His qualifications for the award are summed up by the following narrative:

For more than half a century, Dr. Leslie A. Geddes, the Showalter Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biomedical Engineering at Purdue University, has improved the health and economy of Indianapolis and beyond. He and his research teams are responsible for almost all modern internal and external heart defibrillators, the creation of a natural tissue scaffold that has revolutionized orthopedic and organ repair, pressure mapping of bed surfaces that has improved the health of bedridden patients, and monitoring systems for the tiniest of premature infants. His impact on human health and welfare is illustrated by his patent record - he is the inventor on 35 issued U.S. patents, and more than 100 foreign patents have been filed or awarded.

His activities in discovery, learning and engagement have revolutionized the standards of health care by bridging the gap between engineering and medicine. His work has saved thousands of lives and improved the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of people through the invention, development, and clinical application of devices and materials for treating cardiac conditions, nerve damage, and tissue injuries.

"Retired" since 1991, he still arrives each morning at 4:30 a.m. to conduct research, teach, and mentor those who will create the future of healthcare. As he puts it, he is "not done yet."

A prime example of a life-saving technology that Dr. Geddes invents is now entering clinical evaluations at Riley Children?s Hospital. Premature and other small infants pose unique challenges to those who must monitor and treat them. The need to accurately assess the pulse, blood pressure, blood oxygen, and other critical parameters is difficult, and adult methods simply are not practical with such tiny charges. Dr. Geddes has developed a miniature monitor that can provide accurate information quickly, so that doctors can provide the best possible treatment, and continuous monitoring can be made without adverse impact on the children.

This latest advancement is having a direct impact on improving the health and lives of children in Indianapolis. Working together, Dr. Geddes and his team and the dedicated staff at Riley Children?s Hospital are working to ensure that this translates to a bright future for children everywhere.

This is the seventh year for the awards. A listing of previous honorees can be found here. Audio files in M4a and MP3 format from the ceremony can be downloaded at the BME Blog.