The Mun Med 3D initiative was started up in 2017 with the idea of taking the rapidly expanding technology that is 3D printing and implementing it into the medical field, and specifically into the medical curriculum at MUN. This project was initiated by Michael Bartellas and Steve Ryan, at the time both undergraduate medical students, and provides a unique opportunity for students learning about; anatomy; different types of simulation; and even offers an excellent tool for those looking to kick-start their own special projects. One of the main goals of this project is to eventually be able to use this incredible technology to give patients in remote areas access to, unique/specific information regarding their own anatomy, medical tools & equipment, and even access to customized prostheses or bone replacements.

In 2018 Travis Pickett, another medical student and Drs. Dubrowski and Paterno joined the team and secured $1.4 million from Atlantic Canada Opportunity Agency to expand the MUN MED 3D innovation and research hub and build out a rural 3D printing network (MED 3D Network). With this generous funding we were able to hire three full time members: Greg Walsh, Nicole Bishop and Christine Goudie, as well as provide job opportunities to a number of co-op students.