Total joint surgeon Michael Ast, MD, has been appointed vice chair and chief medical innovation officer of the HSS Innovation Institute in New York City.
Founded in 2016, the institute aims to accelerate inventions through partnerships with industry, investors and entrepreneurs and strengthen relationships between engineers, physicians and other scientists, according to a news release.
Among the concepts the institute is researching are the use of patented hardware and analytical software, strength training and rehabilitation techniques, as well as devices to reduce pain, increase stability, correct deformities and restore function.
The addition of Dr. Ast to the executive leadership team will "help us remain laser-focused on our approach to innovation, to drive forward-thinking leadership and create new pathways that benefit patients," Louis Shapiro, president and CEO of Hospital for Special Surgery, said in the release.
"As healthcare becomes more complex, we must continue to innovate care delivery strategies, education and data management," Dr. Ast said in the release. "Looking to the future, innovative solutions in healthcare will require a multifaceted team effort with viewpoints from the clinical, administrative and business sides."