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Disaster inspires New York ophthalmologist to create sturdier buildings

After witnessing Hurricane Andrew's wrath, he sought materials that were not only weather-resistant but also environmentally friendly and energy-efficient.

By Victoria Stagg Elliott — Posted Nov. 21, 2011

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Making sidelines pay

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Doctors who branched out beyond running their practice tell why they did it, how they did it, and what you should know before you do it.
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Name: Vincent Basilice, MD

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Location: Greenport, N.Y.

Company: OceanSafe, which manufactures environmentally friendly prefabricated building materials resistant to mold, termites and severe weather (link).

Annual revenue: About $500,000

Why he started the business: Dr. Basilice looked at what was left standing in areas of Florida ravaged by Hurricane Andrew in 1992. He noticed that large refrigerated coolers were relatively unscathed and still standing. He started thinking about whether they could be the basis for buildings that withstand extreme forces of nature. He decided that he wanted to create building materials that were not just weather-resistant but also environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. He launched OceanSafe seven years ago to achieve those goals.

"I investigated it as an opportunity, and I got involved with an engineer to make stronger building materials and create better structures," Dr. Basilice said. "What is exciting is that we can change the way buildings are built."

The OceanSafe Building System consists of steel panels, with polystyrene cores, that can be snapped together. A house can be constructed in less than six weeks. OceanSafe houses are going up in areas of New Orleans damaged by Hurricane Katrina and in Iraq to replace homes destroyed by war. The panels are rated to resist earthquakes with a magnitude as high as 8.1 and withstand up to 200 mph winds. OceanSafe says its buildings are "green" because they are more energy-efficient than conventional structures and use fewer materials in their construction.

Why he still practices: "I do like surgery, and I still enjoy ophthalmology."

Words of wisdom: "You have to be committed to your ideals and have the wherewithal to see them through."

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