The video conferencing system at Barrow Neurological Institute, which was made possible five years ago by benefactors Stevie and Karl Eller, recently received a major upgrade and a new name—Eller TelePresence @ The BARROW. The name honors the significant role that the Ellers played in developing and funding the system.
Karl came up with the idea of TelePresence after seeing residents in a Barrow surgery suite straining for a good view of the procedure. The resulting $1.1-million video conferencing system gave medical students and residents an unsurpassed view of surgery and enhanced Barrow’s efforts to provide consultations to physicians in remote areas of the country.
“Not only was the philanthropic generosity of Karl and Stevie Eller what made this project possible, it was that first spark of an idea, a dream, from Karl himself that really got us started, said Stephen Papadopoulos, MD, director of the Outpatient Spine Care Center and Image Guided Surgery. “And his enduring commitment constantly encourages us to continue.”
The new TelePresence system, which was unveiled during a luncheon honoring the Ellers, features high-definition screens for an even more life-like experience.
