The present invention is directed to a system and method in which a portable medical device supports simultaneous imaging and monitoring applications. This portable device includes an external controller for receiving a PDA/MDA via a communication bus. An ultrasound scan head also is preferably attached to the external controller via an interconnect. In operation, real-time video feed of the patient may be acquired using the device and then displayed on the PDA/MDA. Using the ultrasound scan head in conjunction with the external controller, images may be acquired and displayed on the PDA/MDA, and vital sign monitoring of a single patient or multiple patients may be performed. Video feed, images and/or monitoring information may be transferred to a remote expert for review and analysis on the remote expert's communication device.