"California is already a world leader in technology, so it makes sense that we also lead the way in applying technology to healthcare," said Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, in a statement. "What Cisco is doing here with the latest in high-tech approaches and communication is the future of medicine and we are very excited to see such innovative partners work to expand telemedicine connections and medical care in California."

Citing data from the Association of American Medical Colleges, Cisco says that, due to population growth, aging and other factors, the United States is facing a potential shortage of 159,000 primary care physicians by 2025. , the company says.

It’s also an example of an application of technologies Cisco views as its key growth drivers.

"The use of video and collaboration has significant benefits for the doctor/patient experience as we know it, and Cisco sees telemedicine as a vehicle for transforming healthcare on a global scale," said CEO John Chambers, in a statement.

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