Description
As part of the AHEC program, there is a computer centrally located at each AHEC center, as well as at other medical facilities throughout northwest Ohio (see Map), Computers are also available at student housing. These computers are available to AHEC preceptors, students on AHEC clerkships, and other health care professionals. The sites are connected to the University of Toledo's computer network system, providing them with access to information resources supported by the UT Library. These resources include:
(1) OSLER, the Mulford Library's computerized catalog and OhioLINK, the statewide library and information network,
(2)health science databases, including MEDLINE; and
(3) Full-text resources, such as Pier and Stat!-Ref.
Access
AHEC preceptors can obtain access accounts to search restricted resources such as the health science databases and full-text resources, which are not available elsewhere or only available through commercial subscription services.
Technology
With the help of the Center for Creative Instruction at UT, the technology we use for our system of information retrieval is web-based and user friendly. Information resources can be accessed from the workstations at the AHEC sites, or AHEC preceptors can connect to the system from their offices and homes via a local internet service provider.
Training 
We continue to conduct our tutorial course in medical applications of computers for interested physicians. The course has included classes on utilizing medical information resources from electronic databases, including MEDLINE, full-text resources, and Internet sources. We have offered classes at various sites throughout northwest Ohio.
If you are a UT AHEC Preceptor or UT student and need a MedReach account to access the restricted resources, contact Victoria Steiner, Assistant Director of AHEC, at (419) 383-5647 or by
e-mail: Victoria.Steiner@utoledo.edu.