Black-owned Firms in Medical Device Market Partner, Bring Diversity to Orthopedics

Warren Gatewood-Brooks, a Baltimore resident and owner of 1712 Devices, a locally owned minority medical device distributor, recently partnered with Orthopedic Sciences Inc. In a press release, (OSI) was described as “a California-based manufacturer of medical products and the only African American-owned orthopedic medical device company in the United States.”

OSI was founded by Dr. James K. Brannon in 1999. He has been practicing orthopedic surgery for 26 years and has been a doctor for 33. Gatewood-Brooks works in the field or remotely while engaging with doctors and healthcare professionals, discussing how they can optimize patient care with the products. Gatewood-Brooks, who earned an undergraduate degree from Morgan State University and an MBA from Florida Institute of Technology, executes sales and marketing tasks on the East Coast.

“This partnership is incredibly significant because it marks a groundbreaking milestone that has never been achieved before, and it’s happening right in our own backyard. Never before have we seen an African American orthopedic device manufacturer and distributor join forces in this manner,” Gatewood-Brooks stated. “OSI stands out as the only African American orthopedic device manufacturer in the United States. Moreover, African Americans represent only 2 percent of the country’s orthopedic professionals, with African American medical device sales representatives comprising just 3 percent of the total industry and an even smaller percentage in orthopedic sales. Our collaboration is a powerful statement as we come together to offer high-quality products that rival or exceed those of our competitors.”

Gatewood-Brooks stated that he had the opportunity to converse with Tim Fitzsimmons, vice president of OSI at length before meeting Dr. Brannon.

“Following several discussions with Dr. Brannon regarding product branding, sales strategies, and the lack of diversity in orthopedics and medical device sales, we concluded that a partnership would be mutually beneficial. As they say, ‘the rest is history,’” Gatewood-Brooks said.

Gatewood-Brooks added, “This partnership not only showcases successful minority professionals in leadership positions but also serves as inspiration for individuals from minority backgrounds to pursue careers in the medical field and entrepreneurship.”

Dr. Brannon said that his medical specialty is orthopedic surgery with a strong emphasis on joint preservation. He treats arthritis of the joints to enable patients to keep the joints that they were born with. Dr. Brannon has filed 38 patents.

“I have invented, designed, developed and manufactured many devices for the shoulder, hip and knee. The devices comprise titanium implants, surgical instrumentation trays and disposable medical devices. These devices were specifically developed for adults and children with avascular necrosis [a disease marked by the death of bone tissue] due to sickle cell disease or avascular necrosis in children after treatment for leukemia,” Dr. Brannon said.

He added, “OSI’s devices are the only devices in the U.S. that use a patented endoscopically guided technique to remove the dead bone in patients with avascular necrosis. The largest incision required is only 3 CM. Surgical risks are low and pain relief is dramatic.”

Dr. Brannon, a resident of Pullman, Washington, further mentioned that he was inspired to create patents because he enjoys problem-solving, examining a complex matrix and reducing it to its essential elements.

Gatewood-Brooks explained that 1712 Devices is a growing orthopedic medical device distributor specializing in the distribution of sustainable joint preservation products that range from bone graft stabilization to fluid management. Gatewood-Brooks mentioned that Dr. Brannon trains surgeons in the use of his products and procedures and remains heavily involved in product development.

“I want to emphasize the brilliance of Dr. Brannon and ensure it’s not overlooked because he currently stands as the only one of his kind. Together, we are changing lives, as evidenced by our testimonials.”

Gatewood-Brooks also revealed that the partnership with Dr. Brannon would stimulate economic growth in the region by creating job opportunities and fostering entrepreneurship and collaborating with community partners. Additionally, he and Dr. Brannon partnered with Baltimore City Councilman Robert Stokes of the 12th District and others, because they are aware of the challenges faced by Black and Brown people who are not introduced to STEM subjects early in their academic journeys.

“We eagerly anticipate collaborating with our new community partners, including Dr. Damien Myers of MedReimagined, who is dedicated to empowering young minds in Baltimore. Their mission focuses on creating pathways for scholars from all communities to pursue careers in medicine. I encourage you to visit their website at https://www.medreimagined.com,” Gatewood-Brooks said. “Additionally, we are excited to work with Midway Community Development, where executive director Kathy Christian is enthusiastic about launching their STEM initiative. We are fully committed to ensuring their success and providing whatever resources we can to support their endeavors.”

Visit https://1712devices.com to learn more about 1712 Devices and OSI’s partnership.