Abstract
The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) recently held its annual international meeting and exposition in Tampa, Florida. This 16th edition was attended by a record-breaking group of individuals from across the broad and international spectrum of telemedicine. The attendees continue to learn about telemedicine from a research and policy perspective as well as how to address implementation and operational challenges. The exposition hall overflowed with technology and innovation for the telemedicine enthusiast. Each year, new companies join this growing business and share their devices. The scientific component with oral presentations and posters continues to impress people. The abstracts for these are posted at
The annual meeting provides those interested in moving telemedicine forward with an opportunity to interact and see firsthand what others are doing or have accomplished. This venue has helped move telemedicine forward from its humble beginnings 16 years ago. Over the years, the ATA has been led by true pioneers and leaders in this field. Beginning 3 years ago, the ATA introduced a college of fellows. This year, seven individuals are now known as fellows of the ATA. Recognized for their significant achievements in telemedicine, the following are the class of 2011: Anne Burdick, Sam Burgiss, William England, Ronald Merrell, Steven Normandin, Mark VenderWerf, and Pamela Whitten. This distinguished group joins the class of 2009 (Dale Alverson, Nina Antoniotti, Rashid Bashshur, Elizabeth Krupinski, Joe Kvedar, Thelma McCloskey-Armstrong, Ronald Poropatich, Jane Preston, Jay Sanders, Robert Waters, and Ronald Weinstein) and the class of 2010 (Bonnie Britton, Joseph D'Iorio, and Charles Doarn). This group of individuals provides a wealth of information and knowledge to the telemedicine community. Many have published their work in this journal. As this group continues to grow, the ATA and the telemedicine community will benefit from these fellows.
The annual meeting also provided an opportunity for us to present an award, sponsored by Mary Ann Liebert, for the best paper published in this journal in 2010. The selection was a paper entitled “Goal setting using telemedicine in rural underserved older adults with diabetes: Experiences from the informatics for diabetes education and telemedicine project.” This paper, authored by Susan West, Carina Lagua, Paula Trief, Roberto Izquierdo, and Ruth Weinstock of Syracuse University, was published in Volume 16, Issue 4, pages 405–416.
One of the many highlights of the conference was a plenary titled “The Future of Personal Healthcare Technology.” This was presented as an informal and often comedic interview of Martin Cooper by New York Times Technology Correspondent, David Pogue. Cooper is the individual who is credited with inventing the cell phone. This presentation was very interesting and quite relevant to the future of telemedicine and the “patient-centered” model.
Although the conference lasted only 3 full days, there was information that crossed many disciplines. From specific sessions to plenary presentations to roundtables to catching up with old friends, it was the place to be! During the conference, the assemblage of expertise was alerted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) decision on credentialing and reducing the burden that the Joint Commission had advocated.
Another significant event occurred while the ATA meeting was just beginning. This was the events that unfolded in Pakistan on May 1, 2011. This daring mission highlighted many advanced technologies that have been developed as a direct result of the post 9–11 world. Whether used to indentify remains or address medical needs in combat theatres, these common tools provide unique capabilities. Although not developed especially for counterterrorism, the challenges that the United States has faced for many generations serve as a catalyst for change, often resulting in startling discoveries of technologies that we all can adopt in our lives, the way we teach or are taught, and the way we practice medicine.
Telemedicine is a game changer. The integration of it in healthcare delivery and in health education enables greater access, more rapid response, and, as we know, can lead to cost efficiencies. For 17 years, this journal and others have published the best research that has been accomplished. Although there are continued growth opportunities and newer technologies, telemedicine is no longer just a niche market. It is no longer just a small investment of a select group of people applying it in select settings. It is a rapidly growing business that is changing the landscape. Game changer and perfect storm: terms such as these reflect a business on the cusp of universality.
The annual meeting, its venue, and its outcome, coupled with CMS news, is helping the wave of telemedicine to move across the landscape of healthcare. It is no longer a matter of “if.” It is only a matter of “when”!
This issue brings you a number of wonderful papers that will have some influence on your work. We encourage those individuals who presented an oral or poster presentation to submit a complete manuscript of consideration. It is only through a community of scholars that our work can be shared and we can collectively move forward.