Medsider Radio: Learn From Proven Medtech And Healthcare Experts

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we had a fun chat with Conor Cullinane, co-founder and CEO of Pirouette Medical. The company, founded by three rocket scientists, is developing a low-profile, disc-shaped injector designed to deliver medicines as easily as pushing a button.  Conor studied Aeronautical Engineering at Clarkson University and graduated with minors in Biomedical Engineering and Mathematics, followed by his PhD in Medical Engineering & Medical Physics at MIT and Harvard Medical School. He is also a mentor for Field X at Harvard Business School and a NASA Space Technology Research Fellow.In this interview, Conor shares learnings from launching a community fundraising round, insights on selective innovation, identifying different value propositions for diverse stakeholders, and building strong investor relationships.Before we dive into the discussion, I wanted to mention a few things:First, if you’re into learning from medical device and health technology founders and CEOs, and want to know whe

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we had an insightful chat with  Dr. Bill Hunter, CEO of Canary Medical. The company is developing smart, implantable medical devices that report on function, patient activity, and more.  Bill is a former practicing physician with 30+ years of healthcare entrepreneurial experience and over 200 patents and patent applications to his name. He’s been intimately involved in the development of renowned devices like the TAXUS DES and paclitaxel-eluting balloons and spearheaded the success of companies like Angiotech and Correvio. As the CEO of Canary Medical, he’s now leading a new, smart, digital approach to patient monitoring and post-surgical care.In this interview, Bill talks about his perspective on innovation in medtech, discusses what it takes for a device to be commercially viable, how Canary is alleviating the workload of healthcare professionals, and offers advice to physicians contemplating the transition to industry. Before we dive into the discussion, I wanted to menti

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we had a compelling chat with Beth Rogozinski, CEO of Oncoustics. The company uses advanced AI to analyze ultrasound data to offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional diagnostic methods. Beth has held a variety of leadership roles in the field of digital health, including the development of the first FDA-cleared prescription digital therapeutic. She advises numerous startups and accelerators and has consulted with organizations like Stanford, UnitedHealth, and the National Mental Health Innovation Center. She is a guest lecturer at UCSF Health Hub and Columbia’s HIT Lab and serves on BIO’s Digital Health committee. In this interview, Beth shares her insights on the importance of persistence and resilience in fundraising, the value of engaging with a diverse range of investors, and the need for a strong narrative about your technology, particularly when it involves AI capabilities.Before we dive into the discussion, I wanted to mention a few things:First, if you’re in

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we had an insightful discussion with Timothy Boire and Geoffrey Lucks, co-founders of VenoStent. The company is developing SelfWrap, a bioabsorbable wrap to improve the success rate of vascular surgeries, starting with dialysis access creation for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.    Tim holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Vanderbilt University. He has experience as a Research Associate at Genzyme and was an Entrepreneurial Lead at NSF I-Corps. Geoffrey is a venture partner at Pioneer Fund and has a BA in Economics, Biology, and Zoology from the University of Wisconsin, a Master's in Bioethics from the University of Pennsylvania, and an MBA in Finance from Vanderbilt University. In this interview, they talk about understanding your end user, working collaboratively with FDA, structuring and executing large clinical trials, and staying resourceful to attract funding while developing your concept.Before we dive into the discussion, I wanted to mention a few thing

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we sat down with Jason Hannon, President and CEO of Mainstay Medical, where he and his team are commercializing ReActiv8, an implantable neurostimulation system for intractable mechanical chronic low back pain. Jason holds a J.D. from Stanford University Law School and a B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley. After 12 years at NuVasive, where as COO, he led the company to incredible revenue milestones, he transitioned to his current role at Mainstay. In this interview, Jason shares his experiences on iterative product development, considerations for clinical trial design, the importance of patient education, and why reimbursement is paramount.Before we dive into the discussion, I wanted to mention a few things:First, if you’re into learning from medical device and health technology founders and CEOs, and want to know when new interviews are live, head over to Medsider.com and sign up for our free newsletter.Second, if you want to peek behind the curtain of the wor

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we had a fascinating chat with Dmitri Leonov, co-founder and CEO of Taopatch USA. The company is commercializing a range of wearable nanotechnology light therapy devices aimed at managing neurological conditions including pain management and sports performance.  Dmitri is also an advisor in a number of transformative technology projects. After seven fruitful years at Overture and later at Yahoo, he dove into the startup world. He went on to found several companies, including Sanebox.com, but was intrigued by frequency medicine and started his current venture by bringing Taopatch to the United States from Italy, where it was first invented.In this interview, Dmitri shares how the company was able to garner unique publicity and how strategic partnerships with holistic practitioners, authentic user testimonials, and a creative money-back guarantee strategy were instrumental in Taopatch USA's market success.Before we dive into the discussion, I wanted to mention a few things:Fir

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we sat down with medtech veteran Joe DeVivo, President and CEO of Butterfly Network. Butterfly iQ3 is the startup's latest chip-powered, hand-held ultrasound device with superior image quality and ultrafast scan times.  Joe is a proven executive with 35 years of business leadership experience, including 22 years in the medical device industry spanning small start-up companies to multi-billion-dollar organizations. He has acquired and fully integrated eight companies, engineered four business turnarounds, and delivered five company exits. In this interview, Joe shares insights on why a lean start in commercialization is better than a high-burn, high-risk approach, the difference between your company being sold and being purchased, and best practices for managing M&A transactions. Before we dive into the discussion, I wanted to mention a few things:First, if you’re into learning from medical device and health technology founders and CEOs, and want to know when new intervie

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we had a fun conversation with Kevin Eisenfrats, CEO of Contraline. Kevin and his team are developing ADAM, a novel, long-lasting, reversible male contraceptive.Kevin is a first-time entrepreneur and nanomedical engineer from the University of Virginia (UVA) and has been working on contraceptive technologies since his undergrad years. He has amassed over 50 patents in contraceptive drugs, medical devices, and biomaterials. In 2017, he was honored with a place among the Forbes 30 Under 30 in Healthcare.In this interview, Kevin offers insights on how to move swiftly through clinical trials, community-building in medtech, creative fundraising efforts, and the importance of executing thorough scientific and market research.Before we dive into the discussion, I wanted to mention a few things:First, if you’re into learning from medical device and health technology founders and CEOs, and want to know when new interviews are live, head over to Medsider.com and sign up for our free n

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we had an insightful discussion with Dr. Eric Fain, CEO and President of Procyrion — a startup developing an advanced percutaneous mechanical circulatory support device for patients with chronic heart failure.  Eric began his career at Ventritex, a startup focused on implantable defibrillators. Over the next 30 years, and through the company’s acquisition by St. Jude Medical, he has held a number of leadership roles overseeing global sales, marketing, R&D, and clinical, eventually becoming the Group President via St. Jude’s exit to Abbott. In this interview, Eric shares his expertise in managing startup finances, attracting investors through strategic planning, drawing up clear clinical roadmaps, and engaging with payers to catalyze commercialization. Before we dive into the discussion, I wanted to mention a few things:First, if you’re into learning from medical device and health technology founders and CEOs, and want to know when new interviews are live, head over to Me

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we had a fun chat with Trent Reutiman, CEO of Mercator MedSystems. Trent and his team have developed microinfusion devices with the unique ability to locally and directly deliver targeted therapeutics during catheter-based interventions where mechanical therapy isn’t sufficient.  Trent has 25 years of leadership experience in medtech including roles in sales, marketing, and business management with a focus on minimally invasive interventional products for companies like IDEV, ROX Medical, RITA Medical Systems, Guidant, and Cordis.In this interview, Trent talks about the importance of generating data, how to balance commercial efforts with clinical initiatives, and why meticulous management is critical for successful commercialization. Before we dive into the discussion, I wanted to mention a few things:First, if you’re into learning from medical device and health technology founders and CEOs, and want to know when new interviews are live, head over to Medsider.com and sign u

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we had an engaging conversation with Marissa Fayer, CEO of DeepLook Medical. This startup is developing AI-powered diagnostic tools that help radiologists detect cancerous lesions in dense tissue.   Marissa has over two decades of experience as a medtech executive, entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist, spanning companies like Hologic and Olympus. She’s the founder of HERhealthEQ, a non-profit focused on advancing global women's health, and an entrepreneur-in-residence at Graybella Capital and Goddess Gaia Ventures. She’s a TEDx Speaker, a UCSC Miller Center Social Entrepreneur Fellow, and winner of the 2022 First in FemTech award. In this interview, Marissa talks about the basics of product development, how to build iteratively, tips on identifying ideal regulatory pathways, and how she picks her advisors and board members.Before we dive into the discussion, I wanted to mention a few things:First, if you’re into learning from medical device and health technology founde

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we had an enlightening discussion with Dan Rose, former CEO of LimFlow, which recently sold to Inari Medical. The minimally-invasive LimFlow System is designed to bypass blocked arteries in the leg and rush blood back into the foot, potentially avoiding major amputation, resolving pain, and promoting wound healing.A leader with 25 years of experience in the medical device space, Dan has worked in both multinational corporations and startup ventures throughout his career. He holds a BA and an MA from the University of Virginia, and an MBA from the Darden Business School. Most recently, he led LimFlow’s exit to Inari as the company’s CEO and has held pivotal positions at Direct Flow Medical, Sequana Medical, Medtronic, and other medtech companies. In this interview, Dan shares his extensive wisdom on M&A transactions, engaging with investors while maintaining business autonomy, the importance of developing with the ‘average user’ in mind, and the significance of early dial

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we sat down for an engaging chat with Ahmed Zobi, founder and CEO of Syntr Health Technologies, which has developed an automated microfat processing system for use in aesthetics and plastic surgery. The FDA-cleared SyntrFuge device allows clinicians to harvest patients’ adipose tissue and then reinject it as processed microfat within minutes into the desired area, eliminating the use of fillers. Ahmed has a decade of experience in the medical device industry. He advises and mentors many startups, has been recognized as a Forbes Next 1000 Honoree, and is a guest lecturer at the USC Keck School of Medicine. Ahmed also serves as a board member at various organizations, including the Wound Healing Society and the UCI Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.In this interview, Ahmed shares his ideas on the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship, how to operate in a lean fashion, why he puts regulatory clearance above all, and how he managed to be the youngest candidate to receiv

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we had an engaging conversation with Bill Snyder, CEO of Vivante Health, a startup commercializing an all-in-one digital platform for digestive health conditions. GIThrive is a platform that combines data-driven technology with a team of physicians, registered dietitians, and health coaches to deliver personalized care. With over 15 years of experience in healthcare technology, Bill's background includes building and leading national sales efforts at Virta Health and overseeing their health plan practice. Previously, he spent 11 years at Humana in various leadership roles, including Vice President of the company's greater Chicago region.In this interview, Bill talks about the importance of finding where your company stands in the overall healthcare ecosystem, why clinical outcomes and sorting out reimbursement are critical to survival, and his experiences raising capital for Vivante.Before we dive into the discussion, I wanted to mention a few things:First, if you’re into le

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we had a fun and insightful conversation with Benjamin Sexson, co-founder and CEO of Monogram Orthopedics. At Monogram, Ben and his team are developing a fully autonomous robotic system for knee replacement surgery.  Benjamin's tenure at Pro-Dex, one of the world's top manufacturers of orthopedic robotic components, eventually brought him to lead the development and launch of Monogram’s flagship product mBôs. Ben has authored multiple patents and previously founded Brides & Hairpins, a successful B2B retail brand. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with honors from Caltech and is a CFA charterholder.In this interview, Ben talks about the importance of a good team and a liberating company culture as well as the importance of believing in what you’re doing and openly reassessing its validity regularly. He also elaborates on Monogram’s daring strategies for validating its technology and walks us through the pros and cons of crowdfunding and going public.

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we had an inspiring discussion with  Dr. Steven Mickelsen, CEO of Field Medical, which is developing the next generation of pulse field ablation (PFA) technology to address ventricular arrhythmias.Starting out his career as a professional musician, Steven made a pivotal shift in his late twenties and ventured into the world of medicine. As a practicing electrophysiology (EP) physician, he has combined his medical expertise with an entrepreneurial spirit to revolutionize cardiac care. Steven made significant strides in the development of pulse field ablation (PFA) treatment with one of his previous companies, Farapulse, which sold to Boston Scientific.In this episode, Dr. Mickelsen shares his hard-earned wisdom on how limited means can breed resourcefulness, how to build a modest yet effective prototype, why having real expertise in clinical and regulatory spheres is a necessity, and how to raise funds with a win-win mindset.Before we dive into the discussion, I wanted to men

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we had a riveting conversation with Anish Kaushal, an ex-physician turned healthcare investor at Amplitude Ventures, one of Canada's leading healthcare VC firms. Anish's engagement with venture capital began at M Ventures in Amsterdam, a corporate VC fund of Merck KGaA, where he quickly developed a passion for the field. Outside of his professional pursuits, Anish is an avid reader and writer who has published over 900 articles and summarized 250 books across 50 categories. He has also authored two books, the latest of which is From Here To There: A Niche Guide to Navigating Career Transitions. In this interview, Anish reveals vital fundraising strategies from a VC’s perspective, offers practical tips for crafting pitch decks that capture attention, discusses why always being in the mode of seeking funds is so important, expands on the value of building extensive networks, and talks about the cumulative effect of small improvements. He also provides guidance on staying open

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we sat down with Abhita Batra, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Neuro42. The company recently received 510(k) clearance for its portable head and brain MRI system, which integrates MRI, AI, and robotics in one platform.Abhita holds a B.E. in Biotechnology from Panjab University, an M.S. in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology from the University of Pennsylvania, and Executive MBAs from UCLA Anderson and the National University of Singapore. Before Neuro42, she started several companies and held a variety of roles in business development and strategic consulting with organizations such as Otomagnetics and Admac Oncology. Her expertise spans across oncology, biotech, and medical devices. In this interview, Abhita talks about her approach to building strategy at early-stage companies, the importance of a good team and thorough market analysis, and how to take a nuanced approach with regulatory bodies. Before we dive into the discussion, I wanted to mention a few things:First, i

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we had an engaging conversation with Ananth Ravi, CEO of MOLLI Surgical, a medtech startup that has developed an award-winning, wire-free soft tissue localization technology for breast cancer surgery.Growing up in Zambia, Ananth lost his best friend to treatable brain cancer, which ignited his passion for creating equitable and innovative cancer care solutions. Before founding MOLLI Surgical, he served as a medical physicist at Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Center and as clinical operations lead in brachytherapy. He held faculty appointments at Sunnybrook Research Institute, the University of Toronto, and Toronto Metropolitan University. He is also a co-inventor on numerous patents and holds several grants for medical devices. In this interview, Ananth unpacks his story, touching upon the benefits of being in close contact with a medical ecosystem, the importance of intuitive design, the ideal role of regulatory consultants, and the funding strategies he employs for MOLLI. Before

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we sat down with Harlee Sorkin, CEO of InterShunt Technologies, a startup developing a minimally invasive catheter designed to treat heart failure. By improving blood flow and lessening the heart's workload via a shunt, the company's technology holds promise for easing heart failure symptoms.Harlee is a co-founder of Common Place Holdings, a venture studio that has spun out eight medtech startups, including InterShunt. Before Common Place, Harlee led Traco Labs, a health and nutrition ingredient manufacturer, to a successful exit. He also served as the Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he focused on translating research ideas into commercially viable applications. In this interview, Harlee delves into the nuances of leading an early-stage medtech company and covers essential topics such as development prioritization and capital fundraising. He also shares what it’s like to navigate clinical and regulatory challenges as a fi