The Palm Beach Post, Fla., Moving Up column

Mary Thurwachter

Apr. 27, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Dr. W. Andrew Hodge, founder and chief medical director of the BioMotion's Institute for Mobility and Longevity, has two reasons to celebrate this month.

The orthopedic surgeon received the 2009 Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and he was appointed as adjunct professor to the Scripps Florida Research Institute.

Hodge, who recently returned from setting up a clinic in Saudi Arabia, was given the Ellis Island award by the National Ethnic Coalition Organization for his work with the institute (www.theiml.org). The organization is a world-wide, not-for-profit group that improves mobility and quality of life through orthopedic research, education and clinics for people of all ages.

Past recipients include six U.S. presidents, Nobel Prize winners and famous celebrities and others whose work has made a lasting impact on humanity.

Hodge's foundation moved to West Palm Beach in 1992 when an agreement was made with Good Samaritan Medical Center in West Palm Beach to develop advanced expertise in orthopedics and rehabilitation, as well as set up the first-of-its-kind IML's Orthopedic Research Laboratory to help local surgeons and therapists.

Since arriving in the Sunshine State that year -- on the same day another Andrew roared into Florida -- Hodge said BioMotion's IML Laboratory has been re-equipped with the latest digitally controlled high-speed motion analysis equipment and computer-controlled microscopes and simulation machines. The lab celebrated its new grand opening in spring 2007 and is housed in Good Samaritan's main building.

A world-renowned orthopedic surgeon specializing in arthritis surgery and bioengineering research, Hodge looks forward to his work as adjunct professor to Scripps Florida. There, he will help develop the new Center for Skeletal Aging Solutions.

"Being able to change people's lives in a positive way is so rewarding," he said.

While he loves being a surgeon, his father, who ran the family's hardware store in Paris, Ill., encouraged him to become an engineer.

He went to medical school instead, applying his engineering skills to surgery. And it's worked out very well.

"Aligning with one of the world's foremost biomedical research entities is a truly unique and prestigious opportunity for our organization," Hodge said. "This new center will begin by creating a team to target why aging muscles and bones can fall apart."

W. Andrew Hodge's favorite quote: 'Imagination is more important than knowledge.'

--Albert Einstein

Newstex ID: KRTB-0164-34489539