Feb. 9 event focuses on acclaimed work of St. Francis
Health cardiovascular surgeon
 |
| DR. MARC GERDISCH |
INDIANAPOLIS
– Some patients are finding new life in surgical procedures using innovative
biomaterial technology that combines the innate attributes of nature with the
precision of science to help patients’ regrow their own heart tissue.
That
innovation, which was pioneered at Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center by Marc W.
Gerdisch, MD, is the focus of The Indianapolis Public Library’s latest
installment of its Lilly Scientist in Residence Series Winter 2013. The series
– which gears its presentations to youngsters, teens and families – features
scientists from local health institutions who share their expertise and
real-life experiences in these highly visual and interactive demonstration.
The
series is made possible by the Eli Lilly and Company
Foundation,
Franciscan St.
Francis Health,
Indiana Organ Procurement Organization
Foundation,
and Friends of the Library, through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.
Gerdisch, is the chief of cardiovascular and thoracic
surgery at the St.
Francis Heart Center, a partner of Cardiac
Surgery Associates and the surgical director of the Heart
Valve Center and Atrial Fibrillation Center at
Franciscan St. Francis Health. He is
an independent physician who chooses to practice at Franciscan St. Francis
Health, and has presented nationally and internationally on new technology in
cardiac surgery and surgical treatment of heart disease.
The
event gets under way at 2 p.m. in Clowes Auditorium at Central Library, 40 E.
St. Clair St. Also on the program is Guy Hansen, Lilly Scientist in Residence,
whose presentation will parallel Gerdisch’s discussion.
To
register or for more information about the Feb. 9 program or any of the Lilly
Scientist in Residence series call 317-275-4222.
Complementing
these special programs are ongoing Science Odyssey activities for young people
in Central Library’s Learning Curve through May 2013. Fun brain-building
activities known as “The Human Body Puzzle,” sponsored by the IOPO Foundation,
will use laptops, webcams, drawing tablets, books and more to explore the human
body and will be led by Learning Curve Activity Guides.
Programs
are presented each weekend with Saturday
programs from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Sunday activities from 1 – 4 p.m. In
addition, a unique exhibit in the Learning Curve’s Program Wall will feature
the latest innovations in the treatment of heart disease at Franciscan St.
Francis Heart Center.
