Jeremy G. Salter, a fourth-year Trinity student, developed an interest in 3D printing in undergraduate at the University of Colorado. In 2010, 3D printing technology was not accessible and cost thousands of dollars. Now, advances in the field have made 3D printing available to almost anyone with an interest. Last year Jeremy received a 3D printer as a birthday gift and it quickly became a hobby.
Today, Jeremy has taken his hobby and turned it into a lifesaving project.
When the Coronavirus began overwhelming the United States, Jeremy was inspired by his parents to take action. His parents, who are both primary care physicians are two of only three doctors in a small town in Wyoming amid this crisis. They offered brave words that echo many of our healthcare professionals today, “We’ll do our best to be safe; we may eventually get sick…but this is our war.” Being raised by such a strong example, Jeremy began researching ways to aid the shortage of PPE in his community in Baltimore and realized he could 3D print PPE.
He reached out to Dr. Zubrow, Senior Associate Dean of Clinical Clerkships and a respected mentor to Trinity students in Baltimore. At Trinity, Dr. Zubrow connects students to resources and opportunities while they are actively studying and beyond. Jeremy had reached out to numerous institutions and Dr. Zubrow came through and connected him with Sinai Hospital in Baltimore.
Jeremy had found a model for printing face shields from Prusa, a world-renowned Czeck 3D-printing company. He redesigned it to streamline the process and eliminate problems like the need for laser cutting and materials he did not have access to. Then he began printing.
Thinking that he would just drop off his supply at the hospital- Jeremy was not prepared for the offer from Sinai to run a 3D printer farm in their Simulations department. Eager for the challenge and the chance to help in a big way, Jeremy jumped at the offer. He started overseeing eleven printers, initially. Most of which have been borrowed from local schools that have been closed due to COVID-19. In just a week, Jeremy and his team have fixed, repaired, improved, and restored, the fleet to now be 21 working units. They are continuously working to improve efficiency, and as of now 345 face shields have been printed.
The Sinai hospital set a goal of producing 400 masks a week, and with their current supply and production capacity they should be able to produce roughly 100 a day. This exceeds their goal and will provide more doctors with the necessary equipment to protect themselves, and their families, and slow the spread.
Jeremy’s dedication to others and his willingness to step up in a time of crisis comes from a long history of humanitarian efforts. His parents encouraged him as a child to be inquisitive, Jeremy notes “I was the child that never stopped asking questions- I was just lucky enough to have parents that did their best to answer them…” To this day Jeremy looks up to them for their selfless dedication to their patients and community.
Trinity students like Jeremy are passionate members of their community and are equipped with the skills they need to make a difference in a time of need. Whether, it is through connections made on campus or skills learned in the lab, Trinity School of Medicine strives to prepare you to be a difference maker.
