Wow. Amazing.
These are the two most common words we hear when people learn about focused ultrasound for the first time.
But what is most amazing to me is that the field of focused ultrasound has grown more rapidly than any of us ever could have imagined. It has never been more apparent that this technology has the potential to help countless patients with a variety of disorders around the world.
This progress was demonstrated in October as we convened the 6th International Symposium on Focused Ultrasound. Scientists and clinicians showcased the latest research in all aspects of the field during more than 250 presentations. The data included many first-in-the-world and first-in-human studies, evidencing how the field is both expanding in scope and marching toward widespread clinical adoption.
The success we’ve had to date is a result of the entire focused ultrasound community’s efforts. The Foundation’s team, Board of Directors, Council members, and donors, as well as the growing number of manufacturers and the scientists and clinicians in research labs around the world are all working toward a common goal of making this technology available in the shortest time possible.
People often ask if we are proud of the work we’ve done in advancing this technology. My response is always the same. Unfortunately, any pride we feel is eclipsed by a growing level of frustration in not being able to offer treatment to patients now who we know could be helped in the future.
So our mission of accelerating the development and adoption of focused ultrasound technology continues in force. And as the number of potential applications increases, the amount of work required to translate our vision to reality becomes daunting.
As we look into the new year, the Foundation plans to increase its emphasis on advancing the clinical applications of focused ultrasound and facilitating the manufacturers’ commercial success, both of which are key pieces in making this technology more widely available.
Thank you for your support of this revolutionary technology, and we look forward to sharing many more milestones with you in 2019.
Be well,
Neal F. Kassell, MD