What Medical Innovation Really Means

Those of use who are involved in health policy debates tend to use terms like “innovation” and  “medical miracles” so frequently that we often fail to spell out what those words and phrases really mean in a real-world context.

A news story this week reminded us of what medical innovation means to someone’s life, happiness and future.

In 2004, Connie Culp’s world was devastated when she was shot in the face.  The shotgun blast obliterated her nose, her cheeks, one eye and the roof of her mouth.  She was unable to eat, to breathe on her own, to enjoy a sense of smell.

This past December, a team of doctors at the Cleveland Clinic performed face transplant surgery on Connie, only the fourth such surgery ever completed and by far the most extensive.  One month later, she was able to have the coffee and cookies that she truly enjoys.

Watching Connie Culp at her press conference this week couldn’t help remind me that medical innovation is more than just a phrase in a speech or a position paper.  Healthcare innovation changes lives.