Challenges for medical informatics in the 21st century

This paper introduces the topic of this special issue: challenges for medical informatics in the 21st century. This paper discusses the nature of medical informatics. Some descriptions and definitions of medical informatics are reviewed. Then the research aspects of medical informatics are discussed. It is argued that the more mundane aspects of medical informatics like system development and implementation are important and need further consideration, especially concerning social aspects and correctness.