Videoconferencing technology allows people at two or more locations to see and hear each other at the same time.  Telemedicine is shrinking the world and enabling medical practices to serve underserved areas.

Video conferencing over the Internet requires substantial bandwidth and powerful desktop computers. Video conferencing allows for experiences and interactivity that would not be possible through any other medium. With high end systems there can be a real sense of the other person's presence in the room.  Dedicated high speed connections usually present the best results, but choosing the right software and hardware is also important. 

Privacy can also become an issue, especially when videoconferencing is used in the service of telemedicine.  Who is eavesdropping on the patient's private information?  The use of dedicated networks can assure a certain amount of privacy, but there can still be people involved who otherwise would not have access to confidential information.