Hackensack University Medical Center Collaborates with Hackensack School of Medicine on Orthopedic Innovations
Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery & Innovation integrates scientists and clinicians in translational research
The academic branch of Hackensack University Medical Center’s orthopedic program, through association with the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, is joining translational research efforts at the Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery & Innovation (CDI).
Through this relationship, researchers at the CDI and orthopedic surgeons at the medical center collaborate on innovations in orthopedic care and surgical procedures. The CDI’s translational ecosystem integrates academic scientists with clinicians as well as companies with the goal of moving innovative science rapidly into clinical settings to affect patient outcomes.
One promising area of focus is restorative medicine applying laboratory science initiatives of the CDI, such as adipose tissue and stem cells, to manage orthopedic disorders as an adjunct to or replacement of surgery. The CDI’s Institute for Restorative Health (iRH) is headed by Interim Clinical Director Michael Kelly, M.D., of Hackensack University Medical Center.
CDI partnerships with up-and-coming regenerative medical companies such as EpiBone, Inc., are targeting the growth of personalized bone and cartilage grafts using stem cell techniques and 3D imaging and designs. The health network’s investment in the clinical-stage regenerative medicine company is part of Hackensack Meridian Health’s innovation program, the Bear’s Den.
“Our industry is going to be transformed by how we leverage cellular biology and new tissue engineering to help the body repair itself and replace damaged tissue from the impact of chronic and disabling diseases,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, the chief executive officer of Hackensack Meridian Health. “Our goal is to back innovative, evidence-based approaches and products. We are confident in the science, and solutions, EpiBone brings to the market.”
In addition to translational research collaboration, Hackensack University Medical Center also actively engages with the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicineto train the next generation of doctors, and is creating an orthopedic residency program at Hackensack University Medical Center. Residents will work in communion with scholars and practitioners of other disciplines to integrate their perspectives, experiences and tools. The program will apply active learning and evidenced-based methods, train for lifelong learning and problem-solving, employ an interprofessional training curriculum and encourage exploration and use of technologies across multiple fields.