The Washington Post, April 7, 2013
When the doctors at UTMB are reading an ultrasound, examining an X-ray or evaluating an echocardiogram, the patient they are treating is not necessarily right in front of them. Instead, the patient is often in one of the farthest-flung corners of the Earth: a scientific research station in Antarctica. Using telemedicine, Galveston, Texas-based physicians provide treatment to scientists and support staff who would otherwise have access to only very basic medical care. “We can really be virtually looking over their shoulder,” said Scott Parazynski, director of UTMB’S Center for Polar Medical Operations.