A Physician ’ s Guide to Medical Innovations
by JOSEPH HOLLAND , MOHAMMAD HAQ AND ANDREW WILLETT
Technology has revolutionized the field of medicine . Over the past half century , we have adopted the use of electronic health records ( EHRs ), embraced multiple noninvasive imaging modalities and are expanding surgical techniques thanks to innovative medical devices . As bioengineering and health care-focused business programs expand , biotech companies have subsequently surged , attracting numerous graduates interested in advancing health care delivery . Many of these graduates have partnered with venture capitalists and Silicon Valley to found independent companies , often with limited physician input and a focus on profitability . Physicians have been naturally incorporated into these economic endeavors as their expertise is critical to amplifying the usefulness and safety of the product . As such , it is more common now than ever that physicians are exposed to the fields of bio-design , entrepreneurship , intellectual property and patent law . While this trend is fruitful , it may unknowingly stifle physician creativity and their goal of working in the best interest of the patient .
Our team is composed of three medical students who engaged in a nine-month physician innovator program modeled after the Stanford Byers Center for Bio-design . Over the last nine months , we have shadowed over 400 hours in surgical cases and worked with several medical device professionals . We sat down with one of our mentors , a physician that collaborates with an augmented reality-driven medical device company . Dr . Brent Wright is the Associate Dean for Rural Health Innovation at the University of Louisville School of Medicine . With this role , he focuses on innovation , leadership and entrepreneurial efforts that assist with or advance rural health care . Dr . Wright has a vast knowledge of multiple domains that range from technology , artificial intelligence , electrical engineering , product development , early stage investing , clinical management , graduate medical education , risk management and patient care . He is as comfortable talking about artificial intelligence and quantum
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