( continued from page 17 )
7 . What is the greatest challenge you faced engaging in the biotech and medical device industry ?
My own insecurity . I am not a computer programmer , I am not an engineer and I am not a technologist . I am though an extremely persistent individual with an ability to form connections between seemingly different areas as well as someone who can work comfortably within areas where I do not possess the highest level of knowledge . What one must have though , is the vision of what they want to see created . If you are respectful , thoughtful and kind with those you are collaborating with , great things can be accomplished .
8 . What are the advantages / barriers of working on a project with physicians versus a team of non-physicians ?
The advantage of working with physicians is that they understand the clinical environment and the unique / frustrating issues within the profession . The barrier of working with physicians is that not all physicians want to be innovators and your innovation may be seen as creating more work for them as they fulfill their role . The advantage of working with non-physicians is that they do not have the same legacy practices ingrained in them that you have learned . They bring a fresh set of eyes that can deconstruct a seemingly absurd workflow . The barrier to working with non-physicians is that you may run into practical issues surrounding the administration of health care that are not fully understood from a non-physician mindset .
We agree with Dr . Wright and assert that the role of physician involvement in medical device development is a necessity . This interview provides valuable insights into the experiences of a physician collaborating with a medical device company . Dr . Wright ’ s involvement in projects related to medical augmented reality high-
18 LOUISVILLE MEDICINE
lights the potential of technology to enhance health care delivery in the most clinically useful way . Technology , when properly designed and integrated , has the power to elevate the human experience in health care . However , there remains a significant gap between the promise of technology and its usefulness in clinical practice . The challenges of engaging with the biotech and medical device industry , such as educational and logistical barriers between physicians and non-physicians , are acknowledged . We suggest that physicians actively seek out an interest in working in the medical device space , collaborate with professionals from diverse backgrounds and continuously seek opportunities to champion the needs of the patient .
Special Acknowledgements : We would like to especially thank our neurosurgery mentor and independent physician innovator , Dr . Joseph Niemat . We would also like to acknowledge the University of Louisville School of Medicine and Bluegrass Biodesign program for the incredible opportunity to engage in medical innovation over the last year .
Disclosure : The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest .
Joseph ( MS2 ), Mohammad ( MS2 ) and Andrew ( MS3 ) are medical students at the University of Louisville School of Medicine and have worked together as part of the Bluegrass Biodesign Neurosurgical Team . The team focused on innovative AR strategies in surgery .
9 . What advice would you give to medical professionals interested in working with biotech and medical devices ?
Regardless of your experience , if this is an area of passion for you , start educating yourself . You need to be respectful that this is somebody ’ s profession and just because you are a physician does not mean that you know best . Talk with people , go to trade shows , listen to TED Talks and watch YouTube videos . There are more ways now than ever before to learn and connect with people . I have been able to do all my engagement from a town of less than 20,000 people . Has it been easy , no : you must be tenacious ; you must want to do it and you have to have grit . The world of technology moves so quickly , you must make sure you put yourself out there to be noticed . Your skills and knowledge as a physician will help with your ultimate success .