President 2006-2007
UCLA, USA

Dr. Grundfest is currently Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Surgery at the University of California, Los Angeles. He received his MD degree from Columbia University, College of Physicians & Surgeons, in 1980 and trained in General Surgery at UCLA and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He was appointed Assistant Director of Surgery and Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at UCLA in 1987.

In 1995 he was appointed as a Research Professor of Biomedical Engineering at University of Southern California and as Visiting Associate in Mechanical Engineering at California Institute of Technology (Caltech). Dr. Grundfest served as Director of the Cedars-Sinai Laser Research and Technology Development Program from 1989-2001, holding the Dorothy and E. Philip Lyon Chair in Laser Research. Dr. Grundfest served as Chair of the UCLA Biomedical Engineering Program from 1999-2002.

Dr. Grundfest developed microendoscopy as a tool for the study of acute coronary ischemic syndromes, and pioneered the development of minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. He has designed, built and tested multiple new lasers, optical diagnostic instruments, and minimally invasive surgical tools to reduce the need for invasive surgery.

In 1994 he was inducted into the Space Technology Hall of Fame for his use of NASA laser technology for cardiovascular applications. In 1996 he was elected Fellow, American Institute of Medical & Biologic Engineers (AIMBE), for pioneering development and dissemination of minimally invasive surgery. In the same year he was elected Fellow, Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE), for his distinguished & valuable contributions to the field of optical engineering in medicine & biology.

Dr. Grundfest is a past member of the Surgery and Bioengineering Study Section of the National Institutes of Health Center for Scientific Review; has chaired multiple review panels; and regularly consults for the NIH and FDA. He works closely with the UCLA CASIT (Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technologies) Center in the development of haptic feedback systems, optical sensors, and robotic systems to improve the capabilities of minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Grundfest currently serves as a Senior Technology Advisor to TATRC (Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center of the Army).