The Computing Community Consortium (CCC) is releasing its fifth segment in the Computing Research in Action Series.  Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are engaging in a very exciting interdisciplinary activity between computer science and medicine. Professor Eftychios Sifakis, collaborating with Dr. Court Cutting and Dr. Timothy King, has built a computer aided platform that allows surgeons in training to rehearse, plan, and experiment with surgical procedures before actually trying them out on a real patient. The research program is called the Skin Biophysics Surgical Simulator and is funded by the National Science Foundation‘s Smart and Connected Health initiative.

My vision is that this product is going to improve the quality of patient care by offering the clinical practitioner a better platform in which to exercise and hone their skill. -Eftychios Sifakis

This work has immense potential to reduce errors, minimize post-surgical complications and improve patients’ quality of life. Advances in computing technology have also broadened what is possible. Sifakis’ end goal is to create a simulator that can be downloaded on a tablet or other mobile device, making it easier for busy surgeons. The longterm potential for this research is very bright with many possibilities.

The CCC is still accepting submissions for the Computing Research in Action series. Selected projects will receive a $1,500 travel award for a research team member to present the featured project at a conference. We encourage you to submit your research project for consideration by filling out this short entry form. If you have any questions about our series, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Helen Wright, CCC Program Associate.