NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

For release: 05-05-04
Photo release #: 04-129

NASA-funded telemedicine research brings medical care to people living in Earth's remote regions, improves space medicine

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Dr. Ronald Merrell is director of the Medical Informatics Technology Applications Consortium – a NASA Research Partnership Center at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va. Merrell and his team are studying how telemedicine can improve medical care for people who live in Earth's remote regions and for future space explorers. Using combinations of digital imaging systems, televisions and computers, they have designed mobile units that are deployed to jungle villages, mountain peaks and other remote places. Then, they consult with patients or other doctors in these locations. The team is studying how future space crews can use telemedicine technology to consult with doctors on Earth when they need to perform surgery and other medical procedures. The Medical Informatics Technology Applications Consortium is managed by the Space Partnership Development program at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. (Virginia Commonwealth University)

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