Warner V. Slack

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Warner Vincent Slack (1933–2018) was an American physician and professor known for his work in the field of clinical informatics.[1] Throughout his career spanning over five decades, he focused on utilizing computer technology to enhance communication and efficiency in medical practice.[2] He served as a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and was a physician at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

He is the 2001 recipient of the Morris F. Collen Award of Excellence from the American College of Medical Informatics.[3]

Early life and education[edit]

He was born in East Orange, New Jersey, in 1933, participating in sports like basketball and football during his youth.[4] He graduated from Mount Lebanon High School in 1951 and continued his education at Princeton University, where he played junior varsity football.[5] In 1955, he graduated from Princeton and pursued his medical degree at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City, completing it in 1959.[6]

Career[edit]

Following his medical education, Slack served with a M.A.S.H. unit at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines during the 1960s.[7] It was during this time that he developed an interest in the intersection of medicine and technology.[8] Subsequently, he joined the University of Wisconsin, where he collaborated with colleagues to create the first computer-based medical history system,[9] it was documented in a paper titled "A computer-based medical history system" published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1966.[10]

In 1970, Slack joined Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, where he, alongside Howard Bleich, established the Division of Computer Medicine.[11]

His contributions also extended to computer programs such as dietary counseling systems.[12]

Research[edit]

Slack contributed over 50 years to research in medical informatics, aiming to integrate computer technology into medical practice.[2]

Slack's research journey began at the University of Wisconsin, where he explored the potential of computers in medicine, Collaborating with colleagues, he developed the first computer-based medical history system in 1965.[2] This system utilized a LINC computer to engage patients in interactive dialogue, gathering medical histories.[13]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Dr. Warner Slack, Electronic Medical Records Pioneer And Champion Of 'Patient Power,' Dies". www.wbur.org. 2018-06-26. Retrieved 2024-05-14.
  2. ^ a b c deBronkart, Dave; Sands, Daniel Z (23 July 2018). "Warner Slack: 'Patients are the most underused resource'". BMJ: k3194. doi:10.1136/bmj.k3194. ProQuest 2074037912.
  3. ^ "Morris F. Collen Award of Excellence | AMIA - American Medical Informatics Association". amia.org. Retrieved 2024-05-14.
  4. ^ https://fa.hms.harvard.edu/files/hmsofa/files/memorialminute_slack_warner_v.pdf Warner Vincent Slack, MD, a pioneer of medical informatics, was a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School in the Division of Clinical Informatics
  5. ^ "Dr. Warner V. Slack". Brezniak Funeral Directors. Retrieved 2024-05-14.
  6. ^ "Warner Slack '55". Princeton Alumni Weekly. 2018-10-15. Retrieved 2024-05-14.
  7. ^ "DR. SLACK IS DEAD; PHYSICIST WAS 69". The New York Times. 1970-12-28. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-05-14.
  8. ^ Fein, Esther B. (1997-11-20). "For Many Physicians, E-Mail Is the High-Tech House Call". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-05-14.
  9. ^ https://www.bibliomed.org/mnsfulltext/6/6-1536659574.pdf?1715723506 The Most Influential Scientists in the Development of Medical Informatics (22): Warner V Slack (1933-2018)
  10. ^ Zweifel, Dave (2018-07-20). "Plain Talk: Doctor left enduring mark on Madison". The Cap Times. Retrieved 2024-05-14.
  11. ^ Brohan, Mark (2018-06-29). "An early proponent of electronic healthcare dies". Digital Commerce 360. Retrieved 2024-05-14.
  12. ^ Masic, Izet (2018). "The Most Influential Scientists in the Development of Medical Informatics (22): Warner V Slack (1933-2018)". Acta Informatica Medica. 26 (2): 211–212. doi:10.5455/aim.2018.26.211-212. PMC 6195390. PMID 30515015.
  13. ^ Rege, Alyssa (2018-06-27). "EMR pioneer Dr. Warner Slack dies at 85". www.beckershospitalreview.com. Retrieved 2024-05-14.

External links[edit]

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