Elissa initially intended to follow the path of her father—a cardiovascular surgeon—when she was a pre-med chemistry student in college. She spent some time in the business world before coming back full circle into medicine and founding VisMed3D, a Chicago-based 3D biodesign and consulting firm. Like many people, Elissa is deeply interested in the possibilities of 3D printing: “The idea of 3D printing captured my imagination like a blue flame," she explains. "I believe additive manufacturing is re-shaping our lives in how we build and create.”

Elissa envisions a bright future for medical applications of 3D printing and fully expects VisMed3D to be there, front and center. She elaborates, “We are already realizing life-saving treatments that take advantage of the patient specific customized 3D solutions in the world of precision medicine. From printed windpipes for babies, to cranial skull caps, better and safer football helmet designs, as well as custom prosthetics, we are improving patient outcomes and quality of life. VisMed3D wants to be there to accelerate and facilitate access to these tools in the marketplace for better living.”