An expert in the field of telemedicine and teleradiology, Peter “Pete” Killcommons has served as the chief executive officer for San Francisco-based MedWeb since 1992. In addition to leading the company’s telemedicine, radiology, and disaster response divisions, Peter Killcommons is a member of the board of directors with the International Virtual Electronic Hospital.

Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the International Virtual e-Hospital (IVeH) Foundation was created with the mission of building a public health care system in developing countries. Currently, the foundation relies on a team of volunteers working to establish a regional telemedicine network and virtual education network in the Balkans. Through the “Initiate, Build, Operate, and Transfer (IBOT)” strategy, the IVeH created a successful telemedicine program in Kosovo, and recently created the Kosovo College of Surgeons.

Collaborating with local health authorities and surgical organizations, the IVeH created the College of Surgeons with the intention of unifying all practicing surgeons, including those in private practice, in public hospitals, and in academic hospitals, and raising the standard of surgical care across the country.

As the CEO of Medweb, which he founded in 1992, Dr. Peter "Pete" Killcommons is responsible for running its emergency response, telemedicine, and radiology operations. Dr. Peter Killcommons is also a member of the American Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), which works to improve piloting standards across the country.

The association has begun a series of webinars designed to help pilots develop and maintain their skills during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has grounded many flights across the country. The series, which launched on April 16, is hosted by AOPA You Can Fly member Keith West, alongside senior director of flight training Pablo Maurelia and flight training education senior director Chris Moser.

Each installment of the webinar series focuses on how pilots can enhance their flight skills while at home, with this including the use of flight simulators. Each episode also encourages AOPA members to ask questions regarding topics that interest them most, while also highlighting how to build confidence when using radio communications.

San Francisco-based MD Dr. Peter “Pete” Killcommons graduated cum laude from City College of New York before attending New York Medical College. Focused on telemedicine and its ability to rapidly improve access to quality care, Dr. Peter Killcommons is the CEO of Medweb, a company that makes telemedicine equipment. One of Medweb’s products for dermatologists is the Handheld Telemedicine Kit (HTK).

Medweb’s HTK is a lightweight bag about the size of an ordinary laptop bag featuring several devices including a multi-scope exam camera, handheld USB ultrasound probe, digital EKG, tablet, otoscope, and Bluetooth stethoscope. It equips dermatologists and general practitioners with the most advanced offerings in LED light sources, wireless data transfer, high-resolution imaging, and digital displays, empowering them with the tools to provide care to patients in remote locations or those who are incarcerated.

The HTK combines a computer-based patient assessment system with a simple user interface enabling easy capturing of digital images. The devices are wifi, 3G, and 4G enabled for quick transmission of data to a dermatological specialist for real time screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

Besides dermatologists, the HTK can also help nurses and community workers consulting patients in the field, allowing them to quickly reach out to specialists for guidance on complex cases. It is also a must-have for EMTs, firefighters, police officers, and other first responders as it makes on-site treatment possible, limiting the need for emergency ambulatory trips.

Based in San Francisco, Dr. Peter “Pete” Killcommons has guided Medweb for more than 25 years, providing secure, web-enabled telemedicine to populations across the globe. Future focused, Dr. Peter Killcommons continues to position his firm at the cusp of an expanding marketplace that connects physicians with patients remotely through continuous monitoring and video conferences.

A recent Bisnow National Healthcare New England event brought together medical industry leaders to discuss trends of care centered away from hospitals. This is reflected in a more than doubling of urgent care clinics in Massachusetts between 2010 and 2018, from 18 to 45. Though these clinics offer greater convenience, a consensus of panelists was that patients want even more responsive care from home and this is a niche that telemedicine fills.

As described by the Boston Medical Center director of ambulatory operations, an increasing number of patients are beginning to receive care via apps on their phone. Through the use of video conferences or photos, patients can easily consult with professionals in areas ranging from psychiatry to dermatology, and also access prescriptions.

High demand is reflected in new Persistence Market Research data, which estimates the North American telemedicine market value at almost $7 billion, with this figure expected to expand by a factor of five over the next decade. Nearly 70 percent of physicians surveyed reported strong interest in employing telemedicine and remote patient monitoring moving forward.