Committees Criticize Telemedicine Plan
Within the Nov. 7 education bond measure is a $200 million allocation to expand “”telemedicine”” at UC medical schools – a plan that has been shot down by two legislative panels.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s enthusiasm was offset by the state Senate Education Committee and the Assembly Higher Education Committee, who said that the bond money should be spent on higher priorities, such as updating buildings and equipment, broadening medical school enrollment and augmenting medical care in underserved areas.
The telemedicine portion of the UC expansion proposal appeared to “”resonate”” at the Capitol, which caused the state to reorder its priorities, according to UC officials; however, they still hope the state will fund a 10 percent increase in medical school enrollment next year.
Proposition 1D includes $890 million for the University of California with $200 million going to telemedicine, which refers to the use of modern communications technology in medical care for advancements such as two-way video discussions, the transfer of X-rays and other diagnostic images and the monitoring of patient vital signs via remote controls.
Keeping California a leader in technology is one of Schwarzenegger’s goals. He has lobbied to expand broadband communications, hydrogen-fueled vehicles, solar roofs and stem cell and global warming research.
However, the current telemedicine plan lacks detail, according to legislators, who said it seemed incomplete. The state still needs UC approval before spending the money.
UCSD Health Care Crosses the Border
The UCSD School of Medicine is sending health care down south, with new research and training program initiatives to enhance strategies for addressing the challenges of HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases in border communities.
The newest program, funded by the U.S. Office of Minority Health and the Hispanic-Serving Health Professions Schools, will support six-month internships for four Latino graduate students who are interested in infections and substance abuse in Latino populations in the U.S.-Mexico border region.
Viral hepatitis, tuberculosis and sexually transmitted infections are other serious consequences related to substance abuse, and are severe problems in border communities. The UCSD School of Medicine also has programs in place to address such issues.
The most recent funds from HSHPS will provide monthly stipends to the selected interns for their six-month training program. Latino participants will be matched with a UCSD mentor to develop a research project, which includes weekly field visits to Tijuana, workshops, seminars and lectures.
