Brian Cole, M.D., M.B.A., associate chairman and professor in the Department of Orthopedics at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush University Medical Center, is the inaugural 2017 recipient of the Dr. Steven Gitelis Inspiration Award from AlloSource.
As indicated in the January 24, 2017 news release, AlloSource, providers of cartilage, cellular, bone, skin and soft-tissue allografts created this award, which “honors a doctor or clinician that inspires AlloSource through his or her work in treating patients with donated human allografts.”
“The award’s namesake, Dr. Steven Gitelis, is one of the founding physicians of AlloSource, recognizing the need for donated human tissue to heal patients through his work at Rush University Medical Center. Through his decades as a highly regarded orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Gitelis used donated human tissue in complex surgical procedures. He understands the selfless gift of human tissue donation and passes along that gratitude to his patients.”
“Inaugural award recipient Dr. Cole uses allografts to help his patients heal from a variety of injuries and understands the importance of the gift of tissue donation. He is a Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics and a physician at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush in Chicago, Illinois. He holds a dual appointment as Professor in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and was appointed as Chairman of Surgery at Rush’s Oak Park Hospital in 2011.”
“I’m honored and humbled to have this award named after me,” said Dr. Gitelis. “Dr. Cole and I share the same commitment to advancing medicine for patients and AlloSource has been an important part of this journey.”
Dr. Cole told OTW, “Allografts are an important part of how we treat some of the most challenging knee and shoulder problems including symptomatic cartilage loss and meniscal deficiency.”
“I strive to help my patients understand that allografts don’t come from cadavers, they come from donors who gave a very generous gift to help someone else heal. As the process is stressful for all involved and given periodic delays due to insurance approval, graft sizing and availability, it remains important for physicians and patients to remember that these are a gift from a family who has sustained a tragic loss.”
“Working with Gift of Hope and AlloSource over many years has been a great opportunity to learn more about the process of tissue donation and see firsthand the work that goes into making these allografts available for my patients. Dr. Gitelis’ longstanding relationship with AlloSource and commitment to advancing the science behind allografts is an inspiration to me.”
