UPPER EAST SIDE — Help local medical researchers get the funding to pursue their passion projects with your vote.
Clinicians and scientists are vying for Northwell Health's $100,000 grant to back their medical innovations, and the hospital group, formerly known as the North Shore-LIJ Health System, is asking the public to help them decide by voting.
The projects include a 3D printer that could produce a new bone fragment, a device that would rapidly stop bleeding while in surgery and a stamp that could let doctors keep track of their patients without making them wear wristbands.
The money would go to medical researchers at Northwell Health's Feinstein Institute for Medical Research in Manhasset or to Dr. Peter Costantino, the chair of otolaryngology at Lenox Hill Hospital on the Upper East Side.
The hospital's corporate venturing arm, Northwell Ventures, is asking people to go on its website to vote by April 18.
So far 280,098 votes have been cast.
"This is a unique and exciting opportunity to engage with members of our community, empower them to help decide the next medical breakthrough we pursue and bring that vision to life," said Ramon Soto, the senior vice president and spokesman for Northwell.
The first innovation, would fund the development of the "Patient Identification Shield," a temporary stamp that would replace the hospital wristband. The stamp, which would be durable and easily removed, would be color-coded to eliminate up to 80 percent of identification-related errors, according to Dr. Peter Costantino, the chair of otolaryngology at Lenox Hill Hospital who is heading the project.
The second device uses a new bio-electronic technique to reduce the time a wound by half, drastically reducing blood loss. Inventors say it could one day be used to treat those with traumatic injuries in hospitals, on the battlefields, or be used by first responders.
In addition, the Feinstein Institute is working to re-engineer a 3D printer so that it can not only produce functional biological tissue replacements but also generate entire organs and bones on demand.
"All organizations have smart people with a lot of great ideas," said Michael Dowling, president and CEO at Northwell Health. "Where we distinguish ourselves is providing employees with an avenue to bring their ideas to life through Northwell Ventures. We identify and celebrate pioneering, out-of-the box thinkers who are passionate about advancing medicine and changing lives — and have potential solutions to make that happen."
"We’re thrilled to be engaging the public in helping us decide which of these worthy innovations will receive our funding and support," he said.
Northwell Health is a system of 21 hospitals, including Lenox Hill Hospital on the Upper East Side, Staten Island University Hospital, and several hospitals throughout New York state.
