Modjtaba “Moji” Ghodoussi has had a remarkable career spanning the fields of robotics and health care. After concentrating in robotics at Oregon State University, Ghodoussi earned his Ph.D. in engineering robotics from the University of California, Santa Barbara. In 1993, he joined Computer Motion (now Intuitive Surgical), a startup that played a pioneering role in the emerging field of surgical robotics, with his work leading to over 60 patents issued in the field.
On Sept. 7, 2001, Ghodoussi’s contributions culminated in the historic telesurgery event known as the Lindbergh operation, in which two surgeons in New York successfully operated on a patient in Strasbourg, France. Ghodoussi takes considerable pride in his part in that achievement, which pushed the boundaries of technology and teamwork.
After leaving Intuitive Surgical in 2004, Ghodoussi continued to develop innovative technologies and cultivate expertise in operations and business development for various startups. He is currently vice president for business innovation and partnerships at Teladoc Health. Reflecting on his time at Oregon State, Ghodoussi acknowledges the profound impact of the institution on his life and career. He speaks highly of the College of Engineering’s combination of rigorous education and a nurturing, supportive environment, which played a pivotal role in both his personal and professional journeys.
Ghodoussi’s career has had lasting impacts on the health care industry, particularly in the field of surgery and the broader digitization of healthcare delivery. He envisions a future where engineering, including the integration of artificial intelligence and digital tools, will continue to transform health care, aiming for individualized, whole-person care.