Ronald B. Hirschl, M.D., is currently the Arnold Coran Professor of Surgery in the Section of Pediatric Surgery at the University of Michigan. He trained in pediatric surgery at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and joined the staff at the University of Michigan in 1991. Dr. Hirschl is board certified in General Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care. His areas of interest and expertise are in the management of the critically ill patient, especially in the treatment of pediatric and adult respiratory failure through the application of extracorporeal life support (ECLS, ECMO), liquid ventilation, and the implantable artificial lung. Dr. Hirschl is also the Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO).