EMMC Orthopedic Surgeon Ian Dickey, MD, Named Inaugural Chair of Advisory Board

Bangor, Maine - EMMC Orthopedic Surgical Specialists lead physician Ian Dickey, MD, FRCSC has been invited to serve as the first chair of the University of Maine Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering’s new external advisory board.

“I am delighted that Dr. Dickey has accepted my request to serve as the inaugural chair of the external advisory board,” says David Neivandt, PhD, director of the Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering. “Dr. Dickey brings a deep passion and enthusiasm for both research and education; he is a charismatic leader and visionary — precisely the attributes required in such a critical position.”

The University of Maine established the Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering in 2006. It is a collaborative effort between the University of Maine (the degree granting institution), The Jackson Laboratory, Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, the University of Southern Maine, and the University of New England. Currently the program has approximately 40 PhD students and more than 150 principal investigators, and grants PhD degrees in biomedical science and in biomedical engineering. Research spans molecular and cellular biology, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, toxicology and functional genomics.

“To move to the next stage, the program needs the advice of a high-powered, knowledgeable external advisory board,” adds Dr. Neivandt. “This board, with Dr. Dickey’s leadership, will provide external counsel and perspective regarding scientific direction and curricula, assist in identifying and securing external
funding, aid in networking for students and faculty, and serve an advocacy role both internal and external to the University.”

“I am honored to be asked by Dr. Neivandt to serve in this capacity,” said Dr. Dickey. “The University is a leader in biomedical science and engineering research and education, and I am looking forward to helping the program continue to grow and prosper while further developing the connections between the University and EMMC.”

Dr. Dickey has worked with University of Maine researchers for many years to determine how new materials can improve the performance of hip and knee replacements. Dr. Dickey and a research team are currently examining how a lightweight material called foam metal enables body tissue and bones to actually grow into the pores of joint implants, improving strength and longevity. This groundbreaking work could someday improve long-term outcomes for anyone who has joint replacement surgery. He is one of many EMMC employees collaborating with the University of Maine on research projects.

“EMMC congratulates Dr. Dickey on his appointment to this board,” said James A. Raczek, MD, FAAFP, EMMC senior vice president, chief operating officer, and chief medical officer. “His clinical experience and perspective will prove valuable as he plays a leadership role in bringing together this new advisory board that is committed to advancing the innovative research being done at the school.”