Indiana Spine Group

Keynote Speaker Announced

Back Talk | A Comprehensive Review and Practical Approach to Spinal Diagnosis and Treatment

November 11 and 12, 2011 | Carmel, IN

Indiana Spine Group is excited to announce that Josh Bleill is the keynote speaker for their fifth annual spine symposium / continuing medical education program Back Talk.

On October 15, 2006, Marine Corporal Josh Bleill's life was forever changed. While conducting combat patrols in Fallujah, the Humvee he was riding in was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED). Two fellow marines lost their lives, one lost a leg and Josh lost both of his legs. After extensive surgeries and rehabilitation, Josh is one of  the first persons to use blue-tooth technology in his prosthetic legs, and one of two members of the U.S. military to utilize this new technology.  Josh describes his legs as "the power knees" and "the latest and the greatest." With this technology, initially developed for unilateral prosthetics, blue-tooth transmitter/receivers are attached to his ankles. Josh uses muscle movement with his thighs to initiate walking, and once he starts to walk the legs mimic each other as he takes steps.

While recovering at Walter Reed Medical Center, Josh had the opportunity to meet Colts players and team owner Jim Irsay. The Colts stopped by to visit with war veterans on their way to the White House, after their 2007 Super Bowl victory.  Deeply impressed, Mr. Irsay told Josh to see him about a job when he returned home. Today, Josh is a community spokesperson for the Colts, an author and motivational speaker.

Conference attendees will hear his story, as he talks about his enlistment, experience in active duty, injuries, recovery and life today. Learn more about Josh Bleill at  CNN, or read his recently published book One Step At A Time: A Young Marines Story of Courage, Hope and a New Life in the NFL.