ASPIRE

Advanced Surgical Procedural Innovation Research and Education Program

ASPIRE promotes pediatric surgical innovation through cutting-edge simulation technology and comprehensive health services research — advancing evidence-based solutions that transform individual patient care and healthcare policy. We strive to achieve safer, faster surgeries and exceptional outcomes for all children regardless of background.

ASPIRE bridges the operating room, classroom and research. We support projects and career development for physician-scientists at all levels, across a dozen surgical subspecialties. We champion surgeons as they turn ideas into impact — from innovative devices, to research that reduces healthcare disparities, to better training for the next generation.

We provide research coordination, data analysis and biostatistics to advance Seattle Children’s research collaborations, including National Institutes of Health (NIH)–funded multicenter national studies. Our program is part of Seattle Children’s Department of Surgical Services.

Dr. Leonard Kaban

2nd Annual ASPIRE Symposium, May 1, 2026

Join Seattle Children’s surgeons and guests for a day focused on simulation and innovation in pediatric surgery. This year’s symposium features keynote speaker Dr. Leonard B. Kaban, Walter C. Guralnick Distinguished Professor and Chief Emeritus of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Harvard, Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston Children's hospital, as well as:

Research presentations from faculty and trainees
A poster showcase
Concurrent panel discussions
Opportunities to connect with colleagues across institutions

We welcome participants from outside Seattle Children’s.

Request an invitation to register

Featured Projects

Surgeons Worldwide Train on Rare Airway Procedure With 3D Printed Simulator

An ASPIRE grant helped a multidisciplinary team turn an idea into a 3D-printed simulator to train surgeons in a rare, delicate procedure to repair endolaryngeal clefts, setting a new standard for laryngeal simulation. The simulator has been used at airway courses in Portland, Montreal, Costa Rica and Indianapolis.

Virtual Surgical Planning Improves Patient Outcomes

With ASPIRE support, Dr. Seenu Susarla and the team at Seattle Children’s Craniofacial Center are advancing virtual surgical planning and patient-specific 3D modeling for complex craniomaxillofacial procedures. Their work enables surgeons to optimize treatment approaches and improve outcomes for pediatric patients.

We are driven to find better, safer, faster care for children before, during and after surgery. Kids are not little adults — we can’t rely on research and surgical techniques that work for adults. ASPIRE focuses on innovations to improve treatments and outcomes for all children, adolescents and young adults — not just our patients.

– ASPIRE Surgical Director and Associate Chief Surgeon Margarett Shnorhavorian, MD, MPH

Meet the ASPIRE leadership team

Driving innovation in surgical tools and techniques

Our team-science approach helps translate discoveries into practical applications. ASPIRE collaborates with engineers to develop state-of-the-art surgical tools tailored for pediatric patients. We leverage robotics, minimally invasive instruments and advanced imaging systems when available. By pioneering new surgical techniques and devices, we aim to enhance pediatric surgical care, improve outcomes, minimize invasiveness and expedite recovery. ASPIRE also provides in-kind resources, like creating space on the Seattle Children’s hospital campus to support surgical simulation and warm-up activities.

Cutting-edge research opportunities and career advancement

ASPIRE encourages collaboration among interdisciplinary experts to address challenges in pediatric surgical care. Surgeons at Seattle Children’s and the University of Washington who participate in ASPIRE benefit from:

Research support, including research coordinators, biostatisticians and data analytics
Research funding opportunities
Educational events, including the annual ASPIRE symposium

Access to innovative tools and resources

We provide access to tools and resources for continuous improvement and innovation. These include:

Simulation and 3D printing
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning
Virtual reality
Computational modeling
Patient-specific 3D surgical planning

Mentorship and training

To ensure a highly skilled and diverse workforce, ASPIRE promotes knowledge exchange, training and professional development in pediatric surgical care.
Residents and postdocs who work with us have access to mentorship and innovative opportunities such as simulation training.
We work to fill critical training gaps identified in our evidence-based research.

Support Surgical Innovation

Donate to ASPIRE

To ensure your gift goes directly to the ASPIRE Program, in the field labeled “Direct my donation to,” select “Other” and write in “ASPIRE.”

Participate in Research

Take part in research to improve surgical devices and techniques. Search for a clinical trial.

We welcome faculty, learners and collaborators! To connect with the ASPIRE team, email us at [email protected]. Seattle Children’s faculty can visit the ASPIRE page on CHILD for information on current opportunities and support.