12–1 p.m. Presentation by Ross Wilkins
1–1:30 p.m. Questions & Dialogue
Over a million human tissue allografts are used in surgical reconstruction cases in the United States each year. These include bone, skin, tendon, stem cells, and living articular cartilage. In this presentation, Dr. Ross Wilkins will review the history of bone and soft tissue transplantation and the scientific basis of their use, including case examples and a discussion of both pros and cons. Dr. Wilkins will explain how biologic reconstructions using transplanted tissue set the standard for regenerative medicine therapies. Looking forward, he will explore how the study and use of naturally occurring biologic signals, scaffolding, and stem cells serves as a model for future endeavors.
Ross Wilkins, M.D., M.S., currently serves as Senior Medical Director and Chairman of the Medical Advisory Board for AlloSource, a Colorado-based nonprofit organization that specializes in precise bone, skin, soft-tissue, and custom-machined allografts. Recognized internationally as an expert on limb preservation, bone and soft tissue tumors, and bone transplantation, Dr. Wilkins served as an orthopedic surgeon for Colorado Limb Consultants and Medical Director for The Denver Clinic for Extremities at Risk. Currently he is the chairman and founder of The Limb Preservation Foundation and a faculty member at the Colorado State University Animal Cancer Center. His research interests include the use of stem cells and donated tissue to improve the lives of recipient patients and the prevention and treatment of severe infections. Dr. Wilkins earned both his M.D. and master’s degrees in physiology from Wayne State University. He served his orthopedics residency at University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and a fellowship in orthopedic oncology at Mayo Clinic.
