The Internet, magazines and newspapers are full of articles about the iPad and its apps for the average Joe, Jane and Techie, and iPad developers tend to focus on these groups mostly. However, one of the largest user groups of the iPad are those in the medical field, especially students. Here we review five top apps used by medical students and doctors which perhaps might shed some light into what iPad developers should be looking at as they think about their next project.

VitalSource – Most medical students swear by this app. Universities are able to provide textbooks free of charge to students through VitalSource, which is easily accessible online, via Safari. A latest addition to VitalSource has been their Bookview app. It allows for fast page flipping and searching. And considering the fact that the average medical textbook weighs 1kg, carrying an iPad will surely be a winner.

Noterize – Much like a notebook app, Noterize comes with an option to open and download pdf and ppt files directly and the highlighters, audio record and pen functions make note taking and reading very effortless for students and many medical professionals. Unlike iAnnotate, the textbox on Noterize is transparent, so it is easy to view different materials at a go. Highlighting is also simpler as one can highlight anything on Noterize, but only text on iAnnotate.

Destination Bedside – Gone are the days of notepads, lightboards, and limitless charts and x-rays to carry around. With Destination Bedside, students and medics can easily store X-rays, charts and prescriptions on the iPad, and show them to patients, or discuss them with lecturers whenever they need to.

LogMeIn – Many doctors claim this app to be especially wonderful as it can control a Windows or Mac computer remotely from anywhere in the world. And at $29.99 it is a complete steal. This app makes it very easy for travelling doctors or lecturers to obtain information that is stored elsewhere, instead of getting someone else to do it for them. Similarly, it also makes it easy to conference with students, providing lecturers the ability to give lectures or speeches from somewhere else in the world, as they control a computer in another country.

Jump – This one allows medics to access medical records remotely, using terminal services. Anywhere in the world, a medic needs only type in the same info he or she would on Windows, and the remote desktop will be ready for use on the iPad. Jump is also a better version of WinAdmin (which has similar functions), as it has better mouse controls, keyboard function and lets you enter text via external keyboard.

Given that the health care industry is booming and evolving faster every year, perhaps it is a good idea for iPad developers to think about supplying useful apps for those in this field. And if you have a great idea to make a medical app, try hiring a professional iPad development company like Jinibot Mobile Development, who can turn your idea into something real.