When Dima Elissa, MBA, moved to Indiana, she felt like an outsider, facing linguistic, physical and ethnic differences. Entrepreneurship became her way to forge a place at the table as she worked as a chemist and wildlife conservationist. “My heart is as a STEMBA, championing science, technology, engineering, medicine and business,” said Elissa. “My focus has been to tackle the Gender Blind Spot which dismisses female innovators in healthcare.”
With an academic background in chemistry and an MBA, Elissa entered the healthcare sector prepared to face its glaring inequities, serving as a trustee and advisor while initiating healthcare innovations and ultimately launched VisMed-3D.
VisMed-3D is a global health technology consulting firm specializing in state-of-the-art medical devices, technology, data analytics and interoperability solutions. The firm’s mission is to democratize healthcare by leveraging cutting-edge technology to provide equitable access to medical solutions.
Over the last three years, the company has experienced a 30 percent year-on-year consulting revenue increase and a 25 percent growth in the client base. VisMed-3D continues to partner with research centers and academic medical institutions to stay at the forefront of healthcare technology advancements. In the next five years, VisMed-3D aims to be a global leader in health technology, focusing on AI-driven solutions for personalized medicine with Elissa at the helm as the CEO and founder.
“Dima Elissa is more than a leader; she’s a visionary tour de force,” said her colleagues. “Not content with mere advocacy, Dima has been a catalyst for change by directly mentoring over 1,000 students and startups.”
Her efforts have spotlighted women physicians and women HealthPreneurs, helping them gain visibility, funding and recognition. Her approach to problem-solving is multi-dimensional, said her staff. “She leverages technology, social enterprise and policy influence, setting her apart as a genuine titan,” they said. “Her vision signifies a future where healthcare is not just advanced but also equitable, inclusive and profoundly impactful.”
Under Elissa’s leadership, the AWMA Health Care Innovation Challenge platform was created, a 3D Printing Lab at Northshore Hospital was established, and face shield PPE equipment made from eco-friendly materials were designed to meet the shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic. A pioneer in the industry, Elissa is the founding board member of mHUB, DePaul’s Women in Entrepreneurship Institute, a Trustee at Hanover College and has been named one of Crain’s Chicago 2023 Notable Women in STEMM.
“Our impact on people’s lives continuously fuels my passion for VisMed-3D,” said Elissa. “I am motivated to stay connected with our end-users, understand their challenges and see how our solutions improve their healthcare experiences.”
As a champion for healthcare, Elissa has been named a titan.
