#39 – Dr. Nadine Hachach-Haram, Founder & CEO at Proximie

Early Influences and Inspirations

Dr. Nadine Hachach-Haram’s journey is rooted in a deeply personal narrative that begins in San Diego, California, where she was born. Her family heritage is Lebanese, and they returned to Lebanon when Nadine was about nine or ten years old. Moving from the comforts of San Diego to post-war Lebanon was a jarring transition, yet it laid the foundation for her enduring commitment to community and service. Growing up amidst conflict, Nadine witnessed firsthand the severe impacts of trauma and injury, particularly in children. These early experiences profoundly influenced her decision to pursue a career in reconstructive surgery, solidifying her desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Founding Proximie

Driven by her early experiences and the realization of significant gaps in global surgical care, Dr. Hachach-Haram founded Proximie. Proximie is a groundbreaking platform designed to digitize operating rooms and facilitate remote surgical assistance and training. The platform connects, collects, and activates knowledge, procedural data, and information in operating rooms worldwide. Proximie’s mission is to ensure that every patient receives the best care possible, regardless of their location.

Global Impact and Reach

Proximie has achieved remarkable global reach, being deployed in over 50 countries and over 800 hospitals. This year alone, the platform will be integrated into another 200-300 operating rooms. Proximie has facilitated over 80,000 surgical cases and amassed over 100 terabytes of surgical video data. This extensive network not only improves surgical outcomes but also accelerates the adoption of new techniques and technologies across diverse healthcare settings.

Balancing Roles: Surgeon and Innovator

Despite her entrepreneurial commitments, Dr. Hachach-Haram remains a practicing surgeon, balancing her time between the operating room and leading Proximie. Her dual roles enrich her perspective, enabling her to develop technologies that address real-world challenges faced by surgeons. This unique synergy enhances her ability to innovate while maintaining a deep connection to patient care.

Technological Integration and Mentorship

Proximie leverages telehealth and video technology to bring expertise into operating rooms worldwide. This integration transforms traditional surgical training methods, enabling a “prepare, perform, perfect” approach. Surgeons can now virtually participate in procedures, receive real-time mentorship, and review their performance through recorded sessions. This method not only enhances learning but also standardizes surgical practices, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Data Security and Utilization

Data security is paramount for Proximie. The platform employs rigorous security measures, ensuring compliance with international standards. The secure, cloud-based infrastructure facilitates the collection and analysis of surgical data, which is used to drive insights, improve workflows, and enhance surgical training. Proximie’s commitment to data security and innovation positions it at the forefront of surgical technology.

A Personal Testament

One of the most poignant success stories of Proximie is deeply personal to Dr. Hachach-Haram. Her mother, who had suffered complications from a previous surgery, needed a complex hernia repair. Utilizing Proximie, her mother’s surgical team was able to collaborate with international experts, leading to a successful outcome. This story underscores the transformative potential of Proximie, not just in a professional context, but in a deeply personal one as well.

Conclusion

Dr. Nadine Hachach-Haram’s work with Proximie is revolutionizing the field of surgery, bridging gaps in healthcare access, and improving surgical outcomes globally. Her story is a testament to the power of innovation, perseverance, and the profound impact of combining technology with a deep-seated commitment to patient care.