The first Sacramento medical technology showcase honored one of Sacramento State’s professors and highlighted innovations in the medical technology field.

The Med TechShowcase, held today in the University Union Ballroom, was sponsored by the Sacramento Area Regional Technology Alliance, or SARTA, and featured speakers, panel discussions and an exhibition focusing on medical technology. More than 300 people attended and almost 50 exhibitors came to present.

“Medical technology is one of the few areas in which investors are investing and this sector is growing despite the recession,” said Laura Good, director of programming and operations for the alliance. “Medical technology brings high paying jobs to the area and that’s what SARTA is trying to promote.”

Sac State’s electrical and electronic engineering professor Warren D. Smith was honored with the first annual Claire Pomeroy Award for innovation in medical technology.

Smith has been a Sac State professor since 1973 and has been working in the medical technology field for 37 years. His latest invention is an activity and fall meter device that helps measure the effectiveness of treatment for patients with cerebral palsy. Smith has worked with Sac State graduate and undergraduate students and is continuing to develop the device.

The showcase was part of the alliance’s Med Start initiative, which works with entrepreneurs and the local business community to promote medical technology start ups, such as medical devices.

Cheryl Gutierrez, senior nursing major, said the panel discussions were particularly interesting, especially the one on telemedicine, an application that allows doctors to electronically treat a patient.

The panel discussed the pros, cons and uses of telemedicine, which is particularly effective in rural areas. A robot examines the patient and electronically transfers the information to the doctor, who then comes up with a diagnosis, Good said.

The showcase also provided students with an opportunity to meet business leaders and apply for internships, said Sac State alumnus Samuel Hath.

Students from the Sacramento Association of Collegiate Entrepreneurs, or SACE, volunteered at the event.

“We are excited about our partnership with SARTA and help bring entrepreneurship and innovation to Sac State,” said Mark Hardd, president of the association. “We are glad to have an opportunity to talk about Sac State and SACE with leaders in the medical technology industry.”

Lauren Greenwood can be reached at [email protected].