Remarkable gift empowers cardiology and neurosurgery innovations

In the fall of 2022, David and Janice Hickman made a generous gift to support the Henry Ford Health Cardiology and Neurosurgery departments.

The gift was in part dedicated to establishing the Heart Failure Transplant Genomic Research Fund. In partnership with Henry Ford Transplant, this fund will support genomic-guided clinical research trials in heart failure that aim to expand treatment options, improve care delivery and provide the best possible outcomes for heart transplant patients.

Genomic research utilizes information drawn from an individual’s genetic makeup to accurately guide patients’ diagnoses and inform clinical care – often using data collected from genomic markers to tailor treatment strategies. As a key component of precision medicine, genomic research helps translate our researchers’ discoveries into individualized care for every patient.

The clinical research trials supported by the fund – such as Genomic Guided Clinical Research Trial Pilot Study and the Genome Sequencing for Drug Interactions Clinical Research Trial Pilot Study – will further advance Henry Ford’s robust clinical trial and research program.

In addition, the second half of the gift was to establish the OnPoint Augmented Reality Navigation (OPARN) for Spinal Surgery fund, enabling the Henry Ford Spine Program to purchase a state-of-the-art OPARN system.

By superimposing virtual surgical guides onto a surgeon’s visual field through head-mounted displays, the OPARN system seeks to revolutionize spinal surgery by combining surgical planning software with augmented reality guidance.

The exciting project will allow spinal surgeons to customize implant selections and optimize implant trajectories to make the procedure more predictable – increasing precision, visibility and the potential for better clinical outcomes.

The Hickmans’ incredible contribution bolsters Henry Ford Health’s track record of innovation and strengthens the Cardiovascular and Neurosurgery departments by fueling groundbreaking discoveries and advancing the care we provide to patients.