Two University of Utah Health Endowed Chairs Selected as National Academy of Inventors Fellows

BY JULIE KIEFER AND AUDREY MAYNARD

Photo courtesy of University of Utah Health
Michael L. Good, MD

University of Utah Health is a pioneer in medical innovation. From implanting the world’s first artificial heart and identifying the gene that causes breast and ovarian cancer, to fostering the research of a Nobel Laureate in genetics, U of U Health has, for decades, been at the forefront of scientific discovery at home and throughout the world.

Now, two University of Utah Health endowed chairs are among the latest to be recognized nationally for their contributions to science. In December, Michael L. Good, MD, CEO of University of Utah Health, and A. Lorris Betz Senior Vice President for Health Sciences, along with David W. Grainger, PhD, distinguished professor of biomedical engineering and of molecular pharmaceutics and chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, were named Fellows of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). Their selection brings the number of NAI Fellows from the U to 21.

Good’s and Grainger’s breakthroughs have been made possible by the generosity and foresight of those who have invested in their research. They are grateful for the recognition they have received and for the opportunity they’ve had to impact the health and well-being of countless lives.

“Being elected to the NAI is a kind of capstone,” said Good, who holds the A. Lorris Betz, MD, PhD, Presidential Endowed Chair for the Senior Vice President for Health Sciences. “It’s gratifying to know that my early work has been recognized by peers as innovative and worthy of this distinction.”

Of his own election to the NAI, Grainger, who holds the Ole and Marty Jensen Endowed Chair in Tissue Engineering, said, “Together with my teaching and mentoring the next generation of student creators, thinkers, and inventors, translating technology to practical utility and adoption is highly rewarding.”

Election as an Academy Fellow is the highest professional distinction awarded solely to inventors. The 2023 Class of Fellows comprises 162 distinguished academic inventors.

Here’s a look into their inventions.

Simulation to Save Lives

Good’s invention, the Human Patient Simulator, was originally inspired by a trip to the batting cages in 1985. As an anesthesiologist, Good was frustrated that residents in his field could only practice their skills during the few times of day when surgeries were scheduled. While swinging at ball after ball, he reasoned that if a pitching machine could give athletes the ability to practice outside of a baseball game, perhaps he could create a simulator that enabled anesthesiologists to practice outside the operating suite.

That “a-ha” moment inspired Good to lead an intensive research and development program at the University of Florida that resulted in 10 patents. The interdisciplinary effort combined his expertise in computer science and medicine with that of dozens of collaborators specializing in math, engineering, and business. In 1993, the lifelike mannequins that simulate both routine and rare medical scenarios entered the market, with medical educators from the U being early adopters.

Photo Courtesy of The University of Florida
Dr. Good at The University of Florida

Photo Credit Charlie Ehlert
Medical students learning lifesaving skills on next-generation patient simulators

Today, next-generation patient simulators are empowering health care professionals across the globe to refine multiple lifesaving skills. The innovation has saved countless lives.

Good credits his experience as inventor, researcher, and interdisciplinary team leader for helping shape his leadership style today. U of U Health has flourished since his arrival in 2018. With an annual budget of $5.3 billion in FY22, the academic medical center encompasses five hospitals and 12 community clinics, a 1,700-member University of Utah Medical Group, a world-class research enterprise with $521.5 million in sponsored projects annually, a 253,000-member health plan, and numerous institutes and centers spanning more than 200 specialties.

“I think people come to academic medicine and academic health sciences because they want to make the world a better place,” he said. “My goal is to create an environment at University of Utah Health that supports the creativity and wisdom that sparks innovation.”

Medical Device Vanguard

A recognized expert in biomaterials chemistry and medical device innovation, Grainger’s research has contributed to applications in diverse fields, including drug delivery, medical implants, diagnostic devices, and new cell therapies. His seven patents to date have been translated into multiple commercial products, from medical diagnostic components to tendon repair implants to antimicrobial medical devices.

Achievements

World’s First NIH Grant

Nobel Prize Winner in Genetics

Largest Research Academic Medical Center in the Mountain West

World’s First Heart Transplant

Inducted into the Association of American Universities

One of the World’s Largest Population Databases for Research

David Grainger, PhD

“Engineering’s intersection with medicine is an exciting place to work and teach, with many challenges seeking creative solutions,” Grainger said. “The University of Utah fosters relationships, research, and collaborations at this intersection—and I’m so pleased to pursue work that makes a real impact on people’s health and quality of life.”

University of Utah spin-off company Elute uses Grainger’s technology in its unique implantable devices to combat infections after joint replacement surgeries. Every surface of a prosthetic joint is susceptible to colonization by bacteria, leading to an increased risk of infection. Elute’s synthetic, degradable bone filler “granules” are engineered to encourage new bone in-growth and release antibiotics at controlled rates to enhance implant bone healing and reduce infection. Elute’s first-in-human-approved antimicrobial combination device is now in Phase I pivotal clinical trials. ❤️