UCI’s School of Medicine and the University of New England in rural Armidale, Australia, have signed an agreement to establish a permanent high-definition videoconferencing link allowing the two institutions to hold joint classes and medical simulation training sessions despite a geographical separation of almost 7,500 miles. In addition to using the state-of-the-art broadband videoconferencing capabilities of UCI’s Medical Education Building (pictured), new equipment will be installed at both campuses to let students participate in joint, real-time courses held in Armidale and Irvine facilities. In addition, UNE’s School of Rural Medicine will integrate many aspects of UCI’s innovative iMedEd Initiative – such as an iPad-based curriculum and portable ultrasound training. The two institutions will also exchange students. “Technology is on the forefront in our medical education program,” said Dr. Gerald Maguire, senior associate dean of medical education at UCI. “Together, we will be working to prepare today’s students to meet the medical needs of tomorrow.”