This is the start of a new blog. A blog about the future of surgery, the intersection of technology and medicine, and whatever else suits my fancy. So who am I?
In no particular order -
Surgeon
I am Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Washington, where I specialize in advanced gastrointestinal surgery. About half of my practice is in foregut surgery (surgery of the esophagus and stomach, including bariatric surgery) and about half is hernia surgery (including inguinal and ventral, or incisional, hernias). 99% plus of my practice is laparoscopic, or minimally invasive surgery. More on that in later posts.
Educator
In my role at the UW I not only care for patients, I also teach. This includes the daily mentoring of residents and medical students. I am also heavily involved at ISIS - the Institute for Simulation and Interprofessional Studies at the University of Washington. I run the technical and professional skills program for the general surgery residency, and do research in improving patient safety through simulation. My wife thinks it is especially amusing that I am known for teaching communication skills.
Innovator
I have always been technologically minded, ever since teaching myself computer programing on my Commodore 64 in 6th grade. With my father, Jesse Wright MD, I helped develop the 1st multimedia program for the treatment of depression. This program, Good Days Ahead, resulted in significant NIH research funding, and has now formed the basis for a new company -Empower Interactive. We are in the process of licensing our new version of the software to the Department of Defense. Subsequently I have worked to develop new technology for surgical applications, first at the University of Wisconsin and now at the University of Washington. This has included new devices for ablation of liver tumors, surgical robotics, simulation, and smart surgical instruments. I also act as consultant for a number of companies in the realm of surgical technology.
Geek
Yes I am a geek, and proud of it. The geek shall inherit the earth. Science fiction is becoming science fact, and I am working in my small area of medicine and surgery to "make it so."
Dad
Father to twin girls, by whom I am constantly amazed and amused.
Soccer Fanatic.
Go Sounders!
