Darko Spoljaric biography

Darko Spoljaric is a nationally recognized expert and leader in the field of designing and installing high technology integrated digital operating rooms (ORs). Since being the lead designer of the first integrated Minimally Invasive Surgical (MIS) suites in 1993, Mr. Spoljaric has pursued a career in creating multi-function ORs with advanced technologies that enable surgical teams to work effectively in highly efficient and ergonomic environments. Over the last 15 years, he has developed technologies that are used worldwide by surgeons and nurses. His user-friendly and clinically relevant OR technologies have been revolutionary firsts in the industry. A prime example was his creation in 1999 of the Nurse's Assistant® touch screen OR control system, the first system of its kind to be used clinically, and the industry standard today.

Most recently, Mr. Spoljaric was Vice President of ConMed Integrated Systems, a division of ConMed Linvatec. His technological and clinical contributions included high-definition (HD) endoscopic video, HD flat screen monitors, and integration control systems. Mr. Spoljaric actively continued to consult on designs of new MIS suites and other patient care projects throughout the U.S. and Canada, reviewing and auditing projects for clinical and patient ergonomics, efficiency, and flow.

As a visionary strategist, Mr. Spoljaric has led two medical companies through explosive growth in the face of limited resources and tough competitive environments. By employing an entrepreneurial philosophy, he conceived, developed, and executed strategies and initiatives that drove revenue, growth, competitive market positioning, profitability, and shareholder value. Mr. Spoljaric has the natural ability to develop collaborative and coordinated actions among cross-functional teams. He brings together disparate areas of the business from sales to marketing and engineering to solve complex problems and achieve shared goals. He has excellent presentation skills, and is greatly experienced in addressing diverse audiences at largescale meetings.

Career Highlights

1993: Designed and installed the first integrated MIS suites with centralized nurse controls
1997: Designed and installed the first head-out adult and pediatric PACU system
1998: Designed and installed the first integrated boom products and nurse control station
1999: Designed and installed the first digital ORs incorporating digital imaging and touch screen control technology
2000: Launched the first integrated digital ORs using all flat screen monitors and a touch screen control system
2002: Launched the first total solution OR integration company – design, booms, lights, and integration systems
2004: Designed and installed the first permission-based integrated conferencing system for HIPAA compliance
2006: Achieved divisional ISO 13485:2003 Quality System certification by TÜV America

Quoted Articles and Speaking Forums

Biography (320KB PDF)

"New Operating Rooms Built to Adapt to Change" — OR Manager, May 1999
"AORN 2000: Perioperative Nurses Spy Futuristic Surgical Suites" — Nurses.com, April 2000
"Planning for Upgradable ORs" — OR Manager, December 2001
"OR Design: the Integrated OR" — Managing Today's OR Suite national conference presenter, October 2002
"Technology and the Integrated OR" — Managing Today's OR Suite national conference presenter, October 2003
"Suite Success: Integrated Operating Rooms up the Ante" — Healthcare Purchasing News, August 2005

Affiliations and Professional Memberships

Member, American Heart Association — Greater Portland and SW Washington Board
Member, Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI)
Member, Center for Integration of Medicine and Innovative Technology (CIMIT)
Member, ECRI Institute
Member, Oregon Entrepreneurs Network