Description

University of Chicago – Argonne National Laboratory
Bioengineering Institute for Advanced Surgery and Endoscopy

The Department of Surgery is developing collaborations with Argonne National Laboratory to develop joint research and engineering capabilities that will bring new technologies to the practice of surgery and endoscopy. John Alverdy, MD, Vice Chair for Academic Affairs, is spearheading this project, which will focus on three themes: visualization, advanced instrumentation and biomaterials. Specifically, the project will introduce enhanced visualization techniques that incorporate principles of physics and application of near-real-time computer simulation for planning and executing surgical procedures, develop wireless components with continuously updated real-time sensor data and physics-based computer simulations for more precise surgical procedures, and investigate use of synthetic polymer materials that will advance such work as tissue engineering and hip sensors. [From The University of Chicago Department of Surgery 2007 Annual Report]

I envision my role in supporting this mission as potentially encompassing five areas:
1. Optimizing information flow through media, public relations and education
2. Providing creative and effective leadership in organization, logistics and other practical matters
3. Supporting the Institute staff in developing and commercializing their technologies
4. Identifying additional opportunities for development and otherwise further leveraging the diverse resources of the Department and other University groups
5. Facilitating additional investment in the Institute

These are described in more detail below along with selected LinkedIn recommendations from individuals who speak to my reputation and capabilities supporting these activities. In addition, as appropriate, I have included lists of relevant contacts of mine in these areas.

1. Optimizing information flow through media, public relations and education
The flow of information both within the Institute, throughout the University, the local medical and scientific community and indeed worldwide will be essential for the Institute’s development and reputation. My extensive media capabilities, writing proficiency and contacts will enable me to provide a number of important functions in support of the Institute and its faculty. These include:
• Organizing departmental and intradepartmental seminars bringing Institute staff as well as leading researchers and clinicians from around the world to the Institute,
• Providing outstanding editorial assistance to the staff for both for scientific and lay publications as well as shepherding and supporting this written work through the entire process from conception to publication and marketing,
• Organizing and implementing an internet TV talk show broadcast worldwide showcasing the Institute’s work as well as surgical bioengineering more generally,
• Publishing a newsletter (print & web) leveraging the TV show and highlighting developments more generally taking place at the Institute.
“Ogan has invited me to speak at his talk show at InTime TV. He was very a professional and organized host. He was able to thoroughly cover a broad topic like surgical management of inflammatory bowel disease during the limited time of the show. His medical knowledge and ability to focus the discussion are outstanding.” June 2, 2008 Alessandro Fichera, Assistant Professor of Surgery, University of Chicago Medical Center worked directly with Ogan at InTimeTV
“I had the pleasure of appearing on Ogan's TV show to discuss nanotechnology and its application to the life sciences. Ogan is a remarkable individual who is capable of quickly and accurately picking up complex concepts and distilling out the critical aspects. His curiosity, enthusiasm and intellectual rigor make him an ideal champion in the media for the emerging field of nanotechnology.” May 20, 2008 Neville Freeman, President, Fa