In the ever-evolving world of health technology and medical devices, staying ahead means learning from those who've been in the trenches. As the founder of Medsider, I've been privileged to hold conversations with some of the industry's most accomplished entrepreneurs, giving me a unique vantage point on what it takes to innovate and succeed.
That’s why I’m excited to bring you the latest compilation of the most inspiring interviews: Medsider Mentors: IV. Whether you're just starting out, have a few industry battle scars, or are simply intrigued by the fusion of technology and healthcare, this is your go-to guide.
For those of you who've already enjoyed the previous volumes of Medsider Mentors, this next installment is going to add fresh perspectives. And if you’re new here, you can jump right in, but you might also want to catch up on our previous editions to get the full 360.
Here’s a taste of what’s to come:
Will Martin on Quality and Innovation
Will Martin, CEO of IRRAS, catapulted his company to the forefront of intracranial bleeding treatment. Leveraging over two decades of experience, Will reveals why a nuanced understanding of user needs, internal networking, and rigorous quality management have been key to his success. This conversation is an invaluable guide to innovation whether you're in the medical device space or looking to break new ground in a different healthcare arena.
Joe Landolina on a Fast-Track to Regulatory Approval
Joe Landolina, CEO of Cresilon, took an unconventional path when he created Vetigel — a product that rapidly halts severe bleeding. Drawing from his early interest in chemical lab research and his foray into entrepreneurship at just 17, Joe shares tips on charting non-traditional paths in medtech using strategic planning, navigating the often daunting FDA processes, and finding the sweet spot between creativity and compliance.
David Kuraguntla on Killing Risk Early
"High risk, high reward" is how the saying goes, but David Kuraguntla has another angle: mitigate that risk early and watch your venture thrive. David is the co-founder of Alio, a startup at the forefront of kidney health solutions. He talks about how to "kill risk" effectively, shares his strategies for securing $60 million in funding without traditional venture capital, and discusses the transformative power of alignment in business partnerships.
Timothy Blair’s Three Pillars of Success
Timothy Blair, CEO of ICHOR, has a Swiss-army-knife-career in sales, marketing, and strategy, in both multinational corporations and startups. In this interview, Tim shares what it takes to successfully bring a medical device to market and provides tips on the three cornerstones of success: a formidable team, the right funding, and a robust regulatory strategy.
Rob Ball on Sidelining Pitfalls
Rob Ball, CEO of Shoulder Innovations, shares what it takes to avoid the common pitfalls of the orthopedic industry — one of the most innovative spaces in medtech — through managing capital wisely, designing efficient clinical trials that meet distinct requirements from different stakeholders, and more.
Joseph Rafferty on the Power of Inhouse R&D
Through years of hands-on experience, Joe Rafferty, CEO of Vesteck, has cracked the code. In this conversation, Joe dives deep into why having an in-house R&D team gives you unparalleled control and agility, why tenacity and the right mentors can make all the difference, and shares his battle-tested strategies for market analysis and team building.
Mara McFadden’s Iterative Path to Winning
From leading roles at healthcare giants to co-founding Endolumik, Mara McFadden champions a unique business philosophy: iterations as a path to successful innovation. Combining her engineering background and business expertise, she has cultivated a unique perspective on smart prototyping, maintaining a strong customer focus, and curating the right investors.
Brett Wingeier on Regulatory Best Practices
Dr. Brett Wingeier, a multidisciplinary expert in medicine, biology, and engineering, brings a dynamic approach to the game. He takes us behind the scenes of his quest to develop neurostimulation devices that promise to change lives. Brett shares insights on navigating the regulatory & clinical landscape and balancing consumer expectations with medical efficacy. While his lessons are critical in a field as complex as neuromodulation, they apply to any medtech venture.
Lloyd Diamond on Smooth Sailing in Global Markets
Lloyd Diamond, the CEO of Pixium Vision, has navigated the labyrinthine worlds of both the European and American medtech markets. That’s exactly why he brings a seasoned perspective on what it takes to succeed in this challenging arena. His current venture, Pixium Vision, is on the verge of altering the landscape of ophthalmology by developing a retinal implant system that treats advanced dry age-related macular degeneration. In our conversation, Lloyd shares invaluable advice on everything from team building to regulatory and fundraising best practices.
Kate Rumrill on Trials that Lead to Triumphs
Shifting gears from an aspiring neurosurgeon to a medtech entrepreneur, Kate Rumrill, CEO of Ablative Solutions, epitomizes the art of seizing opportunities. She has amassed over 30 years of diverse experience in the sector. Driven by her parents' struggle with hypertension, for her, Ablative Solutions isn't just business; it's deeply personal. She shares hard-earned practical wisdom on designing clinical trials and shaping effective reimbursement strategies.
See the Rest
It’s no surprise that I eagerly anticipate every single one of these discussions, as I can learn from and apply practical gems of wisdom when leading my team at FastWave Medical. Therefore, I hope this volume proves to be as beneficial for you as it has been for me.
Thank you for being a dedicated reader, and as always, feel free to share your suggestions on who you'd like to see featured in the next edition of Medsider Mentors.
Best Wishes,
