Almost every time I post to Realneo I find I am asking myself the same question (which comes from a sense of urgency): is this post what I should be spending my time on? is the subject a priority?
With this post I am sure – the subject is of utmost priority and importance.
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Dr. Allan E. Okrainec (at right in photo above) is a laparoscopic surgeon at Toronto Western Hospital in Ontario, Canada. Laparoscopic surgery is done using a remote controlled camera and remote controlled surgical devices which are inserted into the patient through very small “keyhole” sized incisions. There are a number of advantages to laparoscopic surgery, minimal visible scaring being only one of them.
But it is not what Dr. Okrainec does surgically which grabbed my attention. When I caught up with the Doctor and one of his patients (who permitted me to listen in to their consultation), it was the mention of SKYPE [1] which I knew was monumental.
Dr. Okrainec and his colleague Georges Azzieand are using Skype VOIP to teach over the internet. And not classes down the street in Toronto, but in Botswana, Africa. Dr. Okrainec told me that he had visited Botswana several times and loved Africa. Now, from Dr. Okrainec’s office or surgical theater, his hand movements can be seen (using the little computer camera or other digital camera) over the internet.
“With Skype I can now teach surgical technique to doctors in Africa almost for free.”
The Glove and Mail has a story here [2] about Dr. Okrainec’s virtual teaching.
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So the ubiquitous telephone line has reached a phenomenal level of communication. Communication that can reach around the globe and be used for any type of education.
How are we in NEO advancing this technology and moving it into every corner of the globe?
I asked Dr. Okrainec if there was any oversight or co-coordinating committee which was in charge of connecting VOIP teachers with students. He didn’t know of any co-coordinating organization. There should be one. Should it be the UN or some of us here in NEO?
I asked Dr. Okrainec about financing for VOIP teaching. Again, he knew of none.
“We are always looking for funding to advance and amplify our teaching”.
How can NEO help make this technology more widely available?
Already, Dr Aniruddha Malpani, a doctor from Bombay, India is blogging about Dr. Okrainec [3] and the economy of teaching real-time with VOIP.
We can level the globe with equitable healthcare and education, and the NOBEL PRIZE committee should consider SKYPE as winner.
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