U.S. Congress named him “an American working on a discovery that will significantly affect society.” Time Magazine named him “one of the world’s most influential people.” Around Columbus we are all very proud of this alumnus from the class of ‘75.
Dr. Atala is the Director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, a practicing surgeon and a researcher who’s work focuses on growing new human cells, tissues, and organs. He was the first to build a functioning organ from scratch, a bladder made cell by cell, then put it into a patient. Since that breakthrough over a decade ago, he has moved on to making bones, heart valves, muscles, and some 20 other body parts.
Dr. Atala was featured in a segment on the TV program
“60 Minutes.” - View Segment Here
Dr. Atala recently visited Columbus and spoke to students.
