Dr. David Schneider (L), an author and surgeon; Brad Bishop (C), executive director of OrthoWorx Inc.; and Ron Donkers, a Zimmer retiree, share a laugh Thursday, March 5, at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center at Grace College. Schneider talked to a group about his new book, The Invention of Surgery. InkFreeNews photo by Dan Spalding.

WINONA LAKE – Steve Austin and the cyborgs are coming.

Advances in science and medical implant technology are moving in that direction, according to David Schneider, an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in shoulder and elbow surgery. This week, Schneider released a book, “The Invention of Surgery.”

Schneider, who said there was no better place to talk about such history than the Orthopedic Capital of the World, spoke to a small group of people in the medical field and a handful of students Thursday, March 5, in a lecture room at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center at Grace College.  

Schneider holds two U.S. patents, has a third pending and has been involved in implant design for both Biomet and Zimmer. He has served as a team physician for several professional teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Kings.

A summary of the book on Amazon calls it “a fascinating history of the practice of surgery from one of the leading figures in the field, chronicling centuries of scientific breakthroughs by the discipline’s most dynamic, pioneering doctors.”

Dr. David Schneider spoke at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center at Grace College Thursday, March 5. InkFreeNews photo by Dan Spalding.

During the talk, which was organized by OrthoWorx, Schneider provided a historical commentary and slideshow on the evolution of medicine, surgery and orthopedics with numerous references to the iconic names, Revra DePuy, Justin Zimmerman and Dane Miller.

He also looked at how the evolution of surgery coincided with the four phases of the industrial revolution.

In addition to mechanization, mass production and automation, Schneider discussed how the cyber revolution has influenced advancements in medical device implants.

“We are in the middle of a revolution and it’s like the greatest thing ever,” Schneider said.

But equally as interesting was his insight into the future when asked about the evolving use of robotic surgery and medical implants.

“Now that we’re engulfed in the fourth industrial revolution, cyber medicine is going to be more and more important. Electronics will enter into every step we do.” 

The merging of machines with medical professionals is already on its way in operating rooms.

He said orthopedic companies are all looking at eyewear technology and other devices that display images over the body so surgeons don’t have to look away at a CT scan monitor. Machine-guided surgery and remote surgery are also part of the changing landscape.

And then there is artificial intelligence and the coming of what he called “generalized” artificial intelligence in which machines teach themselves to learn. At that point, “machines and computers will far surpass us,” he said.

Schneider envisions implants that will be mechanized, much like the character Steve Austin in the 1970s TV drama, “The Six Million Dollar Man.”

“Why would you not want to be better, stronger, faster?” he asked.

Schneider spoke with a sense of inevitability and worry about the eventual development of cyborgs – part man, part machine – and a sense of “singularity” when one cannot differentiate between man and machine.

Smartphones someday will be implanted. “That thing is going to be in our head, I believe,” he said.

“All of us, we’re going to be cyborgs,” Schneider said. “Why would you not want all the information in the world in your hands and never forget? No one will ever have a Joe Biden moment again. The Declaration of Independence will just be out there. You’ll wanna say it and you’ll say it.”

One of the final chapters in his book is titled Cyborg Future.

“It does worry me. The last two chapters of the book are a little sobering at times.”