreak of the H1N1 virus. With team members in close proximity on the playing field and in the locker room, the possibility of games suffering from lack of players is very real. We’ve listed a few teams – which we have treated as singular entities – that have been incapacitated for a short period, thanks to H1N1.

21. Duke: Nearly half of the 99 players on Duke’s football team have been treated for symptoms believed to be related to the H1N1 virus, Blue Devils coach David Cutcliffe announced in mid-August.
22. Stillman College: This team canceled its home opener against Clark Atlanta because of H1N1. Coach L.C. Cole said he noticed players with flu-like symptoms after a morning workout. Cole said he felt compelled to cancel the game after he learned that about 37 of his players had become sick.
23. Tulane University: This college reported as many as 31 football players and six members of the volleyball team were believed to have come down with the flu, prompting Tulane to cancel the football team’s Fan Day and keep the volleyball team from playing its season-opening game in Nebraska.
24. University of Mississippi: Ole Miss Rebels players, QB Jevan Snead and start RB Dexter McCluster, were among 22 Rebels reported with the flu in early September.
25. University of Wisconsin: The Wisconsin Badgers had at least ten players affected by flu-like symptoms, UW officials announced in early September.

The titles below were gathered from a variety of sources including Gutenberg Press, Google Books, some university presses and more. The titles are arranged alphabetically within each category to show readers that we do not favor one health and wellness ebook over another. After each listing you’ll learn how that free book is displayed, or the type of device you must use to read the book.

Aging

1. A Guide to Global Age-Friendly Cities: This guide, which is based on consultations with older people in 33 cities in 22 countries, has identified the key physical, social and services attributes of age-friendly urban settings. [PDF]
2. Aging Concepts and Controversies: The Fifth Edition of Aging presents key issues in an engaging and accessible fashion. This textbook covers basic concepts followed by controversies, supported by carefully chosen adapted readings. [Online]
3. Handbook of Theories of Aging: Renowned researchers examine biological, biomedical, psychological, and social science concepts and theories in this text. [Online]
4. Older Persons in Emergencies: An Active Aging Perspective: The 2002 United Nations Madrid International Plan of Action on Aging (MIPAA) recommended greater recognition and enhancement of the positive contributions made by older persons during emergency situations, and this report is the result. [PDF]
5. Screening for Elder Abuse: This is a critical review of what is needed in order to advance knowledge by Primary Health Care (PHC) workers about elder abuse and makes recommendations about detection as a first step for the management and prevention of elder abuse. [PDF]
6. Sixty, Sexy, Sassy and Free: A Real Woman’s Story of ReInvention : Ann Fry is 60-years-young and ready to start life over. Gather inspiration from this honest and humorous book. [Online and PDF]
7. The Aging Population in the Twenty-First Century: Get up to speed on statistics for health policy, provided by the Panel on Statistics for an Aging Population. [Online]

Disease and Illness

8. All About Natural Health: This is an extract of the original book that includes information about cholesterol, fats and heart disease. [PDF]
9. Foodborne disease outbreaks: Guidelines for investigation and control: This publication investigates food safety and food control for professionals; however, the format and writing are fairly generic and easy to understand for the layman. [PDF]
10. GERD: Heartburn might be a symptom of something more serious, such s the gastrointestinal disorder called GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease). Learn more from this ebook provided by Cooper University Hospital. [PDF and Mobipocket]
11. Guide to Thyroid Disease: Download this free ebook to learn more about thyroid problems. [PDF]
12. High Blood Pressure – The Silent Killer: Tom Venuto interviews Frank Mangano about the best natural ways to lower blood pressure, reduce your waistline and take back your health. [PDF]
13. Insects and Diseases: Learn how insects may spread or cause common diseases. [All]
14. Intestinal Ills: This book is a compilation of contributions to Health, a monthly magazine published in New York City. Articles cover all types of intestinal illnesses and their affects on health. [All]
15. Lyme Disease: This link provides a series of free ebooks on Lyme disease. Send in your email to gain access. [PDF]
16. Natural Help 4 Diabetes: This short ebook covers the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and more. [PDF]
17. Practice Guidance on the Care of People with Diabetes: Published by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, this ebook covers the pharmacist’s role in patient care. [PDF]
18. Vector-Borne Diseases: Understanding the Environment, Human Health, and Ecological Connections: This title is part of the Pandemic Influenza Special Collection, a ten-book series that examines status of preparations, implementation strategies, and other aspects of the US response to the threat of pandemic influenza. [Online]

Fitness

19. 5 Min Better Abs Exercise Program: This free eBook gives a concise easy to understand 5 min abs program for you to follow. Register for free membership to download. [PDF and Mobipocket]
20. Delivering Fitness: Your Guide to Health and Strength Training during Pregnancy: An easy-to-read ebook about fitness and nutrition during pregnancy. Enjoy key strength-training exercises specifically designed for each trimester and for the postpartum period. [Online]
21. Fitness: The Guide to Staying Healthy: This link takes you straight to the online version of this book, developed to help you learn more about your fitness factors. [Online]
22. Keeping Fit All the Way: How to obtain and maintain health, strength and efficiency in your life through diet and exercise. [All]
23. So…You’ve Decided to Get in Shape (Again): Provide your email address to have this free ebook sent to you via email. Craig Harper is an author and motivational speaker from Melbourne, Australia who believes that the mind and heart have much to do with your physical shape. [Unknown]
24. Stretching Tips: This free ebook turns readers on to seven stretching secrets that reduce your chances of sports injury. [PDF]

Nutrition

25. An Introduction to Cell Food, with Kevin Negrete: An interview with Kevin Negrete that focuses on questions about cell foods. [Zip PDF]
26. Big Fat Lies: Body Builder Tom Venuto reveals twelve of the “biggest scams, cover-ups, lies, myths and deceptions in the diet and weight loss industries.” [PDF]
27. Diet and Health: Although this book originally was written in 1924, it remains a valuable addition to your free ebook library simply for the information on calories, consumption and health. [Online]
28. Eat Right, Live Right the Mediterranean Way: This quick guide to kick-starting your metabolism, controlling your weight and living a healthy life is free with a click of a button. [PDF]
29. Human Foods and Their Nutritive Value: This book was prepared for the author’s classroom to cover the composition and physical properties of foods. [All]
30. How To Build Your Own Personalized Meal Plan: No matter your activity level or metabolism – this short ebook covers all the find points on how to plan a healthy menu. [PDF]
31. No Animal Food: This book is all about vegetarian cookery. [Online]
32. The Chemistry of Food and Nutrition: The Vegetarian Society of Manchester published this book that focuses on cooking your way to health. [All]
33. The Healing Power of Sunlight and Vitamin D: Register for free at Natural News to receive this exclusive interview with Dr. Michael Holick, an authority on vitamin D and the healing power of natural sunlight. [PDF]
34. The Healthy Life Cook Book, 2d ed.: Florence Daniel’s book about vegetarian cookery is available at Project Gutenberg. [Online]
35. The Wellness & Nutrition Landslide: Linkerton Publishing provides this book, which concentrates on healthy recipes and nutritional choices. [PDF]
36. Weight Loss for Food Lovers: Understanding Our Minds and Why We Sabotage Our Weight Loss: Learn why a deep love of food, rebellion against excessive deprivation and perceived benefits to being overweight may sabotage many healthy weight loss goals. [Online]

Overall Health

37. 140 Health Care Uses for Twitter: This is a compilation from the popular blog post with the same title. [PDF]
38. 2020 Vision: Health in the 21st Century: Learn more about this nation’s health debate and health care delivery systems in a consumer-oriented society. [Online]
39. Get Healthy, Get Happy: Make small changes in your daily life to create a healthier, happier and better you. [Online]
40. Natural Health, Natural Medicine: Any Dr. Weil fan can enjoy this free ebook, offered by Google Books. This book incorporates Dr. Weil’s theories of preventive health maintenance and alternative healing. [Online]
41. Pause – Putting the Brankes on a Runaway Life: This free ebook challenges the chaos in life ith moments of fun, adventure and self-care. [Online]
42. Sixty Practical Tips and Ideas for Health and Fitness Nerds: Learn how to improve your overall health and fitness with this free ebook. [PDF]

Pain Management

42. Assessment and Management of Acute Pain in Adult Medical Inpatients: This 52-page booklet, published by the Department of Veterans Affairs, is a systematic review of pain management treatments for adult medical inpatients. [PDF]
43. Chronic Pain Management: This free ebook provides a concise and thoroughly practical guide to the management of chronic pain. [Online]
44. Eliminate Headache Pain: Download this free ebook with a simple free registration and learn how to eliminate your headache pain. [Online]
45. European Guidelines for Prevention in Low Back Pain: Learn more about recommendations that concern common low back pain, covering both episodic and persistent symptoms. [PDF]
46. Injury in America: A Continuing Public Health Problem: Although injuries kill more Americans under age 34 than all diseases combined, little is spent on prevention and treatment research. Learn more about this issue from this free ebook. [Online]
47. Pain Management and Rheumatology: Two books in one – a rheumatology text and a complete pain manual. [Zip MobiPocket]
48. Stop Headache Pressure Point Program: Register for a free account to download this book that contains simple, natural and effective self-help techniques that Chinese people have used for over 2000 years to stop headaches. [PDF and Mobipocket]
49. The Anxiety Relief Program: Are your worries and anxieties out of control? Learn how trust, acceptance and ‘mindfulness’ can help you relax and become pain free. [Online]
50. Where Does It Hurt? Terry O’Brien empowers the back pain sufferer with information that can enable them to confidently manage back pain, treatment and rehabilitation. Free registration required at Free-eBooks. [PDF and Mobipocket]

The healthcare industry is expanding, as openings are created by those who are retiring and by the creation of new fields within this industry. This industry also encourages further education, so you might snag a job and continue to climb that career ladder with further education while you work. While other careers also may offer this educational bonus, very few of the careers listed below will confine you to a cubicle.

Many of the salaries for the jobs listed below will vary by location and by employer. Although the following information was gathered mainly from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, you also can find more information about salaries at Salary.com, College Grad or PayScale.com, among other sites. The list is alphabetical, which shows that we do not favor one career choice over another.

1. Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians: Although many careers now are seeking employees with bachelor’s degrees, the vast majority of workers in this field complete a two-year junior or community college program. Some states require a license to practice. The middle 50 percent of employees in this job earned between $29,900 and $55,670, making the median annual earnings approximately $42,300 in May 2006.
2. Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA): In addition to a high school diploma or GED, you’ll need to complete a 6-to-12 week CNA certificate program at a community college or medical facility and become certified in the state where you plan to work. Salaries for the first year, no matter the place of employment, begin at approximately $24,000 per year and can escalate to about $40,000 per year depending upon years of experience and location.
3. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers: This is one practice that does not require a preferred level of education, so several avenues are open to you if you wish to pursue this job. Employers do, however, prefer sonographers who were trained in accredited programs and who are registered. Median annual earnings of diagnostic medical sonographers were $57,160 in May 2006. The lowest ten percent earned less than $40,960, and the highest ten percent earned more than $77,520.
4. Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics: You’ll need a high school diploma and training to become an EMT-Basic. Your chances of earning more money will increase with more training at the EMT-Intermediate and EMT-Paramedic levels. The intermediate level requires 30 to 350 hours of training, and the hours vary by state regulations. Median annual earnings of EMTs and paramedics were $27,070 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $21,290 and $35,2ten. The highest ten percent earned more than $45,280 per year.
5. Medical Records and Health Information Technicians: Expect to work towards a two-year associate’s degree to obtain this job. Advancement opportunities for medical record and health information technicians are typically achieved by specialization or promotion to a management position. Median annual earnings of medical records and health information technicians were $28,030 in May 2006. The lowest ten percent earned less than $19,060, and the highest ten percent earned more than $45,260.
6. Nuclear Medicine Technologist: Nuclear medicine technology programs range in length from one to four years and these programs lead to a certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree, respectively. Median annual earnings of nuclear medicine technologists were $62,300 in May 2006. The lowest ten percent earned less than $46,490, and the highest ten percent earned more than $82,3ten.
7. Physician Assistants (PA): Educational programs designed for this career choice last at least two years with some experience in the health care field as well. All states require PAs to complete an accredited education and to pass a National exam to obtain a license. But, the money may entice you, as median annual earnings of wage-and-salary physician assistants were $74,980 in May 2006. The lowest ten percent earned less than $43,100, and the highest ten percent earned more than $102,230.
8. Radiation Therapists: To begin this career, you may need only a certificate in radiation therapy. But, you can advance rapidly if you pursue more education in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. In May 2006, the lowest ten percent of individuals in this field earned less than $44,840, and the highest ten percent earned more than $92,1ten. Median annual earnings of wage-and-salary radiation therapists were $66,170.
9. Respiratory Therapist: An associate degree is the minimum educational requirement for this position. If you want to advance, then you’ll need to pursue a higher degree up to the master’s level. Median annual earnings of wage-and-salary respiratory therapy technicians were $39,120 in May 2006. The highest ten percent earned more than $56,220. Respiratory therapists earned a median salary of $47,420 in May 2006, with the highest ten percent earning over $64,190.
10. X-Ray Technician: Generally, the candidate must have graduated from an accredited radiology technology training course and pass the examination. The candidate must have 24 hours of continuing education every two years in order to be recertified. Median annual earning of $48,170 was recorded in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $39,840 and $57,940.

Along the way, you also need to stay on top of news specific to your industry. All this and more are included in the list below. The list is divided into categories, and the links within those categories are listed in alphabetical order. This method shows that we do not favor one resource over another.

For Students

1. American College of Radiology Blog: Students can find a place to explore ideas and exchange information with this blog.
2. Barbara Lebron: Learn more about radiology, physiology and more from the woman who is an online course developer for Philips Medical systems.
3. Indulge in the fascinating world of: Radiology and Nuclear Medicine: Two Hungarian medical students focus on radiology and nuclear medicine.
4. Juney’s World: A Radiography Student’s Perspective: This blog is written by a fulltime student in the Tampa Bay, Florida area. She writes about her student experiences for HealthcarePOV.
5. Learning Radiology: Grab a case study for the week and learn more about how radiology works.
6. Mountain Imaging: Dustin relays information about what it’s like to be an X-Ray Tech student in Arizona.
7. Rad Files: This is another blog that offers clinical case studies. You’re invited to talk about the cases in the comments.
8. Radiology 101: Hariette, a Registered Radiologic Technologist, shares her information and tools to help students learn how to protect themselves in an occupation where workers are exposed to radiation.
9. The Student Radiographer: Follow a London student’s studies and learning experiences in this blog.

Job Searches and Careers

10. Brad Karsh: Brad Karsh is president and founder of JobBound, a company dedicated to helping students and professionals get a great job and exceed in the workplace.
11. Julie Irving: Here’s a blog for you if you’re seeking a job. Julie is an owner/recruiter for radiology staffing, direct hire and temporary placements.
12. RadGirl Radiology Blog: If you want to enter a radiology career, you might want to visit a few blogs written by those in the field. This one is great for obtaining a woman’s perspective.
13. Radiologist Career Profile: As a medical recruiter, Andrea has interviewed and placed hundreds of healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, medical technologists and industry executives. Here, she shares information about radiology careers.
14. X Ray Technician Blog: This blog was created to post information on radiology education, radiology training, and radiology jobs.
15. X-Ray Rocks: Join the adventures of a radiologic technician who left an old job, started a new job and is now surviving “the cutthroat world of medicine.”

Work-Related Resources

16. A Radiology Geek’s Blog: Radiology and gadgetry are the focuses on this blog. Arman offers an inside-the-field perspective on gadgets and Web 2.0.
17. ADVANCE Outlook: Imaging & Radiation Oncology: This blog provides concise, practical, timely information on clinical, professional and career development issues for radiology professionals in all areas of the profession.
18. Architecture for Radiology: Learn more about radiology facility design from a company that focuses exclusively on this type of construction. They also bring commentary on radiology design and operations, as the one cannot exist without the other.
19. Behind the ‘Zine: Although somewhat news-related, this site also focuses on X-Ray tech careers and opinions about ongoing radiologic events.
20. Cochinblogs: Grab a glass of juice and take some time to glance through the images provided by this blogger.
21. Dalai’s PACS Blog: Learn more about PACS from a radiologist who is obsessed with PACS systems.
22. MedGadget: If you like to stay on top of emerging medical technologies, then this site might be up your alley.
23. MRI Metal Detector Blog: Tobias Gilk leads readers through posts dedicated to the improved protection of patients, staff and millions of dollars of imaging equipment through greater MRI safety, particularly via the use of specially-developed ferromagnetic detection systems.
24. Musculoskeletal and Orthopedic MRI: Two doctors and various MRI technologists share their wisdom through this blog.
25. Topics in Radiography: Jeremy offers information on imaging methods and patient care tips for other X-Ray Techs.
26. Reflections in Real Time: This HealthcarePOV blog focuses on news, gadgets and opinions that affect radiologists and their careers.
27. Scan Man’s Notes: Vijay Sadasivam, a radiologist practising in Salem, a city in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, provides some interesting blog entries, radiology links and a casebook for you to ponder during your time off.
28. Student radiographer – LostSock: A humorous look at radiological studies from a person who is married with kids.
29. Sumer’s Radiology Site: Sumer Sethi is the author of very popular handbook “Review of Radiology”for medical students. He also is the creator of the concept of Radiology Grand Rounds.
30. The Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Medicine Podcast: Feel free to write or call in your topic of interest for this podcast, and take time to look through previous podcasts and comments.
31. The Radiology Assistant: This site consists of an initiative by radiologist The Radiology Assistant is an initiative of the radiologist Robin Smithuis for the Radiology Society of the Netherlands. They provide updated radiological education for radiology residents and radiologists.
32. York and stuff: If you’re interested in learning about making PACS an open source project, then visit this blog.

News

33. Alltop Radiology News : Get your headlines here from top radiology magazines and newsletters.
34. Diagnostic Imaging: Use this site to learn more about focal points in this field, daily news, special reports and perspectives on the industry.
35. Imaging Informatics News: Get your updates in the field of medical imaging informatics here, including PACS, image acquisition, CAD, processing enhancement and more.
36. Imaging News – CT, MRI, and PET: Read recent news about Cat scans, magnetic resonance imaging and PET scans.
37. Medicine and Technology: Gain perspectives into advances in medicine and technology here. This site, created and managed to Dr. Joseph Kim, provides insights into current news as well as Web 2.0 technology.
38. Radiology News and Research: The news captured by this blog feed is focused on research and radiology. Learn why taking a break from hormones doesn’t improve mammograms and more.
39. Radiology News plus CME: MedPage Today, co-developed by The University of Pennsylvania, offers up radiology news on a regularly updated page.
40. Sonography News: Catch up on the latest news in diagnostic medical ultrasound imaging.

Organizations and Community

41. Americans For Responsible Imaging: You might be interested in this blog, which represents ARI, Americans for Responsible Imaging. This group is a coalition of doctors and patients trying to “preserve the American Healthcare system.”
42. Aunt Minnie: This site supports community, forums, media and a career center. It’s a very popular site among radiologists, and you may see why when you visit.
43. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is a national leader in pediatric radiology, performing more than 225,000 tests a year. Learn from an expert staff skilled in a variety of radiology services, such as MRI, iMRI, CT, fluoroscopy, X-ray, ultrasound, and PET/CT.
44. Field of View: Members of the ASRT (The American Society of Radiologic Technologist) Board of Directors share their thoughts and perspectives on issues affecting the radiologic science profession, current news and events, and the life-changing experience of serving the ASRT as an elected volunteer. The ASRT is the world’s largest and oldest membership association for medical imaging technologists.
45. Radiology Forums: Learn more about your career and its opportunities here. You’ll also discover topics on furthering your education.
46. Radiolopolis: This is another radiology community, where members create an account to gain access to further education, news, case studies, videos and forums.
47. Radiopaedia: Use this wiki to meet other radiologists, to learn more about your profession and to show off your knowledge. Collaboration is key, so networking is a viable sideline at this site.
48. radRounds: Connect with radiology news, collaboration, education and networking at this site. You also can find jobs and resources here.
49. The Radiology Portal: This portal was created by CTDave, who is best known for his work at Dave’s Places in Radiology and Radiology Ramblings.
50. Yahoo! Radiography Club: Join this list to gain support as a student, a career X-Ray technician or as a job searcher. This is a public forum.