JVIC provides opportunity for translational research for St. John's physicians
By Pete Miles

Thanks to a new partnership with Missouri State University, St. John’s physicians now have the opportunity to research and develop new medical technology. In May 2007 the Jordan Valley Innovation Center (JVIC) opened in downtown Springfield.

JVIC is made up of five separate buildings, and when construction is complete, will cover around 75,000 square feet. The capabilities of the center include applied research in nanotechnology, bio-materials, advanced technologies, genomics/proteomics, bio-systems, software engineering and medical material device and instrument technologies.

Translational research (the clinical application of scientific medical research, from the lab to the bedside) allows for our physicians to have an outlet for ideas to be explored and the potential for new medical materials and devices to be produced. Our physicians provide the idea and direction for the project, while they work side by side with scientists, engineers, faculty and students.

As we begin 2008, eight projects are ongoing that range from developing an artificial cornea to finalizing a surgical table for children. There are seven graduate and undergraduate students, four research scientists and multiple Missouri State faculty that are providing support to our doctors. These projects are listed below:

1) Artificial cornea
2) Nano contact lens
3) New formulation of an anti-infective
4) Ph sensor
5) Shunts for hydrocephalus
6) Educational skull model
7) Surgical table
8) Jaw wiring

Some of the projects may have commercial value while others will help to advance medical knowledge.

Our hope is that this partnership is equally beneficial to faculty and students at Missouri State. Graduate students use these projects for their master’s theses and are preparing abstracts and presentations for national meetings. In December, two abstracts have been accepted for presentation at the 2008 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Annual Meeting.

For additional information about JVIC, visit www.jvic.missouristate.edu. For more information about research at St. John’s, visit www.stjohns.com/medicalresearch.