CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – (April 19, 2016) – The Focused Ultrasound Foundation has recruited Tim Meakem, MD, to serve as Chief Medical Officer.
Dr. Meakem will help cultivate relationships with key physicians and health system leaders as well as oversee the growing number of research projects the Foundation is supporting at leading academic research institutions around the world.
“I am thrilled to be a part of the effort to hasten the availability of focused ultrasound,” says Dr. Meakem. “I look forward to serving as a liaison with researchers, payers, disease-specific organizations and patient advocacy groups to foster collaboration, establish evidence and build awareness to pave the path for rapid adoption of this innovative treatment option for many serious diseases.”
“We are fortunate to be able to utilize Tim’s extensive background on behalf of advancing this non-invasive option for patients. With his physician experience, medical device industry background and knowledge of the clinical research process, he will be an invaluable asset to our team,” adds Neal F. Kassell, MD, chairman of the Focused Ultrasound Foundation.
Prior to joining the Foundation, Dr. Meakem was CEO of a contract research organization and chief medical officer of a medical device company. His background includes leadership positions in anesthesia that included private practice and teaching at the University of Virginia. He completed his undergraduate degree in Biology at Bowdoin College, followed by graduation from the UVA School of Medicine.
About Focused Ultrasound
Focused ultrasound uses ultrasonic energy guided by real-time imaging to treat tissue deep in the body without incisions or radiation. Multiple intersecting beams of ultrasound are directed and concentrated on a target; much like a magnifying glass can focus multiple beams of light on a single point. Where each individual beam passes through the tissue, there is no effect. But, at the focal point, the convergence of the beams of focused ultrasound energy results in many important biological effects depending on the nature of the tissue and the ultrasound parameters.
Today, focused ultrasound is approved in the United States to treat uterine fibroids, reduce pain from bone metastases, and treat the prostate. The technology is in various stages of research and development for more than 50 diseases, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, hypertension, and tumors of the brain, liver, breast, and pancreas.