"Making Sense of All of It"
Speaker: Dr. Mark A. Seeley, MD, Professor Orthopaedic Surgery, Associate Program Director Orthopaedic Residency, Vice Chair Musculoskeletal Education Geisinger Medical Center
Day and Date: Friday, March 7, 2025
Time: 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location: HST L185
Abstract:
In the dynamic intersection of engineering and medicine, the field of pediatric orthopedics has witnessed remarkable advancements—many driven by engineering ingenuity. However, alongside these triumphs are setbacks that serve as valuable lessons for innovation and clinical care. In my presentation, Making Sense of All of It, I will explore the successes and failures of engineering applications in pediatric orthopedics, shedding light on how cutting-edge technology and thoughtful design have transformed patient care while also confronting the real-world challenges that come with these advancements.
From the evolution of intramedullary implants and growth modulation hardware to the unexpected limitations of certain orthopedic devices, this talk will critically examine what works, what doesn’t, and—more importantly—why. Through case studies and historical examples, we will discuss how iterative design, biomechanical principles, and translational research have shaped the field, and how failures have often led to some of the greatest breakthroughs. Understanding these lessons is crucial not only for those interested in orthopedic surgery but also for engineers, researchers, and future healthcare professionals looking to make a meaningful impact.
Beyond the technical aspects, this presentation will also offer insights into starting a career in medicine—the challenges, uncertainties, and unexpected twists that come with it. Drawing from my own experiences, I will share reflections on the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Whether you are a student curious about a future in healthcare or an aspiring innovator in biomedical engineering, this talk aims to provide perspective on how to navigate the early stages of your career with purpose and resilience. Ultimately, Making Sense of All of It is about connecting the dots—between engineering and medicine, between failure and success, and between where you are now and where you want to be.
Personal Bio:
Dr. Seeley is a board-certified, fellowship-trained pediatric orthopaedic specialist. His clinical interests include pediatric and young adult hip reconstruction, pediatric sports medicine, pediatric trauma and upper/lower extremity deformity. Dr. Seeley is also associate program director for orthopaedic surgery residency and Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Geisinger Commonwealth school of Medicine. Dr. Seeley earned his medical degree from Thomas Jefferson University. He completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers, and a fellowship in pediatric orthopaedics at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Seeley has published numerous peer-reviewed scientific articles, and consistently has his work presented both nationally and internationally. In addition to his work at Geisinger he has been designated a distinguished faculty at Bucknell University through his collaborative research and education with both the Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering Departments.
This event is free and open to the public. Please reach out to the Department of Bioengineering (inbioe@lehigh.edu) with any questions or comments.