Innovators of the Month highlights the Members of the Society of Innovators of Northwest Indiana for use by the media serving Jasper, Lake, LaPorte, Newton, Porter, Pulaski and Starke Counties. The Society celebrates Fellows and Chanute Prize recipients, but also recognizes other individual and team Members of “The 2012 - 2013 Class.” The Society shares their inspiring stories of innovation in each monthly edition. The Society is part of the Gerald I. Lamkin Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center of Ivy Tech Community College Northwest. For information, contact O’Merrial Butchee, Director, Gerald I. Lamkin Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center at (219) 981-4942, or John Davies, Assistant Director, at (219) 981-1111, Ext. 2292.
Elian Shepherd, M.D., Multi-Specialty Computer Assisted Surgery Suite, Methodist, 2012 – 2013
When Dr. Elian Shepherd was in high school in Syria before he came to America, he decided he wanted to help people with spinal deformities and enable them to walk normally. Today, he is a spine surgeon and the medical director of the Spine Care Center of Methodist. He is part of a team that made history when Methodist became the only hospital in Northwest Indiana to host this GPS surgery technology. Now in his 42d year as a surgeon, Dr. Shepherd worked closely with Ian McFadden, president and CEO to introduce this multi-specialty computer assisted surgery suite last year.
“It is comparable to having a global positioning system in the operating room, assuring greater safety and accuracy,” Dr. Shepherd said.
During computer-assisted surgery, specialized software creates a three-dimensional, digital roadmap for the surgeon to follow. The surgeon then matches the patient’s actual anatomy to the virtual 3D model displayed on the monitor. Much like a GPS system in a car, the surgeon is then able to track in real-time the position of surgical instruments in relation to the patient’s true anatomy. In addition to safety and accuracy, another benefit is that it aids in the reduction of radiation exposure in the operating room by reducing the number of X-ray images during procedures.
“This makes a good surgeon a better surgeon,” he added.
Speros Batistatos – South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority – 2012 – 2013
Northwest Indiana was built by steel and changed by tourism, then innovation has been the lynchpin in shaping the South Shore as a destination, said Speros Batistatos. The President/CEO of the South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority (SSCVA) is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Lake County organization. Having served 20 of 30 years as CEO, Speros said innovation has positioned the SSCVA as one of the most technologically advanced in the nation.
Today, visitors to the Indiana Welcome Center have access to amazing digital technology. He credits the staff for great exhibits like the “Christmas Story” and innovations, including unprecedented visibility and a newly redesigned mobile website driving in-market visitors of over 2960% compared to a year ago. With over 160 partners that include the Chicago White Sox, Fair Oaks Farms and as far south as Jasper County by next month, Speros said the authority has sustained a growing regional presence. But the influence of new thinking goes beyond even premiere marketing like hosting the bi-annual girls softball championship across Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties. Through introspection and perhaps self-transformation, Speros realizes the need to focus strictly on results and a more civil regional dialogue.
“We will continue to be outspoken on regional issues. But it is time for a business conversation on how to maximize the jobs and wealth created by tourism.”