Robert Fischell
WISH ONE: Help me discover new cures for brain disorders utilizing a responsive neurostimulator computer device implanted into the cranial bone connected by wires to electrodes in the brain.
Goal:
- The goal is to make life better for the millions of people suffering because of anomalies in their brains' electrical activity. For example, there are an estimated 5,000,000 Americans with some form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and there is no existing good treatment for many of these patients.
Actions Taken:
- Anonymous TEDster connects Fischell to scientists researching electrical cures for depression.
- Fischell uses part of prize money to kickstart testing of cure for obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Results:
Neurospace, Inc, creator of the device, adds several million dollars and starts clinical trial.
WISH TWO: Create the final design for a portable Transcranial Magnetic Stimulator (TMS) that can erase a migraine headache without drugs.
Goal:
- The over-arching goal of the project is to eliminate migraine headaches without the use of drugs. There are more than 25 million Americans who suffer from migraine headaches with at least half of these patients never gaining good relief.
Actions Taken:
- IDEO undergoes major project with Fischell to redesign the TMS.
Results:
The TMS can now be taken to market commercially.
WISH THREE: Create a Brain Trust to rethink our approach to medical liability.
Goal:
- The over-arching goal is to improve health care in the USA. The present USA system is forcing skilled practitioners to quit while enriching the lawyers and insurance companies. This must be changed!
Actions Taken:
- TEDsters Juan Enriquez, Jay Walker, and William Roberts form Brain Trust.
- Research leads team to Philip Howard of Common Good, an existing brilliant initiative to change the legal system.
- Brain Trust gives birth to a blog, www.THISMAKESMESICK.com, highlighting insanity of current system, authored by David Gerlach.
- Anonymous TEDster donates funds for first year of blog operations.
- SmartDesign steps up to design, Typepad offers free hosting and Harmony Design Studio creates the logo for thismakesmesick.
- Guest bloggers, with relevant organizations, join the conversation: The Sorry Works! Coalition, Dr. Eric Noack, Donna Baver Rovito.
Results:
Blog continues to raise awareness and act as a tool for the cause. Fischell works with Philip Howard to rewrite malpractice legislation in the State of Maryland as test case.
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