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Spain Opens Second Life Clinic for Teens

Virtual doctor's office welcomes those who hate the real thing

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted May 10, 2008 5:54 PM CDT

(Newser) – Spanish health officials are opening a virtual clinic in the popular online world Second Life, where they plan to advise teens who are too shy to consult flesh-and-blood doctors, the Guardian reports. It will appear as a consultation room for now, but officials hope to expand the service and eventually “deal with problems of dermatology and psychology through a webcam," one doctor said.

“Teenagers do not often go to see the doctor,” said another doctor involved in the virtual clinic. “But this is an efficient and amusing tool to reach them because we can both use the same route. Even though they do not often suffer serious illnesses, they often expose themselves to risks which can develop into problems in the future.”

Characters hang out in the online game "Second Life." ((c) Torley)

A Second Life avatar. (AP Photo/Linden lab)

A scene from the online world "Second Life." ((c) Torley)

Characters in the popular online game "Second Life." ((c) Darks Adria)

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Spain Opens Second Life Clinic for Teens

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Spain Opens Second Life Clinic for Teens

Virtual doctor's office welcomes those who hate the real thing

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

health care • Internet • Spain • doctor • medical treatment • Second Life • teen health • avatar

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

How to Manage Your Passwords From the Grave

From Facebook to bank accounts, online afterlife a thorny legal area

At One Clinic, Two Standards of Care

Separate entrance, faster service for those who pay out of pocket

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Businesses who use virtual worlds need 3-D dress codes

I'd Vote for Health Bill: Frist

Obama's reforms are a step in the right direction, former Senate majority leader says

Docs: We'll Quit If Obama Lifts Bush Abortion Rules

Analysts: older regs let health workers avoid certain procedures

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Newser By Users

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