Let’s Talk Medtech

In this insightful podcast episode, Dr. Martha Morrell, CMO of NeuroPace, shares her transformative journey from academia to pioneering a revolutionary treatment for epilepsy. The RNS System, inspired by cardiac devices, offers targeted stimulation to the brain, tailoring interventions to each patient's needs. Dr. Morrell discusses the challenges and triumphs of steering such an innovation to FDA approval. Her story highlights the intersection of expertise, perseverance, and multi-disciplinary collaboration in MedTech, setting a new precedent for epilepsy treatment.

Peter Shen leads the Digital & Automation business at Siemens Healthineers North America. With over 25 years of experience in healthcare digitalization, he has held several executive management roles across sales, marketing, and innovation, with a focus on driving the adoption of new and emerging technologies. Notably, Peter has testified before Congress multiple times, advocating for the benefits of AI and championing new federal healthcare reimbursement policies. Find out what he has to say about Siemens Healthineers using AI to help enrich patients’ lives in this all-new episode of Let’s Talk Medtech.

In this episode of Let's Talk MedTech, Omar chats with Jijo James, Chief Medical Officer for Johnson & Johnson MedTech and Interventional Oncology. James shares insights into J&J's commitment to patient safety, discussing how the company combines clinical safety, safety science, and bioethics to ensure safe and effective outcomes for patients. He highlights the importance of the operator in medical device procedures and how J&J is improving safety through innovative tools like the device briefing tool. James also discusses the challenges of device-related interruptions during surgeries, emphasizing the need for better communication and proactive strategies to avoid complications. This is a fascinating conversation for anyone interested in healthcare innovation and patient safety in the medtech industry!

Ha Hong, Chief AI Officer at Medtronic Endoscopy, shares insights into the game-changing role of artificial intelligence in healthcare. He discusses how AI, especially through innovations like the GI Genius system, enhances cancer detection. Ha emphasizes the ethical integration of AI, ensuring it complements rather than replaces healthcare professionals. He also offers valuable advice for aspiring medtech professionals, highlighting the importance of blending technical skills with clinical knowledge to succeed in this rapidly evolving field.

Jennifer Samproni, CTO of Flex, discusses the importance of human-machine interface innovation and strategies for medical device designers and manufacturers.

EY’s John Babbitt and Jim Welch join us for this episode to dive deeply into the Pulse of the Medtech Industry Report. We’re talking about deals, IPOs, the hottest segments, and more in this incredible episode of Let’s Talk Medtech.

Philip Remedios is a medical device design representative from BlackHägen Design, while Renee Bailey specializes in medtech design principles. They delve into the transformative role of contextual inquiry in creating user-centered medical devices. The duo emphasizes observing end users in their natural environment to inform design choices. They also discuss the growing trend of home health management and the shift towards sustainable practices in medical technology. Valuable insights are shared for young engineers, underscoring the importance of patient engagement in design.

Upma Sharma joins us for this episode of Let's Talk Medtech to discuss how Arsenal Medical is developing biomaterials that are changing the way medicine is practiced. Sharma also discusses her evolution from a researcher to CEO of a medtech company.

Scott Nelson, one of the medical device's top insiders, stops by to discuss the trends in the industry and to give tips to entrepreneurs looking to jump into the world of medtech. Nelson is the co-founder and CEO of FastWave Medical, a medical device startup developing intravascular lithotripsy systems for cardiovascular disease. Additionally, he’s the founder of Medsider, where he interviews founders and CEOs of promising, early-stage medical device and health technology companies. 

Dana Brown, iCAD's president, chairman and CEO, shares how the company is changing the way we think about breast cancer detection. Brown gives us an update on the partnership with Google. Plus, she talks about her time at Susan G. Komen and how cancer detection has changed throughout the years. She also gives some tips for aspiring medtech professionals in this new episode of Let's Talk Medtech.Omar : How are you?Dana: Great. Thanks for having me.Omar: I'm doing well, just a bit sleep-deprived with a newborn at home, but otherwise, all good.Dana: Congratulations.Dana: Thank you. So, Dana, it's been over a year since you took the reins at iCAD. How has the journey been so far?Dana: Better than I expected, honestly. I joined ICAD's board over two years ago, initially thinking it was my dream role. But I saw an opportunity to contribute more directly given my background in cloud technologies and breast health. Jumping in has been fantastic—the team is great, and seeing our solutions in action, not just on paper, has been incredibly rewarding.Omar: That's wonderful to hear. Before we dive into iCAD, let's talk about your time at Susan G. Komen. Can you share about your role there?Dana: Sure, at Susan G. Komen, I served as the chief strategic and operations officer for nearly five years. My focus was enhancing direct patient engagement, ensuring initiatives like helplines, financial aid, and support resources were impactful and accessible. It was about making sure Komen's efforts directly benefited patients throughout their breast cancer journey.Omar: How have your experiences at Komen influenced your approach at iCAD?Dana: Three main takeaways: continuous learning, particularly in management and collaboration; leveraging technology like EMRs and research registries to enhance patient care; and fostering a culture of innovation, crucial for developing effective solutions in breast health.Omar: It sounds like a wealth of knowledge to bring to iCAD. Speaking of which, let's touch on iCAD's use of AI in breast cancer detection. How is AI reshaping mammography?Dana: AI has revolutionized mammography by enhancing accuracy and efficiency. Unlike human eyes, AI processes data at a granular level, making it a reliable second opinion for radiologists. Beyond cancer detection, we're exploring applications like detecting breast arterial calcification, offering a more holistic view of a patient's health.Omar: That's impressive—AI as a precision tool in healthcare. Is it making mammogram results more understandable for patients?Dana: Currently, AI primarily aids clinicians by providing trusted decision support. However, patients are becoming aware of AI's role and its potential to offer them clearer, faster insights into their health—a promising development we're exploring further.Omar: Moving forward, iCAD has partnered with Google Health. What can you tell us about this collaboration?Dana: Our collaboration with Google Health spans two key initiatives: integrating our technology into Google's cloud infrastructure for seamless healthcare operations, and jointly developing advanced AI algorithms. This includes creating an AI-powered second reader for mammograms, aiming to streamline diagnosis and reduce turnaround times, addressing the shortage of radiologists globally.Omar: That's a significant step forward in leveraging technology for healthcare efficiency. While we await regulatory clearances, how do you see AI influencing patient care in the future?Dana: AI is empowering patients with knowledge and enabling more informed healthcare decisions. It's part of a broader trend towards patient empowerment, where individuals actively engage in their health management—a positive shift we're committed to advancing at ICAD.Omar: Your insights are invaluable. Looking back at your career journey, did you foresee technology playing such a pivotal role in healthcare?Dana: Not initially, but my early interest in combining technology and sociology guided me towards leveraging tech for social impact. It's been a fulfilling journey seeing technology evolve from tax software to AI-driven healthcare solutions, empowering both patients and providers.