Toly is the principal designer and inventor of the TraumaMan® Surgical Training System, a patented technology that replaces the use of live dogs in the training of surgeons and emergency physicians. The lifelike device, which precisely models a human torso and even bleeds when cut, is distributed worldwide and is used to train over 12,000 doctors each year. He also designed the LapTrainer with SimuVisionTM for laparoscopic surgical training, which was recently recognized by the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons as an "Innovation of the Year" for 2004.
"Chris Toly developed a device that is not only much more humane than dog labs; it provides much better training." said PCRM president and founder Neal Barnard, M.D. "He is a true innovator, and a great many doctors--and dogs, too--have reason to be grateful to him."
Growing up in Spokane, Toly comes from a long line of entrepreneurs. He spent over twenty years mastering reverse molding design, tool making, prototyping, and production techniques. Simulab has developed proprietary methods for manufacturing soft tissue models, which have extremely lifelike features and currently holds four U.S. patents, with an additional four pending.
Founded in 1985, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is a nonprofit health organization that promotes preventive medicine, especially good nutrition. PCRM also conducts clinical research studies, opposes unethical human experimentation, and promotes alternatives to animal research.