NEW YORK, Jan. 2, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- During its academic convocation at the Grand Hyatt, the New York College of Podiatric Medicine (NYCPM) conferred upon the orthopedics industry benefactor, Anthony G. Viscogliosi, the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters-Honors Causa (DH.L).
A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4558
The event was hosted by Major General William F. Ward, A.U.S. (Ret.), Chairman, Board of Trustees of NYCPM and chaired by Louis I. Levine, President & CEO of the college. Mr. Viscogliosi was introduced by Dr. Guido LaPorta, past president of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Viscogliosi recounted his experiences in the field of orthopedics that began in childhood with a serious road accident that left him with multiple injuries. As a result of that 'life changing experience,' Mr. Viscogliosi became the first person on Wall Street to follow the orthopedics industry, and more recently, he had worked closely with surgeons to develop and finance technologies such as a spinal disc replacements and devices to treat severe forms of arthritis -- especially in the lower limbs.
"Diabetes is the fastest growing disease in America with an estimated 1.5 million men, women and children diagnosed in 2007 -- a faster rate than heart disease, cancer or HIV/AIDS," Mr. Viscogliosi said.
"Although we see this as epidemic, we -- in the U.S. -- are not alone. There are at least 189 million people in the world today suffering from diabetes and incidence is trending toward the young and minority groups -- both of which are under-served by the health care system or simply ignore the problem," he added.
He noted that reliance on public funding for diabetes research, as in other familiar diseases such as arthritis, is never going to be enough. And because of the low levels of awareness and early diagnosis, many of these patients eventually have to seek the services of podiatric surgeons.
"It is distressing to recall the statistic of more than 75,000 non-traumatic amputations performed annually in this country -- enough people to fill Giants Stadium," he noted.
In pointing out that the vast majority of amputations were preventable through treatment he called upon the industry to help and, by example, announced a $500,000 program to be underwritten by his company, Small Bone Innovations, Inc., that would provide hardware and support services to Indigent Care -- Limb Salvage programs around the country.
"Charcot foot disease and other musculoskeletal conditions afflicting diabetics can benefit significantly, as we know, from our work to develop advanced treatments in limb salvage technology," he said.
"It is my hope that this landmark initiative will not only provide immediate assistance but promote public debate and dialogue on solutions to this problem," he added.
He concluded by pointing out that diabetes and conditions that can lead to amputations disproportionately affect those who have no access to physicians or the funds needed to receive this 'life saving' treatment.
About the New York College of Podiatric Medicine
As the premier podiatric medical school, The New York College of Podiatric Medicine has graduated more than 25% of all active podiatrists in the nation. The school is located in New York City where many of the most prestigious health care institutions in the world are found. NYCPM has established affiliations with many of these, including Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons and the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation. Students participate in residency and other post-graduate programs at these and other renowned health care institutions in the area.
Benefits of NYCPM
As a student at NYCPM, you will receive comprehensive academic training and directly-supervised clinical experiences second to none. Clinical teaching takes place at our affiliated Foot Clinics of New York (FCNY) and at our affiliated academic teaching hospitals. Our students have an unparalleled opportunity to experience a variety of podiatric medical pathologies and cases that they would likely not encounter even in years of private practice.
The school's Pre-clinical Sciences division challenges students with a curriculum similar to those at other medical schools. Students study subjects such as Genetics, Molecular Biology, Neurology, Immunology, Pharmacology and whole-body Anatomy, including cadaver dissection.
NYCPM students receive supervised clinical instruction after the first two years of pre-clinical sciences and begin clinical rotations during the third year. The fourth year is spent in clerkships in Podiatric Surgery, General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics and General Radiology at our affiliated hospitals around the country. Graduates enter Graduate Training programs of one to three years, with a minimum of two years required.
About Small Bone Innovations, Inc.
Small Bone Innovations, Inc. (SBi) was founded in 2004 by Viscogliosi Brothers, LLC, (VB), the New York-based merchant banking firm that specializes in the musculoskeletal/orthopedic sector. VB created SBi as the first company to focus purely on small bone & joint science. By integrating established companies and professionals in the field, SBi can offer a broad, clinically proven portfolio of products and technologies to treat trauma and diseases in small bones & joints. Today, SBi has more than 130 employees at facilities in New York, NY, Morrisville, PA, and Bourg-en-Bresse, France.
SBi closed on the sale of $42.2 million of its securities in December 2005. At the time, based on data provided by Venture Source, it was the largest venture capital investment ever recorded in the field of orthopedic devices.
On October 24, 2007, international business consultants, Frost & Sullivan selected SBi as the recipient of the 2007 North American Frost & Sullivan Award for Entrepreneurial Company of the Year. Frost & Sullivan cited SBi "for its focus on tissue-based and 'life-altering' treatment technologies that has established their position in the $35 billion and still growing orthopedic industry."
In addition, SBi was a 2007 recipient of Red Herring magazine's first Red Herring 100 Global Award, recognizing SBi as one of the world's leading startup companies and the only orthopedic device company selected among a field of more than 1,800 firms. The company had previously been named in the Red Herring 100 Top North American technology companies in 2006.
Additionally, SBi's Artelon(r) CMC-I Spacer, developed for patients with osteoarthritis at the base of the thumb, was featured on the cover and highlighted within Medical Design Technology magazine's "Year of Innovation" issue as one of the most fascinating technologies influencing the medical device industry.
Medical Device & Diagnostic Industry magazine named SBi to its list of "50 Companies to Watch" in 2006, noting, "Small Bone Innovations is going against the grain in its determination to become a market leader in the small bone & joint device sector."
For more information on SBi, please visit: www.totalsmallbone.com.
The Small Bone Innovations, Inc. logo is available at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3091
About Viscogliosi Bros., LLC
Established by Marc R. Viscogliosi, John J. Viscogliosi and Anthony G. Viscogliosi in New York City in 1999, Viscogliosi Bros., LLC (VB) was the first venture capital/private equity and merchant banking firm dedicated to the musculoskeletal/orthopedics sector of the health care industry.
Today, VB is a leading independent firm with a mission to create, build and finance companies founded on innovations developed by surgeons and uniquely focused on "life changing" musculoskeletal/orthopedic technologies. VB has worldwide surgeon, industry and trade relationships, and significant financial expertise in the musculoskeletal/orthopedic sector.
As principals of VB, the Viscogliosi brothers have a combined total of nearly half a century of experience analyzing and investing in the musculoskeletal/orthopedics sector, directing billions of dollars through the orthopedics industry. VB has pioneered innovative financial, strategic and management initiatives for nearly 150 companies in the sector, from start-up, seed and development stage all the way to exit, while helping people lead better lives through the orthopedic and spinal products marketed and sold by the companies they have assisted in developing and financing.
For more information about VB, please visit: www.vbllc.com.
The photo is also available at Newscom, www.newscom.com, and via AP PhotoExpress.
