TORONTO, May 7, 2015 /CNW/ - Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) founder and CEO Ed Brown was recognized with a Fellowship from the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) at the organization's recent annual meeting.
The Immediate Past President of the ATA and also a Director of OntarioMD, Dr. Brown was one of six recipients elected to the "Class of 2015."
"Election to the American Telemedicine Association College of Fellows recognizes significant achievements in telemedicine, service to the general telemedicine community and service to ATA," said Jonathan Linkous, CEO of ATA. "Dr. Brown served at the helm of ATA during one of the most transformative years in health care. We're pleased to recognize his contributions."
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the ATA is the leading international resource and advocate promoting the use of advanced remote medical technologies.
A family and emergency physician who studied mathematics and engineering prior to engaging in health care, Dr. Brown recognized the potential of telemedicine nearly two decades ago. He and his colleagues created a four-hospital videoconferencing pilot project that, by 1998, evolved into the Northern Ontario Remote Telehealth Network. In 2006 it was merged with two other networks to become OTN, with Dr. Brown as CEO.
OTN continues to bridge time and geography to bring patients the care they need, with innovative offerings like Telehomecare, a self-management coaching and remote vital sign monitoring program, and Telestroke, which links physicians in 25 referring hospitals round the clock to stroke specialists, so swift decisions can be made on diagnosis, treatment and care.
"It truly is an honour to be recognized for something that holds so much meaning for me," said Dr. Brown, who advocates for the advancement of telemedicine to improve access to care, quality of care and the sustainability of the healthcare system.
"Five years from now, we'll wonder how we ever got along without technology. In 10 years we won't even use the word 'telemedicine.' What we call telemedicine will be more normal than the kind of health care we deliver now. Telemedicine is the catalyst that will allow us to organize around the patient."
Dr. Brown has won numerous awards for his work in telemedicine, most recently the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Award for his contributions to health care in Canada. In 2010, he was chosen as one of 25 Transformational Canadians by a national media panel sponsored by the Globe and Mail, CTV and La Presse.
About OTN
The world leader in telemedicine, OTN helps Ontarians get more out of the health care system by bridging the distance of time and geography to bring more patients the care they need, where and when they need it. Using innovative technology, OTN streamlines the healthcare process, while also expanding the way knowledge is shared and how the medical community interacts with each other and with patients. An independent, not-for-profit organization, OTN is funded by the Government of Ontario and Canada Health Infoway.
For more information please visit www.otn.ca and www.otnresults.ca.
SOURCE Ontario Telemedicine Network
Image with caption: "Dr. Ed Brown, CEO of the Ontario Telemedicine Network (CNW Group/Ontario Telemedicine Network)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150507_C4977_PHOTO_EN_16359.jpg
To arrange an interview with Ed Brown, please contact: Sharon Airhart, 416-312-3779, [email protected].
Share this article