The system's continued development may achieve universal access to education and medicine. Distance learning centers are also available at nine correctional facilities and seven youth services facilities. More than 250 conferences are held each week among an average of 580 connected sites. Video and audio equipment and specialized medical tools allow specialists to diagnose and treat patients at remote sites. For example, specialists can use remote-controlled cameras to examine a patient's eyes, ears, nose, or throat, view pathology slides, or observe endoscopic procedures.
Cardiologists can even listen to a patient's heart and lungs using an electronic stethoscope.
Rural telemedicine sites are located in public and private medical centers, rural hospitals, correctional institutions, doctors' offices, and community health centers. Transportation officials met with citizens electronically at twelve sites across the state to discuss the future of the state highway system. The event allowed active public involvement in what might otherwise have been an obscure policy meeting. The state has been subsidizing half these costs and will continue to do so for two years. Partnerships The Georgia Center for Advanced Telecommunications Technology is a division of the Georgia Research Alliance.