MedStar Institute for Innovation

Did you know that MedStar has an Innovation Institute?  Founded approximately four years ago and under the direction of Dr. Mark Smith, MedStar Institute for Innovation (MI2) mission is to catalyze innovation that advances health. They help  people think differently to take a fresh approach to a difficult problem, support the development of tangible innovations in healthcare (often around technology such as new devices, tools, software, etc), and create actual innovative solutions in specific domains such as learning, simulation, information and human factors (more at mi2.org).  In fact, the National Center for Human Factors in Healthcare is a joint venture between MI2 and MHRI because innovation and research go hand-in-hand.  Many MedStar investigators are actively involved in MI2.

Today, MI2 held its 4th annual 'Innovations in.... Thinking Differently' conference (more at http://innovationkiosk.com/) which focused on the power of 'Tell Me a Story."  This conference started out with one of the most powerful stories I have ever heard; that was because it was from a respected and beloved professional friend of mine (and many at MedStar) - Dr. Tom Graham, the Chief Innovation Officer at Cleveland Clinic and former chair of the Curtis Hand Center at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital told the story of a 50 year old man who had a 3 month hospitalization and near death experience.  That man was himself and during his ordeal, he thought about what they would say 'After the comma' - that is, when someone looks back at his life, they will say 'Dr. Tom Graham, ....).  He asked us what we want others to say after the comma when they describe your life?  Very powerful, real life story.

Drs. Graham and Smith lead of discussion at today's conference

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