Dr. Robert E. Fischell to be twentieth inductee to the Innovation Hall of Fame.

Robert E. Fischell built his career by developing lifesaving medical devices and systems. A prolific inventor with nearly 200 U.S. and international patents in his name, his work has resulted in a large variety of medical device improvements and new technologies including the first implantable insulin pump, the rechargeable pacemaker, and highly flexible stents for placement in coronary arteries.

Fischell's outstanding career of inventions and innovations in the field of biomedical devices is characterized by his facilitating a process that commercializes the most promising of his inventions. He then forms companies to develop and refine the technologies to the point where major medical companies may acquire them. In this way, his inventions become available to society.

After several years working at the Naval Ordinance Laboratory and for Emerson Research Laboratory, Fischell began a 38-year career at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) and became the chief engineer of the Space Department. He retired from the APL in 1997 and is currently chairman of Fischell Biomedical, LLC. and Angel Medical Systems, Inc.

The University of Maryland honored Fischell this year with its Major F. Riddick, Jr. Entrepreneurship Award and last year with the 2000 Outstanding Alumnus Award. He was awarded an honorary doctor of science degree from the University during the 1996 commencement proceedings.

Fischell serves as a director of the University of Maryland Foundation, and on the UMCP Foundation Trustees Board, as well as on the Clark School of Engineering Board of Visitors, and the Board of Visitors for the College of Mathematics & Physical Sciences. He is also a member of the National Academy of Engineering.

Published May 10, 2002