It sounds like something out of a "Star Trek" plot, but it’s something people are actually able to do at the West Cancer Center and Research Institute’s clinic in Paris, Tenn. Thanks to Proto’s Epic technology, patients at the clinic can consult with a specialist, even if there isn’t one onsite.
The Epic unit allows someone to have a real-time conversation with a life-size holographic version of a person in another location. Rather than a telehealth consultation on a tiny laptop or smartphone screen, if a specialist is even willing to do that, patients and doctors can see each other as if they were in the room together. The box is equipped with LED lights to create realistic shadows and reflections, as well as a touchscreen interface on the front and AI-powered cameras.
As far as cybersecurity and privacy are concerned, Proto reportedly takes them very seriously, having earned SOC Type 2 security certification. “Working with the team from Proto to bring to life, what several years ago would have seemed impossible, is now going to allow West Cancer Center and Research Institute to pioneer options for patients to get highly specialized care without having to travel to large metro areas,” said Mitch Graves, CEO of West Cancer. “Our Paris, Tenn., clinic is one of our 11 locations and we are already expanding to a second location in October and I can see us expanding to several others in the future.”
