SNOMED CT... the way forward?

I'm glad my home country has decided to adopt SNOMED CT as the standard medical terminology to be used in electronic health records (EHR) [source]. Now all that learning won't be for nothing! ;)

Hopefully with worldwide adoption, SNOMED will finally be available without charge. Perhaps some day we would be able to import the extensive vocabulary into Freebase, DBPedia and/or Wikipedia.

If you're looking for a good browser for SNOMED, I would highly recommend SNOB. It's available freely and a server-based version is currently in development. SNOB allows you to browse, create subsets and displays crossmaps with other vocabulary.

I also highly recommend that you license the use of the Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) in your systems if you qualify. The project was started by the National Library Museum (NLM) in 1986 and provides a centrally-managed methathesaurus plus a whole bunch of other tools including a web services API.

Blog Title Needs to Change

It's unfortunate that someone decided to name their production on lesbian relationships, "I Can't Think Straight". The subject matter of this film goes against my moral standings. Hence I have decided to rename my blog. I shall now call it, "Thinking Anew".

Making My Living

This photo would probably be condemned for poor technical quality, but I liked it anyway. It captures two generations of Cambodian working hard to earn their living. This picture was taken on our minivan, on the way to Tonle Sap.

Going Home

I took this picture whilst touring the floating village on Tonlé Sap late in the evening. I have to assume that she was heading for home. Always a good feeling.

Simplexity

I attended a seminar given by my centre's director yesterday, during which he spoke about a book he was currently reading - Simplexity. The book is supposedly about how to make complex things simple. It's next on my list of books to buy!

This picture I feel merges complexity (in the fabric designs) and the simplicity of the lady's lifestyle in a remote village. This photo was also taken during my trip to Thailand last year. The cultural village is found near the city of Chiang Rai.

Mindfulness

One of the core components of Buddhist teaching is the Noble Eightfold Path. One of the guiding principles to enlightenment is Right Mindfulness, and it is about calming oneself and being aware of one's thoughts, actions or motivations. Allow me to extend this and apply it to my own beliefs, that mindfulness includes an awareness of the presence of the Almighty and His creation. For a long time now, I occasionally find myself asking this question, and awe at God's divinity.

I took this picture when visiting Chiang Mai, Thailand with my wife and her family in August last year.

My Prayer for You

I took this photo while visiting a temple in Tokyo, Japan. If my memory hasn't failed me, devotees would write their prayers on paper and tie them along these poles in hope that they will be answered.

So my friend, I am not near you during this hour of need. But I pray, that your burden be eased and joy will once again enter your life.