Germany’s Siemens Healthineers has been declared as the first strategic partner for Atrium Health’s innovation district. The announcement came as the district, currently under development, is being designed to be a centre for surgical training.
Siemens Healthineers: a brief overview
Siemens Healthineers, originally known as Siemens Healthcare, Siemens Medical Solutions, and Siemens Medical Systems, is a leading healthcare solutions provider based in Germany. In 2017, the company separated from its parent company, Siemens, which still holds a 75% stake. Siemens Healthineers is the parent firm for a variety of medical technology companies and operates its headquarters from Erlangen, Germany.
Pearl Innovation district: the hub of medical education
The district, called the $1.5 billion Pearl innovation district, is envisioned to be a hotspot for STEM businesses in Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S. Furthermore, it will house the city’s inaugural four-year medical school. This venture is a collaboration between Atrium and Wake Forest School of Medicine. The construction of the district began in January and includes offices, labs, retail, residential, academic spaces, and Atrium subsidiary IRCAD North America, a surgical research centre. Wake Forest University School of Medicine will receive medical imaging technology and curriculum development assistance from Siemens Healthineers.
Siemens Healthineers President and Head of the Americas, Dave Pacitti, highlighted the company’s support for the launch of this internationally recognised medical education centre. By leveraging AI and other advanced technologies in imaging and surgery, including cancer care, Siemens Healthineers strives to enhance workforce training in the medical sector.
Cutting-edge surgical technology and training
Siemens Healthineers will furnish the medical school with the latest surgical technology. It will integrate human and robotic systems in the operating room to augment efficiency. The international surgical training institute, IRCAD, will set up its North American headquarters in The Pearl. It will contain a dedicated research tower, providing training in cardiovascular, neuro-, and orthopedic surgeries.
The Pearl: a nod to history and a look to the future
Situated between Baxter and McDowell streets in Midtown, The Pearl is anticipated to generate over 11,500 jobs. Interestingly, some of the jobs would not require a college degree. Atrium Health revealed that the name is a tribute to Charlotte’s largest Black neighbourhood, Brooklyn. During the urban renewal in the 1950s, numerous families were displaced, and several businesses and churches were eradicated. The Pearl Street Park, a remnant of Brooklyn, continues to serve as a community hub.
Phase I of the project will see the medical school and IRCAD research tower occupy 600,000 square feet. According to The Pearl’s website, the medical school is expected to welcome its first class in 2024. The partnership with Siemens Healthineers brings Atrium one step closer to realising their vision of creating a hub for medical innovation and education.
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