A system and method for controlling one or more medical devices by a remote console. The remote console communicates wirelessly with a central control unit that connects to one or more of the medical devices. To conserve battery power and simplify operation, the remote console is configured to automatically power on and initiate a wireless connection in response to being brought into proximity of the central control unit. According to another embodiment, the remote console automatically powers on and terminates any previously established wireless connections when brought into proximity of the central control unit.