Medsider Radio: Learn From Proven Medtech And Healthcare Experts

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we sat down with Brent Ness, President and CEO of Aclarion, a startup developing a decision-support tool designed to improve the diagnosis and treatment of chronic low back pain. Brent has over 28 years of experience in medtech. Before Aclarion, he led Cleerly as President & CCO, driving the adoption of their AI cardiology solution through strategic partnerships. As COO of Mighty Oak Medical, he guided their FIREFLY spine navigation platform from FDA clearance to international launch. At HeartFlow, Brent spearheaded the global expansion of their image-based SaaS solution, and at Medtronic, he led the acquisition and rollout of the O-Arm technology. His career also includes leadership roles at GE Healthcare, Philips North America, and ProNerve.In this interview, Brent shares his approach to reimbursement, why continuing to prove your technology is crucial (even after regulatory approval), and how to effectively engage with KOLs for optimal support.Before we dive into the

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we sat down with James Reinstein, President and CEO of Conformal Medical, a company developing a foam device that seals the left atrial appendage (LAA) to reduce the risk of stroke without anticoagulants. James has over 30 years of experience in the medical device industry. He’s held executive roles across multiple companies, including Saranas, Cutera, Drawbridge Health, and Aptus Endosystems (acquired by Medtronic). Earlier in his career, he served as Senior VP and Chief Commercial Officer at Cyberonics (now LivaNova) and as Vice President of Boston Scientific’s Asia region.In this interview, James discusses choosing the right market, simplifying workflows to drive adoption, and balancing clinical focus with early commercialization planning. He also offers fundraising insights, including planning for long-term events like IPOs.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 founder

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we had a great chat with Rafaël Michali and Renato Circi, co-founders of SAVA, a London-based biotechnology startup developing a novel biosensing platform to monitor molecules just below the skin in real time.Rafaël and Renato are biomedical engineers from Imperial College London. Both recognized in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list as some of Europe’s most promising young innovators in 2018, the duo raised $13M in funding and built a cross-functional team of now over 40 to develop a next-generation biosensing platform. Together, they built a thesis surrounding preventative health, from which SAVA was formed: redefining healthcare into a system that is accessible, personalized, and preventative.In this interview, they talk about the value of identifying a large market with substantial opportunity, how they moved rapidly through development iterations, the right time to exit stealth mode, and the complexities of building a medical device.Before we dive into the discussion, I wanted

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we sat down with Gabriel Sanchez, co-founder and CEO of Enspectra Health. The company's flagship VIO platform is the first FDA-cleared imaging modality for dermatology in over 25 years. Gabriel holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from MIT and an M.S. and Ph.D. from Stanford University, where he also served as an instructor in bioengineering and launched Enspectra to commercialize his groundbreaking research. VIO enables high-resolution, noninvasive imaging for skin cancer detection and health biometrics.In this interview, Gabriel talks about his transition from academia to startups, how he narrowed down his idea to meet a pressing need in healthcare, the importance of speaking FDA’s language—or finding someone who does—and how he balances dilutive and non-dilutive funding. 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

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we sat down with Cary Vance, CEO of PhotoniCare. The company's FDA-cleared OtoSight™ Middle Ear Scope is a clinical diagnostic tool that offers a non-invasive and comprehensive assessment of middle ear fluid. Cary is a proven medtech leader with over two decades of experience across large strategics like GE Healthcare and Covidien, and nearly 11 years as CEO of six different startups, including Titan Medical and Hansen Medical where he drove commercialization, fundraising, and M&A opportunities. He's been the Chairman, President, and CEO of PhotoniCare since May 2023.In this interview, Cary shares why clinical evidence, workflow efficiency, and financial viability are the three pillars of medtech success and how he prepares for launches and M&As from day one.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

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we sat down with Juan C. Jimenez, co-founder and CEO of AccurKardia, a startup developing software that uses ECG data to help doctors detect heart conditions more accurately and efficiently with AI. Juan started his career as an investment banker specializing in M&A transactions, then moved on to become President of Puerto Rico’s largest non-emergency medical transportation company, TransCita. Now, he’s making waves in the ECG diagnostics space with AccurKardia. Leveraging his background in finance and healthcare, Juan brings unique expertise on efficiency and scale for medtech startups.In this interview, Juan talks about how to scale sustainably with optimal dilution, giving your team space to establish a solid product, forging authentic relationships with potential customers, and leveraging your credibility to move your business forward.Before we dive into the discussion, I wanted to mention a few things:First, if you’re into learning from medical device and health tec

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we sat down with Dhruv Agrawal, CEO of Aether Biomedical. Aether's ZEUS bionic arm is a highly durable, multi-articulating prosthetic designed to handle everyday tasks with improved grip strength and resilience.Dhruv found his true calling in building prosthetics while he was studying medicine and proceeded to co-found Aether when he was 18. Since starting Aether, he has helped raise over $15 million in funding and guided the launch of the ZEUS bionic hand, now deployed worldwide, including those impacted by the war in Ukraine.In this interview, Dhruv discusses the importance of defining a clear problem statement, his approach to using grants to supplement VC funding, and the lessons he’s learned about evaluating market opportunities while operating globally.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

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we sat down with Steffen Hovard, CEO of Neuspera Medical, where his team is developing a novel, less invasive device that uses neuromodulation to treat conditions like overactive bladder.Previously, Steffen spent two decades at Coloplast, where he held various senior leadership roles that contributed to the company’s growth, including the acquisition of a Minneapolis-based urology business in 2005. With deep expertise in the space, he has consistently driven growth and innovation across multiple functions, positioning himself as a leader of leaders in medtech, with board roles at Medical Alley and AdvaMed.In this interview, Steffen talks about confirming market fit before investing, building an early network for key hires and investors, aligning development speed with each phase, engaging with regulators early, and taking a steady, relationship-driven approach to fundraising.Before we dive into the discussion, I wanted to mention a few things:First, if you’re into learning f

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we sat down with returning guest, Don Crawford, CEO of CorVista Health. CorVista is developing a non-invasive medical device that uses advanced machine-learned algorithms to detect heart conditions, right in a doctor’s office.Don's career began at Medtronic, followed by progressively senior sales and marketing roles at Guidant Corporation, Ventritex, and Intermedics, including overseeing a $100 million international cardiovascular business. Before CorVista, he led Sapheon, a venous device company, to a $238 million acquisition by Covidien. In this interview, Don talks about the need for focus in startups, the importance of precise data collection, and the value of transparency and respect within teams. He also shares his approach to hiring and building a top-notch group of people.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

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we sat down with, Tim Rosa, CEO of Somnee, a company developing wearables based on personalized neuroscience to improve sleep quality. Previously, Tim was the CMO at Fitbit, where he played a key role in establishing the health and fitness wearables category. He built the organization’s global marketing function, contributing to the sale of over 140 million devices in 100+ countries. Additionally, he helped drive the company’s IPO and its eventual $2.1 billion sale to Google. Tim has also advised and worked with major brands like Electronic Arts, 2K Sports, ESPN Video Games, and Jasper Health.In this interview, Tim shares insights on building and scaling successful brands based on real customer experiences, keeping messaging clear, and using brand strategy as a business foundation. He also shares why solid data and clinical evidence in OTC products are essential and how he generates value out of ongoing research.Before we dive into the discussion, I wanted to mention a few t

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we sat down with medtech veteran, Eric Goslau, the co-founder and CEO of Transverse Medical. His startup is developing the Point Guard Cerebral Embolic Protection device that shields the brain from debris during cardiovascular procedures, reducing the risk of strokes. Co-inventor of Point Guard, Eric has 29 years of experience in leadership roles across sales, marketing, and product development. At Transverse, Eric oversees all aspects of the company, including fundraising, clinical planning, and regulatory strategy. He has successfully raised over $14 million through innovative financing strategies.In this interview, Eric shares how his background in sales helps him manage various functions of the company, how fundraising cycles have worked for Transverse, and his philosophy when it comes to product development: the enemy of good is perfect.Before we dive into the discussion, I wanted to mention a few things:First, if you’re into learning from medical device and health tech

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we sat down with the exuberant Aakash Shah, co-founder and CEO of Wyndly, a telehealth startup that helps people overcome their allergies with personalized, at-home treatment plans. Aakash was part of the Y Combinator W21 batch. As the CEO of Wyndly, he’s led the company from early inception through product development and eventual commercialization. Aakash holds dual degrees in Computer Science and Cognitive Science from the University of Virginia. Outside of Wyndly, he often presents on healthcare, telehealth, and startups, advises entrepreneurs, and hosts the Founders and Builders podcast.In this interview, Aakash shares insights on simplifying healthcare access by meeting patients online and emphasizes the importance of learning by doing to accelerate personal and business growth. Aakash also talks about the power of storytelling when engaging customers and investors, and how to leverage video-based social media to reach both consumers and decision-makers effectively.Bef

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we sat down with Ajay Shah, co-founder and CEO of Cytovale. The company is helping solve the sepsis problem with IntelliSep, a simple, cost-effective, and quick sepsis test.  Ajay is a serial entrepreneur and engineer with expertise in cell-based diagnostic technologies. Before Cytovale, Ajay co-founded two other life sciences startups, one of which was acquired in 2012. In 2023, Ajay raised a Series C financing round of over $80 million and brought Cytovale’s sepsis test to market. In this interview, Ajay shares why CEOs should immerse themselves in the problem they’re hoping to tackle, how he nurtures relationships with investors over time, and his opinions on making the transition to entrepreneurship from a non-commercial career path. 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 sig

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we had an insightful chat with Brian Fahey, CEO of Adona Medical, which is a Shifamed-portfolio company. The Adona Interatrial Shunt is a smart implant designed to enable individualized management of heart failure. Before Adona, Brian founded a critical care company, Niveus Medical. He also spent time at J&J Innovation, specializing in drug-device products for oncology, and contributed to the leadership team at Arrinex, a neuromodulation company in the ENT space. An alumnus of the Stanford Biodesign Innovation Program, Brian holds a Ph.D. from Duke University.In this interview, Brian talks about the importance of identifying and mitigating medtech’s three major risk factors, how to assess ideas strategically, and how to approach investors and potential 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 interviews ar

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we sat down with Konrad Morzkowski, co-founder and CEO of WearLinq. The startup is commercializing eWave, an FDA-cleared EKG monitor for continuous cardiac monitoring. Konrad is an engineer from Sweden and a member of Forbes’ 30 under 30 list. After obtaining an MS at Stanford – where he met his co-founders and raised his first round – Konrad dove right into entrepreneurship with WearLinq, a company commercializing consumer-facing digital healthcare solutions with an initial focus on EKG monitoring. In this interview, Konrad shares how he optimizes fundraising efforts by aligning them with important milestones, his unconventional methods to gather voice of customer research, and how his startup moved rapidly through product design iterations. 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 an

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we had a fun chat with Bryan Lord, President and CEO of Pristine Surgical. Pristine's flagship product, Summit, is a 4K, single-use digital arthroscope that streamlines arthroscopic procedures. Bryan started his career as a “deal guy” – originally a tech lawyer in Boston, and always involved in startups. He has a wealth of experience across various technology sectors including semiconductors, enterprise software, and medtech, and spanning roles in corporate finance, technology licensing, and M&A. Before Pristine, Bryan also founded three venture organizations: New Venture Advisors, Orthopedic Venture Partners, and Innovation Alliance.In this interview, Bryan shares the story of how he evolved his career to become a medtech entrepreneur and the lessons he learned along the way—about how to protect your competitive advantage, how to achieve market pull vs. market push, and the importance of collaborating with experienced mentors. Before we dive into the discussion, I wante

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we had an insightful chat with Amarpreet Sawhney, inventor, serial entrepreneur, and CEO of a few startups, including Instylla, which is developing polymerizing liquid embolics that can be used to shut down blood supply to hypervascular tumors and control bleeding.Amar is also the CEO of Rejoni, Sealonix, and Pramand. His FDA-approved inventions include ReSure Sealant and Dextenza for ophthalmology, DuraSeal for neurosurgery, FocalSeal for lung surgery, Mynx for femoral puncture sealing, and SpaceOAR for prostate cancer radiotherapy. Together, they have impacted over 8 million patients globally.In this episode, Amar shares his frameworks on risk assessment for medtech startups, tips on clinical study design, and how to prioritize indications when working on platform technologies.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 a

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we had an engaging chat with Reinhard Krickl, CEO of Phagenesis, a startup commercializing a neurostimulation system designed to treat dysphagia, a condition that impairs a patient's ability to swallow.An Austrian engineer with over 25 years of experience in medtech, Reinhard specializes in neurology-based medical devices. After beginning his career in academia, he got his industry start with Medtronic in 2000, where he would eventually lead the company’s efforts with deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy across Europe. He is also an INSEAD-certified director and serves on several boards, chairing two of them. In this interview, Reinhard shares insights on the importance of simplicity in design, what thorough market understanding truly means, and how he engages with stakeholders effectively. He also reveals the “market access checklist” he uses before entering the commercialization stage.Before we dive into the discussion, I wanted to mention a few things:First, if you’re int

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we had an interesting chat with Sumit Nagpal, founder and CEO of Cherish Health, a company developing radar-based health and safety monitoring devices. Over the past three decades, serial entrepreneur and digital health veteran Sumit has co-founded and grown five companies that have tackled some of the boldest challenges faced by the healthcare economy. He also serves on the board of HIMSS and chairs the Nominating Committee.In this interview, Sumit shares his take on the importance of being stage-appropriate—both mentally and business-wise—and how to recognize patterns in the market by simply listening. Oh - and constantly learn from others because, as Steve Jobs paraphrasing Picasso put it, “great artists steal.”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 newsle

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we had an insightful chat with Dan Nardi, CEO of Reimagine Care, a startup that integrates clinical oncology experts and robust capabilities to deliver individualized cancer treatment and recovery experience from home.Dan has over two decades of experience in healthcare IT and digital health. Before Reimagine Care, he served as COO at Carrum Health, where he focused on value-based care and oversaw operations, including care delivery and growth. He also played a key role in scaling Livongo from 13 employees to its IPO as Vice President of Operations. In this interview, Dan shares how he forms strategic partnerships that prioritize long-term value over short-term gains, how to leverage early adopters, and how he’s positioned his company in the emerging fee-for-value healthcare model.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