As of the 2024-2025 academic year, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) will begin issuing a VUMC-managed laptop to each Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (VUSM) student in the MD program or Masters of Genetic Counseling. These laptops will allow you to access the VUMC network and VUMC-managed applications, including the electronic health record, eStar, without using your personal devices. Non-MD Students can click here: Non-MD Laptop Requirements
Managed devices are one part of VUMC’s response to ongoing cybersecurity threats to healthcare organizations across the US and the region. VUMC’s Enterprise Technical Support vendor, NTT, will provide first line technical support for technical issues with laptops. The Education Design and Informatics (EDI) team will continue to provide support for all VUSM-specific issues, including NBME exams, end of block exams, and VSTAR-related issues.
(see also: VUMC Laptop Distribution FAQ & Pause Windows updates before the NBME Exam )
All questions can be directed to edi.support@vanderbilt.edu.
You must use your VUMC laptop for:
- Working in VUMC space or accessing VUMC apps
- Taking any quiz, essay, exam, etc., you must use the VUMC laptop.
- You can use a personal laptop for other class activities.
If for some reason you have not yet received a VUMC Laptop or are neither a Medical Student or a Masters of Genetic Counseling student, we include our minimum system requirements as well as other recommendations below:
System Requirements
These specifications are updated annually and published on the VUSM website. For questions, please contact The Office of Education Design and Informatics.
Hardware:
| Minimum | Recommended |
| Intel i5 2.4 GHz processor | Intel i7 2.0 GHz processor, M1 chips also compatible |
| 8 GB of memory | 16 GB of memory |
| 256 GB SSD Hard Drive | 512 GB SSD Hard Drive or larger |
| 13 inches with min. 1024 x 768 screen resolution | 13 inches or larger with 1400×900 screen resolution or better |
| 802.11n Wi-Fi | 802.11n/ac Wi-Fi |
| 512 MB Video Card memory or integrated Intel Iris Xᵉ Graphics | 1.5GB Video Card memory (or shared memory for Macs) M1 chips are compatible |
| Integrated or external webcam
Working speakers and microphone Not recommended: ASUS Laptops with touchpad/touchscreen |
|
Operating Systems:
Windows 10, 11
macOS 10.15, 11.0, 12.0, 13.0, 14.0
Not supported: Linux, ChromeOS, virtual machines
Browsers:
Chrome is the recommended browser for all VSTAR applications
- Enable JavaScript, Cookies, and CSS (these are usually enabled by default)
- Disable pop-up blockers
MD Students only: The NBME supports only:
- Windows – Chrome, Edge (Chromium)
- macOS – Chrome, Safari
Misc:
Latest versions of:
Recommended, but not required (MD Students only):
- Earplugs for exams
- Earbuds or headphones are NOT allowed during exams
- See also, apps highly recommended by current MD students (maintained by the VUSM Student Technology Committee)
Frequently asked MD Student questions:
Q: Why aren’t Linux and Chrome OS supported?
A: The NBME (National Board of Medical Examiners) has a secure browser that must be installed on your laptop in order to take their exams, and they only support the versions of Windows and macOS listed above.
Q: I have an 11-inch MacBook Air or other 11-inch laptop display. Why can’t I use this for exams?
A: You can, but some of the images on the exams may be cropped off. You might be able to scroll to see the full image.
Q: Why is Chrome recommended over other browsers?
A: Chrome performs best, and most consistently in our environment. Chrome is also supported by the NBME exams, while Firefox is not.
If you have any issues or questions, please contact EDI Support.