Med Tech Gurus

Welcome to Med Tech Gurus! Today, we have two exceptional guests who are revolutionizing the field of bariatric surgery. First, we have Dr. Jon L. Schram, Section Chief and Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery at Corewell Health. With a distinguished career, Dr. Schramm has been pivotal in advancing surgical techniques and improving patient outcomes. He is also a lead author on a recent study published in Obesity Surgery, showcasing the clinical benefits of the Titan SGS stapler. Joining him is James Ferguson, President and General Manager, Surgical at Teleflex. James has a robust background in medical device innovation and played a key role in developing and commercializing the Titan SGS stapler. His career spans multiple leadership roles, where he has driven product innovation, market expansion, and operational excellence in the med tech sector. In this episode, we'll dive into the evolution of gastric sleeve surgery, explore how the Titan SGS stapler is setting new standards in bariatric surgery, and discuss the impact of GLP-1 drugs on clinical practices. Get ready for a fascinating conversation filled with cutting-edge insights and practical takeaways from two leaders at the forefront of surgical innovation!

Welcome to Med Tech Gurus! Today, we have an exceptional guest with us—Daniel Powell, CEO and co-founder of Spark Biomedical. Spark Biomedical is pioneering wearable neurostimulation technology with a mission to provide drug-free, non-invasive solutions for challenging conditions such as opioid withdrawal and addiction recovery. With over 25 years of experience delivering innovative technical solutions across various industries, Daniel has led Spark Biomedical in developing the FDA-cleared Sparrow Ascent, a revolutionary device that helps patients manage opioid withdrawal symptoms effectively and comfortably. In this episode, Daniel shares the inspiring story behind Spark Biomedical, the science and innovation driving their breakthrough technology, and the challenges they overcame to bring it to market. He also offers valuable insights into securing funding, navigating regulatory hurdles, and the importance of storytelling in pitching to investors. Get ready to dive into a compelling conversation filled with innovation, perseverance, and impactful solutions for one of today's most pressing health crises.

Today, we're excited to welcome Brian Hilberdink, Executive Vice President of North America and President of Leo Pharma, Inc. With over 26 years of experience at Novo Nordisk, Brian's journey from managing theme parks to shaping the future of medical dermatology is truly inspiring. In this episode, Brian shares the critical role of fostering cross-organizational alignment and the importance of transitioning from traditional R&D to "Search and Development" to address unmet needs in medical dermatology. He also discusses Leo Pharma's strategy of "putting pearls on a string" to build a portfolio of value-driven assets and his experience in navigating cultural differences when working with global teams. Get ready for a captivating conversation filled with practical advice and leadership insights!

Welcome, Med Tech Gurus! Today, we're excited to have Brent Ness, CEO of Aclarion, with us. Brent, a seasoned medtech leader with experience at companies like GE Healthcare and Medtronic, is now guiding Aclarion's mission to transform the diagnosis of chronic low back pain. Aclarion's Nociscan technology uses MRI scans to identify chemical biomarkers in spinal discs, helping doctors pinpoint pain sources that traditional imaging often misses. Under Brent's leadership, Aclarion has achieved major milestones, including partnerships with key opinion leaders and securing insurance coverage in the UK. You will enjoy this episode as Brent shares valuable lessons and insights about commercializing disruptive technology and navigating the healthcare landscape.

Welcome, Med Tech Gurus! You are in for a fantastic episode today as we sit down with Samina Bari, a strategic advisor with over 30 years of experience in business strategy, corporate governance, and operations. Samina has navigated high-stakes environments, working on transformative acquisitions worth over $40 billion, including major deals like Medivation by Pfizer and Ikaria by Mallinckrodt. In this episode, Samina shares her expertise on managing corporate crises, including cybersecurity breaches, hostile takeovers, and the challenges of scaling companies in complex industries. She also discusses her passion for innovation in healthcare, her advocacy for women-led ventures, and the importance of maintaining a clear "North Star" in business. Get ready to learn from a true leader in risk management and strategic advising. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone in the medtech or biotech fields.

Welcome Med Tech Gurus, You are in for a treat In this episode we're honored to have Dr. John Santini, President & CEO of Vergent Bioscience, as our guest. Dr. Santini, recognized as one of Popular Science's "Brilliant Ten," shares his journey in driving innovation at Vergent Biosciences. You will enjoy John's insights as he delves into the best practices that fuel breakthrough developments, the challenges of securing investor funding, and the hurdles of bringing groundbreaking technologies to market. This is an episode packed with inspiration and practical advice for anyone in the med tech industry. Get ready to learn from one of the brightest minds in the Med Tech arena!

Mr. RJ Kedziora, co-founder of Estenda Solutions is our Guru in this episode. Estenda specializes in custom software and data analysis for healthcare and medical companies, and with over 30 years of experience in designing, developing, and deploying software projects, RJ brings a wealth of practical knowledge to the table. In this episode, RJ dives deep into some crucial topics that are essential for anyone involved in healthcare technology. He unpacks the importance of truly understanding scope—how to define it, manage it, and avoid common pitfalls. He also walks us through the "five whys" of product development, a powerful technique to drill down to the root causes of problems and make informed decisions. Finally, RJ discusses the often-overlooked aspect of identifying your user—understanding who they are, what they need, and how to deliver the best solutions for them. Whether you're developing software or working to improve healthcare systems, this episode is filled with actionable insights.

Dr. Lisa Anderson, Co-Founder and CEO of Paragonix Technologies is our Guru today. Dr. Anderson has not only identified a massive gap in healthcare but has also revolutionized the field of organ transplantation. Her journey began at Harvard Medical School, where a shocking experience with a damaged, frozen human pancreas in an old-school lunch cooler filled with crushed ice sparked a life-changing realization. The antiquated methods of organ transportation were unacceptable, and Dr. Anderson knew something had to change. This pivotal moment led her to dedicate her career to addressing the inefficiencies in organ transplantation. The result? Paragonix Technologies, a company now boasting five FDA-cleared products, serving the top transplant centers in the country, and trusted with transporting over 40% of donor hearts in the United States. In this episode, Dr. Anderson shares her insights on how to build out innovation machines and why partnering with a venture group that can take you to the next level is so crucial. You won't want to miss this conversation

In this episode of Med Tech Gurus we have a truly inspiring guest with us, Dr. Gunter Wessels, the Founder and Senior Partner of LiquidSMARTS. Over the past seven years, LiquidSMARTS has carved out a unique space, helping organizations unlock the full potential of their most valuable asset—people. In this episode, Dr. Wessels dives deep into the concepts of unrestraining yourself and unleashing your potential. He also shares invaluable insights on how to effectively present to Value Analysis Committees. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out in the med tech industry, this episode is packed with actionable advice that you won't want to miss.

I am really excited for this episode. We are thrilled to have with us an exceptional leader in the field of medical technology, Rob Hill. With a wealth of experience and a deep passion for innovation, Rob is here to share his invaluable insights on the long-term nature of innovation and the power of focus. Rob Hill's journey in the med tech industry is nothing short of inspiring. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated that innovation is not just a one-time event but a continuous, evolving process that demands dedication and a forward-thinking mindset. His belief in the long-term commitment to innovation has led to groundbreaking advancements and improvements in healthcare technology. You will enjoy hearing about one of Rob's key philosophies, anything we focus on with determination and perseverance has a high likelihood of success. Whether it's developing cutting-edge medical devices, enhancing patient care, or improving operational efficiencies, Rob's focus-driven approach has consistently yielded remarkable results. Join us as we dive deep into Rob Hill's experiences and uncover the secrets behind successful innovation in the med tech industry. Get ready to be inspired, motivated, and equipped with the knowledge to drive your own innovations forward.