Technologic innovation is a major driver of surgical advances. Founded by the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery in 2017, Pittsburgh CREATES (Collaborative Research, Education And Technology Advancement in Surgery) is a collaboration between the medical industry, bioengineers, and surgeons to develop new surgical technology and train the next generation of surgeons in the use of advanced surgical technologies.
Pittsburgh CREATES is committed to addressing unmet needs in healthcare innovation by focusing on understanding the problems that need solving. One of the core principles of the organization is conducting thorough user research to gain diverse perspectives on these challenges, ensuring that any innovation is truly impactful. Whether someone comes in with a specific idea or is looking to become an innovator without a clear concept yet, Pittsburgh CREATES guides them through a needs-based process that centers on the problem, the target population, and the measurable outcomes. In some cases, inventors of new surgical technologies at the University of Pittsburgh can partner with companies to further develop their ideas. Pittsburgh CREATES also generates opportunities for bioengineers from the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering to gain valuable experience working with major medical device companies and explore employment opportunities.
Pittsburgh CREATES is co-directed by Peter Santa Maria, MD, PhD, and Carl Snyderman, MD, MBA. Mohit Singhala, PhD, is the lead engineer. Dr. Singhala has a Masters from the Johns Hopkins Center for Bioengineering Innovation and Design (CBID). Both Dr. Santa Maria and Dr. Singhala have gone through Biodesign training at Stanford. Stanford Biodesign is the origin for the needs-based approach to innovation in Medtech. Pittsburgh CREATES is heavily influenced by both institutions.
To learn more, visit Pittsburgh CREATES and EEF’s Pittsburgh CREATES Updates & News. View Dr. Snyderman’s Sight + Sound Bites Webinar on Innovation and Creativity in Surgery.