Amedica named B. Sonny Bal, MD, JD, MBA, chairman of its board of directors.
Amedica is a medical device company focused on silicon nitride ceramics for spine and orthopedic procedures. Dr. Bal has been on Amedica's board of directors since February 2012. He is a professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Missouri, Columbia, with a special interest in joint replacement surgery and ceramic bearings.
Dr. Bal is also a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons and American Bone and Joint Surgeons. He has published extensively on the biomedical applications of silicon nitride ceramics. Dr. Bal has provided Amedica guidance on commercializing the silicon nitride ceramic and leads the company's Adult Reconstructive and Spine Medical Boards.
He'll replace Max Link, PhD, as board chairman. "It is an honor to follow Max Link, who has been an integral force in the early development of Amedica and a valued mentor on the board. I look forward to building upon his legacy as we build shareholder value through our relationships in the healthcare sector and executing our strategic vision," said Dr. Bal.
He earned his medical degree from Cornell University and JD from the University of Missouri. His additional training includes a fellowship in joint replacement at Harvard University.