Helping one person might not change the world, but it could change the world for one person.
Overthepastdecade,theMedTechindustry
hasbeengrowingatanexponentialrate.Asa resultofthishighamountofgrowth, companiesandstartupswithinthisindustry arereturningfavorableprofitstoinvestors, whichensuresthattheseinvestorscontinueproviding fundingtotheindustry.Manyearly-stageMedTechstartups arebeingacquiredbylargerfirms,whichisleadingtothe creationofnumerousinnovationsthataretakingthe healthcareindustrybystorm.
Theever-growingnatureoftheMedTechindustrymeans thatadvancementsarebeingmadeonacontinualbasis. Becauseoftheseadvancements,healthcareisbecoming moreeffective,moreaffordable,andmoreaccessiblefor peopleallaroundtheworld.FromAItechnologytoneedlelessdiabetescare,themostrecentinnovationswithinthe MedTechindustryhavealreadyproventobehighly effectiveatdeliveringquantifiableresultstopeopleinneed.
Today'sworldisdrivenbytechnology,whichiswhythe majorityofpeoplepreferdigitalservicesthatcanbe convenientlyaccessedwhenevernecessary.Thecreationof digitalhealthcareservicesandtelehealthhasallowedthe medicalindustrytoprovidemuch-neededmedicalcareto patientsthroughdigitaldevices,whichmeansthatapatient canobtainmedicalcarewithoutwaitingtobookaface-tofaceappointment.
Thistechnologyisimprovingwitheachpassingdayandis alreadyavailablethroughavarietyofpersonalizedmobile
applications.Patientscanspeakwiththeirphysiciansto receiveaquickdiagnosisandhelpfulmedicaladvicewhen needed,whichisparticularlybeneficialforpeoplewhoare managinglong-termhealthconditions.Thistechnologywill onlyimprovefromhereonout.
RecentinnovationsinMedTechhavenotonlyhelped acceleratethegrowthoftheindustrybuthavealsohelped createtechnologythatwillimprovelivesandmedicalcare forgenerationstocome.Astechnologygrowsandour capabilitytoofferlessexpensive,safer,andmoresuccessful medicalcare--theMedTechindustrywillprovetobe fruitfulforallpartiesinvolvedandanexcitingventurefor bothstartupsandindustryleadersalike.
Inthemodernhealthcareindustry,theseinnovationsare beingempoweredbystarletswhoareshiningbrightwith exemplaryideasthatsparktransformationsinthesector InsightsCare,onitsquesttoembracetheodysseyofthese staunchleaders,cameacrossthe5MostEmpowering WomenLeadersinMedTechIndustryin2022.
Flipthroughthepagestoindulgeintheinspirational journeyoftheseleaders,whoarerevolutionizingtheeverevolvinghealthcareindustry
Have a Delightful Read!
-Abhishek Joshi
Editor-in-Chief
Pooja Bansal
Senior Editor Anish Miller
Managing Editor Abhishek Joshi
Assisting Editors Saloni, Abhilasha
Visualiser David King
Art & Design Head
Mrunalinee Deshmukh
Co-designer Paul Belin
Art & Picture Editor Sonia Raizada
Business Development Manager
Amy Jones
Marketing Manager John Smith
Business Development Executives
Sarah Wilson, John Smith, Alex Vincent
Sales Executives Kelli, Bill, Anna
Technical Head Jacob Smile
Assistant Technical Head Amar Sawant
Technical Consultants David, Robert
Digital Marketing Manager Alina Sege
Assistant Digital Marketing Manager Renuka Kulkarni
SME-SMO Executives Gemson
Research Analyst Eric Smith
Circulation Manager Tanaji Fartade
Brief Featuring Person
Company
Abilitech Medical Inc abilitechmedical com
Managing Director Ascom Americas ascom.com
Angie has developed a robo c ortho c to help people who live with muscle weakness or injury to use their arms so they may live more independently.
Kelly brings a proven track record of delivering profitable growth and industry impact.
DIVE Medical dive-medical.com
AKRN Scien fic Consul ng S.L. akrnconsul ng.com
Garwood Medical Devices LLC garwoodmedical.com
Under Mabel's leadership, DIVE Medical's vision is to ensure that everyone lives at their full poten al across a life me through early vision diagnosis and treatment.
Maria is a clinical research scien st and medical device execu ve with a broad understanding of clinical development and commercializa on.
Mary is an experienced scien st in the medical device industry with exper se in prosthe c joint infec ons and electrochemistry
Angie Conley CEO Kelly Feist Mabel Gimeno CEO and Co-founder Maria Nyakern Founder Mary Canty Director of ResearchIfeltinspiredtobepart ofsettingupandcoordinating clinicaltrialstoanswercritical scientificquestionsandget proofthatthenewtreatment worksandissafe.
Thecurrenttideofthedigitalrevolutionisdirected
bytechnology,guidingeverysectorandcarvinga worldfilledwithbetteropportunities.Amongst many,thehealthcaresegmentisalsoflourishedwitha clusterofadvantagesthataretechnology-mediated.
Inthislist,thefirstbeneficiaryistheMedTechsector This particularhealthcaresegmenthasbeenboomingandis expectedtorisewithaCAGRof5.5percentby2029.This developmenthasprovidedmultipleinnovationswiththe resilientendeavorsofvisionaryleaders.Incontemporary times,healthcarevisionaryleadersareenhancingthefruits ofresearchandfacilitatingtheneededdirectioninorderto strengthenthemedicalsectorinabetterway
Infusingexpertise,creativity,andinnovationinthe MedTechsegmentisaninspiringhealthcareleader—Maria Nyakern.SheistheFounderofAKRNScientific ConsultingS.L.Shehasclubbedherchildhoodpassionof becomingadoctorandherinterestinclinicalresearchto showerthemedicalcommunitywithatrustworthyplatform. Alongherjourney,shehasalsobeensuccessfulin providingclinicalandregulatoryservicesforMedical Deviceanddiagnosticmanufacturingcompanies.
Mariastronglybelievesthatworkinginclinicalresearch enablestheDoctorsandhealthcarecommunitytoevaluate theirpracticeobjectivelyandbeinvolvedinadvancingthe medicaldiscipline.Furtheringahead,sheisfoundinspiring fellowwomenprofessionalsofthefieldtoriseaboveand giftthecaresectorwithqualityskillsandexpertise.
Let us dive further into her leadership tale and learn how it is transforming the MedTech industry!
Asachild,Mariawantedtobeadoctor,butinherlate teens,shebecamemoreinterestedinscience,technology, engineering,andmaths(STEM).Shelovedreading biographiesaboutgreatscientistsandscientificdiscoveries andwasinspiredbyfemalescientistslikeRosalind Franklin,EmilieduChatelet,andLiseMeitner
Herinterestinmedicalresearchawakenedduringherlast yearofundergraduatestudiesinmolecularbiologyat StockholmUniversityinSweden.Shetookacoursein advancedcellbiologyledbyProfessorUnoLindberg,who laterbecameaveryenlighteningsupervisorduringherfinal degreeprojectandmotivatedhertopursuearesearch career,followedbyherdoctoralstudies.
Sheexclaims, “That was an exciting time in my life!”
AfterfinishingherdoctoralstudiesinStockholmin2003, DrNyakernspentafewyearspursuingacademicresearch inBologna,Italy.Later,in2006shemovedtoBrusselsand startedtoworkinclinicalresearchataglobalmedical devicecompany
Expressingherresearchinterest,shesays, “I was fascinated by the world of clinical research and realized how it is necessary to develop new treatments for different diseases and conditions that occur in humans. Applied clinical research is the foundation of evidence-based medical practice. I felt inspired to be part of setting up and coordinating clinical trials to answer critical scientific questions and get proof that the new treatment works and is safe.”
Overthefollowingyears,shewasimmersedintheworldof clinicalinvestigationsandunderstoodthescientific standardsthatarerequiredtoprotectpatientsandproduce reliablescientificresults.Enlighteningfurther,sheinforms, “The clinical investigation is one of the last steps of a long and often quite tedious research and development process. Understanding the connectivity of R&D and clinical research inspired me to pursue science, technology, and engineering.”
Hence,sheencourageseveryonetothinkbroadlyabout whatresearchactuallyis.
Sheputs, “Those who work in healthcare often feel that they are asked to help others in need. Some of the benefits come from knowing that you are contributing to the science and the art of medicine and that you have the tools to question and test different approaches objectively. Everyone has a role in supporting research—many will contribute to research, and some will be research leaders.”
Forherbeinginhealthcareisnotjustacareer–it’sa calling!
AfterworkinginacademicresearchinSwedenandItaly,Dr Nyakerndidspendabouttenyearsatdifferentglobal medicaldevicecompaniesandstartupslocatedinEurope. Later,shefoundedAKRNScientificConsulting(AKRN).
Alongtheway,shegottoknowtheworkofseveral outstandingwomenpioneers,somerunningtheirown researchlabsorstartupsandsomeworkingwiththe corporateindustry.Shenotes, “This was incredibly inspiring, and I knew that one day, I wanted to start a women-owned business that could promote the excellent work of like-minded women professionals of the MedTech industry.”
Therefore,in2017,whenMariaestablishedherselfasa clinicalconsultantinMadrid,shestartedfacilitating opportunitiesforothertalentedscientists,especiallyfemale scientists,andinitiatedtoestablishalife-scienceconsulting businessbasedontheethicsandvaluessheconsistently appliedinherownprofessionasaclinicalresearch scientist.
Hence,AKRNScientificConsultingwasborn.
ApartfromtheextensiveexperiencethatMariabrought withher,shefeelsthatbeingafemaleleaderintroduceda
moreempatheticandnurturingperspectivetoAKRN.This helpedherinthedecision-makingthatdrovediverse perceptions,contributingtoopinionsthatmadea well-roundedoutcome.
Mariamadespecificeffortstodevelopgoodfemaleleaders asshefeelsthattheyarenotonlystrongmentorsbutalso oftenpillarsofthecommunity.Sheshares, “For women, the leadership journey is not linear, and we must deal with obstacles along the way, and I really believe in helping women who want to achieve more.”
Ashercareerandlifeprogressed,shewasmotivatedbyan aspirationtoprovideproblem-basedlearningopportunities totalentedprofessionalsofAKRN.Shesays, “I wanted to make learning approachable, engaging, and fun, and I think I have been successful in this. I established a training program that consciously worked on providing various opportunities to continue and develop the employee’s critical thinking skills that are so valuable for problem-solving and planning, and holistically executing clinical research.”
Iworkedwithallthehired staffandfocusedonsetting upamilieuthatpromotedand facilitatedthereasoningskills requiredtosolvegiven problemssuccessfully.
Expressingfurther,sheadds, “I worked with all the hired staff and focused on setting up a milieu that promoted and facilitated the reasoning skills required to solve given problems successfully.”
Mariahasalsosetuptrainingprogramsthateducateyoung scientiststoentertherewardingworldofmedicaldevice clinicalresearch.Herscientifictraininggavehertheperfect terraintodevelopresilienceandnotgiveup.Marianotes thatshehasseldomfoundaclearrouteinlife.Instead,she hadtoforgeherownwaymostofthetime.Shestartedin science,continuedintoclinicalresearch,anddeveloped enthusiasticallyintoanentrepreneurandbusinessleader
Maria’sinspiringstoryreflectsafamous philosophy—Whenlifeoffersyouanopportunity,donot turnitdown.Reminiscingaboutherjourney,shesays, “I always took any opportunity that came my way with both hands. It has been a very intense decade with long nights, missed holidays, and sacrifices along the way, but I believe you must do what grabs your interest.”
Mariaisaninspiringleader,andsheissteadilyseekingto drivethefieldofclinicalresearchconsultingservices forward.Shesays, “I am entirely convinced that the future lies with young talent. And I hope I can be part of shaping it in the way I believe is right.”
DrNyakernhasputthesevaluesintoherbrainchild–AKRN,sinceitsinception.Thecompanyhasexperienced fastandsteadyorganicgrowth,bothinemployees,clients, andprojects,andhasbeenabletoestablishitselfinthe Europeanmarketquickly.Maria,withherinnovative
leadershipskills,hasdemonstratedtotheAKRN’spotential clientsthatMaria’scompanypossessestheskillsand insightsthatareusefulateverystageoftheproject developmentcycle.
UnderDrNyakern’sguidanceandexperience,AKRNwas acquiredbyaUS-basedglobalmedicaldevice company—CRONAMSAintheyear2022.Itisinteresting tonotethattheacquisitionoccurredevenbeforethe completionoffiveyearsofitsfoundation.Suchhasbeen theimpactofMaria’sleadership.Thisacquisitionwill allowNAMSAtoexpanditsexpertiseandabilitytomeet thegrowingdemandforsafe,efficientclinicaldevelopment andcommercializationservicesformedicaldevices.
AKRNisamedicaldeviceCROwithspecificexpertisein Europeanmedicaldevicelawthatdevelopsandconducts clinicalinvestigationsandperformancestudiesin compliancewiththerequirementsoutlinedinthemedical
TheEuropeanAssociationofEconomyand CompetitivenessawardedMariaNyakernwiththe IsaacPeralNationalPrizeforResearch,Science,and Innovation2022torecognizetheresearchwork carriedoutbyAKRN.
TheEuropeanAssociationanditsjuryrecognizedthe successofAKRNasamedicaldeviceCROandDr Nyakern'scapacityfor"entrepreneurialleadership withintheEuropeanframework."
Asanentrepreneur,youalso needcourageandtenacityto provideargumentsaboutwhy someoneshouldinvestinyou andyourbusinessidea.
deviceregulationsEUMDR2017/745andEUIVDR 2017/746.
Sheinforms, “We have an excellent track record of meeting short turnaround times, which is extremely important for medical device startups during the development phase.”
ThishelpsAKRNtofacilitateitsserviceswhenoneneeds toreachcriticalclinicalmilestonesthatcandemonstratea newtechnology’svalueandguaranteethesubsequent financinground.TheAKRNteamhasspecificcompetence indevicesinthecardiovasculartherapeuticspaceandaims tobethemostexperiencedandknowledgeableEuropean CROinthisfieldtoday
ThecoreofAKRN'sbusinesshasbeentosetupand managemedicaldeviceclinicalinvestigationsaccordingto GoodClinicalPractice(GCP)formedicaldevicesandthe ISOstandard14155:2020.Maria'smedicalandclinical researchbackgroundhasensuredthatclinicaltrialsareset upandexecutedaccordingtogoodclinicalpracticeandhas alwaysbeenthecornerstoneofherleadership.
Asaparceloftheirbasketofserviceofferings,herteam alsosupportsmanufacturerswithseveralimportant regulatoryandtechnicaldocuments,includingClinical EvaluationReports(CER),PerformanceEvaluationReports (PER),SummaryofSafetyandClinicalPerformance (SSCP),andmore.
Alongwithitstopofferings,AKRNconsultantshelp companiestransitiontheirdevicedevelopmentfromthe medicaldeviceandIVDdirectives(MDDandIVDD)tothe recentEuropeanregulationsEUMDR2017/745andEU IVDR2017/746.Also,theyprovideguidanceon
implementingamedicaldevicequalitymanagementsystem aspertoISO13485:2016.
AKRN'sservicesaregroundedinmedicineandscienceand assistitsMedTechclientsandpartnersinmovingfrom medicaldiscoveryintoclinicaldevelopment, commercialization,andpost-marketfollow-up.
Itsmultidisciplinaryteamcomprisesresearchspecialists andclinicalprofessionalshavinghigherscientific knowledgeobtainedfromPh.D.,Pharm.D.,andMastersin ClinicalResearchprograms.Suchstrengthofitshighlevel ofscientificandclinicalexpertisehelpsthecompanyto optimizeandofferservicesinacost-consciousanddiligent mannerthatarehighlyvaluedbyAKRN'sclients.
AKRNexperiencecoversawiderangeofmedicaldevice therapeuticareas,includingneuroscienceand cardiovasculardevices.Additionally,theorganizationis highlyfluentinmorethantenEuropeanlanguages,whichis veryimportanttomasterwhenworkinginaEuropean settingandwithcompetentnationalauthoritiesandethics committees.
Thismultidisciplinaryteamisalsoabletoofferasingle pointofcontact,withthebenefitofstrongsenior managementsupport,whichfacilitatesworkingwithSMEs andMedTechpartnersthatneedboth“bootsontheground” andexecutivestrategyandsupport.Sheproudlysays, “Our team has proven to have solid knowledge in the clinical research industry, with specific insights and expertise in the European MedTech setting that can help our clients meet their goals. “That, combined with a genuine passion for medical device technology and supporting small and emerging MedTech manufacturers and startups!”
Shefeelsthatherclientsandpartnersviewherorganization astrustedandvaluedadvisorsinclinicalinvestigations, regulatorydevelopment,andCE-markstrategicconsulting.
Onabroaderspectrum,genderinequalityisnotaMedTechspecificchallenge.ThefemaleratioofCEOsandfounders instartupverticalsinmedicineandtechnologyislessthan 20%,whichisinlinewithmostotherstartupsectors.In contrast,aspertheWorldHealthOrganization,women accountfor70%oftheglobalhealthandsocialcare workforce.
Sheopinesthatgenderinequalityleadstoaseverelackof focusonwomen’shealthissuesinmedicalresearch.So,it isclearthattheindustryneedstoinnovateforwomenand needsmoreinnovationbywomeninhealthcare.
Mariamentionsthatsupportingemergingfemaleleadersis thekey,particularlywhiletheworldstillhasfewrole models.Education,CoachingandMentoring,andhaving
alliesiscritical,andtheindustrymusthighlighthow ‘female’leadershipcancomplementthetraditional,more maleleadership.
Mariashares, “As a business owner and entrepreneur, I’ve had the opportunity to support women’s growth and persuade them to take chances and try new roles. I feel humbled to see how well my audience has responded and its impact, ushering more women into the medical device industry. Because as important as it is to have a pipeline and role models, we also need allies that encourage you to strive for more and say, Of course, it should be Me!”
Sheispersonallyinspiredbythecapacityandleadership shownbythetalentedwomeninherorganization.AKRN hasmanyyoungfemalerolemodelswithinthecompany. AllacrossAKRNandNAMSA,womeninleadership positionsarealivingtestamenttothemanywayswomen arelightingtheway.
Forwomen,theleadership journeyisnotlinear,andwe mustdealwithobstaclesalong theway,andIreallybelievein helpingwomenwhowantto achievemore.
Intheinterviewinteraction,Mariaopinionatedonthe significanceofprovidingentrepreneurswithfunding, coaching,mentoring,andbusinesssupporttodeveloptheir ideas.
Shesays, “As an entrepreneur, you also need courage and tenacity to provide arguments about why someone should invest in you and your business idea.”
Mariaisalsoadefenderofbeing“Humbitious,”aterm coinedbytheexecutivecoachanddistinguishedTrinity UniversityprofessorDr.AmerKaissithatspeaksabout findingtherightmatchbetweenbeinghumbleand ambitious.ShebringstonoticethewayinwhichDr.Kaissi shattersthecommonmythsaboutleadershipbeinganegodrivengameandtalksaboutthepoweroflow-egoand high-driveleadership.
Heradvicetopeopleistoreachouttoothersforhelpand notbeafraidorashamedtoconnectwiththosebusiness leaderswhoinspirethem.Shesays, “Send them an email, connect with them on LinkedIn, or ask a mutual contact for an introduction. Good leaders are always willing to give you their time and guide you to succeed.”
DrNyakernispassionateaboutsupportingbudding entrepreneursandmakingthepatheasierforothers.She deliversapowerfulmessagethatsays, “My leadership story started as a young girl without industry connections, mentors, or allies. All I had was a powerful desire to achieve and prove myself. My tenacity and courage helped me get to where I am today.”
BypartneringwithNAMSA,AKRNaspirestocontinue increasingitspresencegloballyandinEurope.Withthe
expandedexpertiseofthecombinedorganizations,they believethattheorganizationwillserveastheworld's leadingCROforcardiovascularresearchservices.
MariaproceedstoinformthattheacquisitionofAKRNby NAMSAwillincreasetheirglobalscaleandwillhelpthem serveMedTechclientsacross19locationsthroughout APAC,Europe,NorthAmerica,andSouthAmerica.
Astheworldwideleaderinthemedicaldevicetesting industrysince1967,NAMSA'scompletecontinuum developmentserviceshelpclientsovercomedevelopment hurdles,mitigateconcernsandstreamline commercializationefforts.
Highlightingtheimportanceofchangingdynamicsof healthcareworldwide,DrNyakernexplains, “As we prepare for future health challenges, we know there will be no single solution or answer. That’s why we must keep building our team today, with people from all backgrounds and experiences — including, but not limited to, brilliant women — so that the innovation reflects all of us and a healthier future with more robust health systems and a renewed and refocused cross-sector collective of new leaders.”
“At AKRN, now a part of NAMSA, we will continue working to be the first and most trusted MedTech CRO in Spain, Europe, and beyond,” concludes Dr Maria Nyakern.
COVID-19isabigtermintoday’sworld.Sincethe
pandemic,ifpeoplehaveexperiencedsomething good,itisthedeliveryofhealthcare,andhealth informationservicesviaremotetechnologies.
Beforethepandemicstartedvisitingadoctor,ahospitalora clinicwasahectictasktodowhichinvolvedlongerwaiting timeanddelayedappointments.Theefficiency, effectivenessandcostassociatedwithtelehealthwere rewardedwithdisbeliefbyprovidersandpatientsalike. However,thepandemicandthelockdownhavepointedout telehealthasanessentialandgoodinnovationtohave, especiallyinthecrisis.
Post-pandemic,wecanexperiencetelehealthresultingin virtualcheck-upsandremotediagnosiswitheffective measurestotreatthepatientswiththebestmethods possible.Duringthepandemic,manypeoplestartedtouse theseservicestofulfiltheirmedicalneeds.Intheprocess, peoplediscoveredthattelehealthisprovidingfarmore amenitiescomparedtovideovisitsbetweenpatientsand healthcareproviders.
Wecanassumethenumerousadvantagesoftelehealthfor bothpatientsandhealthcareproviderspost-pandemic.
Oneobviousadvantageoftelehealthisthecomfortand convenienceofhavingamedicalvisitwithoutphysically travellingtothedoctor’sofficeorclinic. Telehealthvisitswilleasilyfitintopatients’busyschedules.
Asthepatientswillhaveanoptiontomeettheirhealth expertsorphysicianusinganyelectronicgadgetsuchas phone,tablet,laptop,orcomputer,patientscanaccessor scheduleanappointmentwhenevertheywillhavefreetime.
Inaddition,thosepatientswhoareinjuredorinthestageof recoverywillnothavetotraveltotheclinicorhospitalfor theircheck-upastelemedicinewillallowthesepatientsto stayinasafeandcomfortableenvironment.
Withtelehealth,thepatientswilleasilyreceivethecare whentheywillneeditandtheywillnothavetowaitforan appointment.Inemergencycases,telehealthwillallowthe patientstoreceivecareimmediately,andhelpthemuntil theywillreachthehospital.
Oneoftheadvantagesoftelehealthwewillexperiencesoon thatis:telemedicinewillbeaccessibleonweekendsand holidays,especiallywhenhealthcareandclinicsareclosed. Telehealthwillofferusanalternativesourceofimmediate care.
Telehealthiscurrentlyanexcellentwaytohelpandcontrol thediseasesthatcauseinfectionsandillness,recent exampleisCOVID-19.Telehealthprotectsbothhealthcare professionalsandpatientsbyholdingpatient-clinical meetingsatadistance,makingitthemosteffectivewayto controlthespreadofinfections.
Expertsalreadyassumethattelehealthwillsooncomeup withenhancedmethodstocontrolthespreadofinfections andtreatthepatientswithadditionalprecisemedication requiredwithadvancedtechnology
Ÿ Telehealthwillprovideabetterassessment
Itwillbeanadvantageforsomespecialiststotreatthe patientsintheirhomeenvironmentwhentheywillbe assessingtheircondition.Observingthesurroundingswill providethedoctorswiththedatathatwillhelpto understandthepatient’scondition.
Aspertheexperts’prediction,neurologistsandphysical therapistswillfinditeasiertoobservethepatient’sability tonavigatetheirhomeenvironmentwhileundergoing treatment.
Itwillbehelpfulforthepatienttohaveafamilymember withthemwhentheywillbeundergoingtreatmentora consultationwiththeirdoctor.Afamilymemberwillbe abletohelpthepatientstoanswerthequestionsor additionalinformation.
Inaddition,afamilymemberwillbeabletokeepand maintainarecordofvaluableinformationfromthevisits.
Telehealthvisitswillnotrequirepatientstotravel,andit willhelpinloweringthesecondaryexpenses.Telemedicine willoffertimeandcost-savingbydecreasingtransportation costs,reducingtheneedforchildcare,andreducingtime awayfromwork.
Analysisfromtheresearchindicatesthatpatientswhowill usetelehealthwillspendlesstimeinthehospitalandthatis goingtoreducetheassociatedcostoftheadditional hospitalbillsandotherexpensesrelatedtohospital medication.
Eventually,telehealthwillcontributetowardsreducingthe overheadmedicalcosts,ashealthcareproviderswillpay lessamountofmoneytowardstheirfacility’sadditional expenses.
Byusingtelehealthinmedicalpractices,evendoctorscan makemedicalappointmentseasier,moreconvenient,and lessexpensiveformanyoftheirpatients.
Telehealthhasbeenaninvaluabletool,especiallyduringthe COVID-19pandemic.Ithasofferednumerousadvantages, bothintreatingthepatientssufferingfromCOVID-19and treatingpatientswithunrelatedconditionsfromadistance, contributingitsservicestopreventthespreadofthedisease.
However,lookingattheadvantagesoftelehealthwecan experiencenow,itcanbeassumedthattheseserviceswill contributemoreefficientlyandwillcontinuetoapplyinthe post-pandemicworld.
-Anish Miller
Shoulderpain.Armweakness.Elbowjointdeficiency.
Upperextremitydisabilitiesarenotonlymajor afflictionsforpatientsbutcanphysicallyburden therapistsandchallengetheproductivityofclinics.
Asaresult,technologicalinventionshavecometothe forefront,includingassistivetechnology Theuseof assistivetechnologyforupperlimbsisarapidlygrowing area,andhasledtoimprovementsinchronicallyimpaired patients’abilitytofunction.
Italsohasthepotentialtoreducelong-termcosts.One studyco-fundedbytheU.S.DepartmentofVeteransAffairs andtheRehabilitationResearchandDevelopmentService demonstratedclinicalbenefitsforrobotics-assistedtherapy andshowedlowertotalcostsofcarewhenfactoringin therapyanddownstreamhealthcarecosts.
Withthedemandforsuchinnovationsestimatedtoreach $3.5billionin2026,leaderslikeAngieConleyare mesmerizingtheworldwiththeirshareofinventionsinthe fieldtofulfillthisrisingdemand.
Herthoughtfuleffortstoprovidereliefforshoulderandarm injuriesinthecomfortofone’shomeledtothecreationof Abilitech.Thecompanyfacilitatestherehabilitationneeds ofpeoplewiththeAbilitechAssistDevice,whichisanathomedevicethatregularlyaidsactivitiesofdailyliving.
UnderAngie’sleadership,AbilitechMedicalhaswon numerousawards,andsheisalsonamedasaninventoron twopatents.AstheCEOofthecompany,shebelievesin thedisciplineestablishedbyinculcatingmission,vision, andcorevalues.Sheplacestheorganization’smissionto restoreindependencetopeoplewholivewith neuromuscularweaknessanditscorevaluesofpeople, impact,innovation,andresultsattheheartofAbilitech. Thishasenabledthemtoberenownedaswhattheir customerscall– A Wheelchair for the Arms.
Through the interview highlights below, let us delve deeper into her journey of shaping the MedTech device industry with Abilitech!
Angie,couldyoubriefusaboutyourinspirationbehind venturingintotheMedTechindustry?
Ihavealwaysbeenattractedtohelpingotherpeople.My fatherwasaphysician,andmymotherwasaneducator whosetgoodexamplesoflovingtheirworkandserving theircommunity TheyalwaystoldmetofindwhatIlove, todothatwell,andtherestwillfallintoplace.
In2015,Isawavideoofa3D-printedexoskeletonthat helpedchildrenmovetheirarmsforthefirsttime.The socialimpactofthatdevicewascaptivating.Ilooked furtherintothetechnologyandlearnedoftheenormous unmetneed.
Whenpeoplelosetheuseoftheirlegs,thebasicstandardof careistogetawheelchair Andwhenpeopleloseanarm, theygetaprostheticarm.UntilAbilitech,therewereno goodcommercialsolutionstohelppeoplewhohaveweak orinjuredarms.
MymedicaldevicebackgroundatMedtronicprovidedthe businessacumenandrelationshipstobuildafirst-classteam andaproductthatIampassionateabout!
Pleasetellusaboutyourjourneyintheindustry, highlightingyourcontributiontoAbilitech’ssuccess.
WhenIfoundedAbilitech,Iwasguidedbystronginput fromclinicalexpertsinterestedinseeingaportableassistive technologybecomecommerciallyavailableforpatients whohadlostthefunctionoftheirarmsduetostrokeand otherneuromuscularconditions.Theybelievedthatmoving withintentionandrepetitionwouldhelptheseindividuals gainstrength.
Theymaintainedthatanat-homedevice,regularlyaiding activitiesofdailyliving,couldhelpwithrehabilitation.
Reimbursementconsiderationsandtheneedforlarge clinicalstudiesshapedourcommercialproductstrategyto focusontheactivitiesofdailylivingbecausewecould demonstratepatient-specificoutcomeswithinminutes.It alsoallowedustofocustheresourcesonasmallmarket, learnaboutourdevice,andexpandfromthere. Wehaveworkedwithkeycentersofexcellencetobetter
success.
understanddifferentpopulationswithourAbilitechAssist deviceandrefinewhowecanhelp,anddeterminehowour technologyneedstoevolvetohelpmorepeopleandnew indications.
Couldyouelaborateuponthecorevaluesonwhichthe companyisbuilt,andwhatisthemissionofthe organization?
Icannotoverstatetheimportanceofemphasizingthe mission,vision,andvaluestodrivethecompany.Isawthis workveryeffectivelyatMedtronic,anditalwaysbrought greatmeaningtomywork.AtAbilitech,wealsouseour mission,vision,andvaluesasournorthstar
Startupsarehard.Theyrequirelonghours,canhavelimited resources,andthejobmarketisextremelycompetitive.Our mission(to restore independence to people who live with neuromuscular weakness)andourvalues(people, impact, innovation, results)arewornproudlyandarenotjustsome corporatespeak.
Ahighlightofmyworkisourweeklyteammeeting,where
It is important to create a culture where employees feel safe to try new things. Experienced leadership can help to translate the learning from failures into future
Igettohearemployeessharehowtheyarerealizingour missionandvaluesintheirindividualjobduties.These guidepostshelpusstaymotivatedandfocusonwhat’s important.Theyhavebecomeatangiblewaythroughwhich wehaverecruitedandretainedthetopindustrialtalent.
Tellusmoreabouttheservicesandtheimmersive benefitsthatmakeyourcompanystandoutfromthe competition.
Wetargetpatientswithamanualmuscletestoftwoor greaterintheshoulderandelbow,andit’sthrillingtosee ourAbilitechAssistdevicehelpmanyoftheseindividuals inperformingdailytasksthattheycouldn’totherwisehave accomplished.Manypatientscallusthe “Wheelchair for the arms” andsaythattheyfeelliketheirarmsarefloating inthewater.Tomakethetechnologyavailableintheir homeenvironmentsistheicingonthecake.
Therearenoothercommercialdevicesusedinthehome thatcansupportboththeshoulderandelbowandadjustfor differentweightedobjects,whetherthat’saspoon,cell phone,or12-oz.glassofwater Assistanceattheshoulder helpspeoplelifttheirarmswithcontrolledmovement repeatedly,toaccomplishactivitiesofdailyliving.
Pleaseelaborateonthetechnologicaldevelopmentsand thepatentedtechnologiesthatthecompanyincorporates whencateringtothedynamicneedsoftheMedTech Industry.
Wehavearobustintellectualpropertyportfoliowiththe freedomtooperateanalysis.CentraltoourIPistheability todynamicallyadjustfordifferentweightsandtohaveboth ashoulderandelbowassist.
Whatarethebiggestchallengesthatyouhavefaced, andthemostimportantlessonsthatyouhavelearnedin yourprofessionaljourneysofar?
Thetwomajorheadwindswehavefacedinrecentyearsare COVIDandtheverycomplexreimbursementterraininthe U.S.
Physicianandclinicianfatigueisveryrealinthis pandemic-affectedenvironment,andthepeoplewework withareimmunocompromised.Inaveryshortamountof time,weflippedoursalesmodeltomarketdirecttopatients andbuiltoutatele-evaluationassessmentprogram.
Additionally,theU.S.reimbursementisever-changing,and
thereisashiftfromfee-for-servicetomodelsconsidering theoverallcostofcare,suchasMedicareAdvantage. Ultimately,thisshouldbeagoodthingforAbilitechwhen consideringthepotentialtoreduceothermedicalcosts,help peoplelivelongerandmoreindependentlyintheirhomes, delayoravoidtheexpenseofskillednursinghomes,andin somecases,returntowork.
Beinganexperiencedleader,whatisyourintuitive adviceforthebuddingyoungstersventuringintothe MedTechindustry?
Embraceyourorganization’smission,visionandvalues earlyontohelpguideyouthroughimportantdecisions.
Seekteamswithdelicatebalancesofcomplementaryskills, experience,potentialandpersonalities.Youneedsome leaderswhoknowhowtogetthingsdone,andinmedical device,itisessentialthatyoudothingsrightthefirsttime. Butlateralthinkingisimportant,too.Experiencefromone fieldwithanewapplicationcanleadtogreatcreativity
Makesureyouunderstandreimbursementandhowyour organizationgetspaidbest.Thisdrivessomanydecisions, impactingproductdesign,clinicalstudies,saleschannels andstrategy,andmore.
Thelearningmindsetisimportant.Developinganew technologyisnoteasyandyouareboundtomakemistakes. Failurecanalsobeawayoflearning,especiallywhenit happensatanearlystageofthedevelopmentprocess.
Itisimportanttocreateaculturewhereemployeesfeelsafe totrynewthings.Experiencedleadershipcanhelpto translatethelearningfromfailuresintofuturesuccess.
Lastly,spendtimeincustomerdiscovery.Lookatallyour stakeholdersandunderstandthevaluepropositiontothem. Studythecompetitivelandscapeandlearnwhathas historicallyworkedandwherethepitfallshaveoccurred.
It’smoreefficienttobeafastfollower!
Inmostpartsoftheworld,parentslovetheirsonsmore
thandaughters,theyseemtohavetheperceptionthat moreinvestmentsshouldbeputintothemalesbecause ofcourse,theywouldcarryonthefamilynameandlegacy. Eveninmarriages,wherethewomanhasnorespectnor valueunlessshegivesbirthtoason.Thepreferenceofthe malechildoverthefemaleshasalsocontributedlargelyto menaceofgenderinequality,declineingirlchildeducation, andsocioeconomicdisparities.
Thisideologyispropagatedbycertainculturalbeliefs, illiteracy,societalrestrictions,religionandemotional desires,maledominanceasonlyonesinchargeoffamily income,perceivedweaknessthatfemalescan'tattaincertain positions,amongstmanyothers.
Igrewupinafamilyofseven(Parents,threesisters,anda brother).I’mthelastchildwithmytwinsister,andwastold mumwantedasecondson,butohwell,shehadtwomore girlsandtwinsatthat,howfunny.Myparentsactually didn'tobviouslymakeapreferenceovermyonlybrother, maybetoprotect“ourfeelings”ornot.However,wegot equaleducation,resources,andsupport.Thismayhave workedforme,butnotforothers.Ioncehadafriendwhose casewasthereverse,itaffectedherupbringing,damaged herself-esteem,andcreatedabarriertodiscoveringhertrue selfandabilities.Ithinderedherabilitytoexplore,tocrown itall;shegotmarriedearly-thisisastoryofamillion
I am Nancy Udenka, founder of Teenage Mom Initiative and I celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child. A Physiologist, Medical doctor (in view) at Shenyang Medical College, MPH (one of my goals) Health scholar and an adent Mental Health advocate on a mission to acquire prominent leadership skills in emergency responses, and first-hand experience in research and operations.
I hold Bachelor's Degree in Physiology, General from Anambra State University. Community Volunteer on Health at Nigerian Red Cross Society. Certified by LinkedIn in Customer Experience Leadership, and Customer Service: Managing Customer Expectations, and Customer Service: Problem Solving and Troubleshooting. And Customer Service Representative Certificate by Alison.
A philanthropist and exponent towards mental health among teenage mothers.
Ÿ Founder, TEM Initiative
Ÿ Content creator @Youtube
Ÿ Public speaker
Ÿ Co-founder NANPAT MD Limited
You will find Nancy where they are talking about; The United Nations Sustainable Development Group initiatives, Venereal Health, Public Speaking, Teen Mental Health, and Reproductive Health.
Nancy (Chinelo) Udenka Founder Teenage Moms Initiate (TMI)
others.InAfrica,especiallyinthewesternpart,researchhas provenrecordsofahighprevalenceofchildmarriageprior toherphysicaland/oremotionalgrowth.Notignoringthe fact,theygetpregnantandhavetoexperiencechildlabor, andriskofcomplicationsduringdelivery,overallnegative impactontheirmentalwellness,andsexualand reproductivehealth.
Thefutureofthegirlchildasanendangeredspecies amongsthermalecounterpartsandsadly,evenherfellow counterparts,mustbeprotectedatallcosts.It’shightime westoppeddistributingsweetsonlywhenababyboyis bornandfrowningwhenagirlisborn.Timetoputahaltto utteringcoatedsarcasm “thisisararethingforagirlto achieve”whenachangeinachainofcyclesisencountered. Itshouldn’tbeconsideredadeviancethatadaughtercando thejobofason.
Nowthenarrativeischanging,nolongershallourvoices gounheard.Everygirlhastherighttoattaingreatnessand harnessherfullpotential,thereshouldbenolimitationsas towhatlevelsheshouldstop.
Goneare….
Dayswhenthegirlchildisn'trecognized:
Dayswhenthegirlchildshouldn'tbeeducated:
Dayswhenthegirlchildshouldn'tbeinpower:
Dayswhenthegirlchildisvoiceless:
Dayswhenthegirlchild'sroleswereonlylimitedto marriageandchildbearing:
Dayswhenthegirlchildfutureendsinthekitchen:
Dayswhenthegirlchildisn'tallowedtodreambig:
Wemustinsteadlookonthebrightsideandembracethis beautifulastonishment,thatis,thepowerofagirlchild.
Ÿ We,thedaughtersarestrongerthantheworldthinks.
Ÿ Strongerthanourparentsthink.
Ÿ Evenmuchstrongerthanwethinkofourselves.
Ÿ Weshouldn'tletcriticismstopusfromreachingthe top,andallownobodytomakeusfeelinferiorwithout ourownconsent.
I’mexcitedastotheadversechangegoingoninthelivesof girls,campaignsburstingouttopromotegirlchild educationtoletherdreambigandflywithoutlimitations. Thereisgreatneedforastrategicallianceamong individuals,educationalbodies,privateentities,aswellas nationalandinternationalbodies,toproperlytacklethis issue.Socialmediaplatformscanserveasaidfor promotions,campaignstocreateawarenessandraiseacall ofaction.
“With adversity, however, comes resourcefulness, creativity, tenacity, and resilience. The world’s 600 million adolescent girls have shown time and time again that given the skills and the opportunities, they can be the changemakers driving progress in their communities, building back stronger for all, including women, boys and men. Girls are ready for a decade of acceleration forward. It is time for us all to stand accountable – with and for girls –and to invest in a future that believes in their agency, leadership and potential.” (UNITED NATIONS)
I’mverypassionateaboutteengirls,withfocusontheir mentalhealth,sexualandreproductivehealth.Bothofthese areasarede-emphasizedandnotwelladdressed.Parents shyawayfromproperconversationaboutsex,educative institutionsdoesn'tpromoteabstinenceandtheenvironment doesn'tpreachaboutpreventivemeasuresasitshould.This hasledtoincreaseinteenagepregnancies,schooldropout ofteengirls,socioeconomicinequalities,increasedpoverty amongstothernegativeimpacts.
IamanadvocateoftheUnitedNationsSDG3.7targetplan withmorefocusontheindicator3.7.2Adolescentbirthrate (aged10–14years;aged15–19years)per1,000womenin thatagegroup,aswellasSDG5.3targetplan,emphasison theIndicator5.3.1Proportionofwomenaged20–24years whoweremarriedorinaunionbeforeage15andbefore age18.
ThroughmyorganizationTEMI,we’llkeepstrivingto encourageworkshops,campaigns,outreachesandopen discussionstotacklethismenace.Youtoocanbepartof thismovementbyengagingincommunitydevelopment programs,empoweringyounggirls,volunteering,and donations.
Digitaltechnologyhastransformed
almosteveryindustrysector,including Education,Retail,Banking, Manufacturing,IT,Communications, logistics,healthcare,hospitality,etc.
TheHealthcareindustry,whichwastraditionally operating,gotabigboostfromdigital transformation.Thissectorneededthemostmodern andsuperfastsystemsatalllevelsduetothegravity ofimportanceatanygivenstage.
Primarilyasweconsiderthebasicpointsof operations,mainlyR&D,consultation,diagnostic andpathologicalprocedures,medication, treatments,hospitalization,monitoring,and
analysis;digitaltechnologyhasbeencreatedasamultidisciplinaryconceptintegratingallthevitalworkprocedures inasinglelinetobeeasilyconnected,reviewed,and enhancedinthemainobjectiveoftheprocess.
Technologyhaspenetratedallfunctionalsectionsofthe healthcareindustryinmanyways.
DynamicResourcegateway:Havingopenedthevast internetresourceandaccessibilitytomultipleglobalresearch laboratories,doctorsandclinicalscientistsarebetter equippedwithsearchingfornecessarymedicalknowledge resources.Ithashelpedinrecruitingthemedicalstaff, sourcingvisitingconsultants,andconnectingwithnumerous diagnosticcentresandbloodbanks.
StrengtheningtheResearchanddevelopment.The scientistsinvariousdomainsofmedicalresearchusemodern technologiesofAI,Augmentedreality,dataassimilation,and processing.
Facilitatingclinicalresearchandsupport Thisinvolves designinganddevelopingepidemiologicalservicetrials, developingandcustomizationintheprocessofcollection andmanagementofclinicaldata,andfurtheranalysis.
Monitoringthequalityofhealthcare Theentireprocess, rightfrompatientenrolmenttothequickdatacollection, periodicaldiagnosisandrelatedtreatments,monitoringof changesintheresults,creatingananalysisofthetreatment withthedoctor'sopinion,haveallimprovedthequalityof thetreatment.Precisediagnosiscoupledwiththerightand timelymedicationortreatmentresultsinrecoveryinthe minimumtimeperiod.
Real-timetracking:Inventorytracking,storage,and managementarecrucialfunctionsforanymedicalfacility. Alltheessentialdrugs,medicines,vaccines,consumables, accessories,medicalaids,bloodunits,plasma,etc.,needto bestoredinsufficientquantity.Thisincludestheavailability ofDoctorsandambulanceservices.
Streamliningtheentireprocess Theentireprocessis unifiedinacentralsystemthathelpsineasytracking, coordination,updates,reports,analysis,surveys,and analyticalstudy.
GlobalConnect:Enablingtherole,opinion,and consultationofmultipleDoctors,researchers,andjoint consultationoncriticalprocedures.
Quickandeasycommunication.Digitaltechnologyhas madeentirecommunicationeasy,smooth,andseamless. Regardlessofthelocationoftheconsultingphysicians, diagnosticcentres,andotherfacilities,allthingscanbe
easilyconnectedunderonesystemwithouttheneedtomove thepatient.
Round-the-clockassistance:24X7and365daysdedicated functionshaveboostedinsavingthelivesofpatientsin accidentsorothermedicalemergencies.Quick,timely medicalsupporthassteadilycontrolledthedeathrate.
Remoteconsultation:Modernintegratedsoftwareplatforms connectthepatientseasilytothedoctorsthroughaudioor videocallsfacilitatingthedatasharingforclear communicationandpatientexperience.
Smartprojection:Moderntoolsinsoftwaresystemsthat read,identify,andanalyseintheirbuilt-inframeworks;help inthecreationofsmart,accurate,andlogicalprojections. Closemonitoringinvariousstagesofpregnancyinthefoetal developmentandresponsetotheexpectedgrowth parametersandalsointhesectorsoffertilitysolutions, oncology,andcosmeticsurgeries.
Real-timeconsultation:Virtualmeetingplatformshave helpedinAudio-visualinteractionsforreal-time consultation.
DataScience:Datamanagementandanalyticsinimportant complexcasestudieshavestrengthenedthedecision-making processhelpinginvariousstages.
Wearabletechnology:Moderndeviceslikeheartmonitors, pacemakers,hearingaids,automatedwheelchairshavemade thetreatmentandthelifeaftertreatmenteasier
Roboticapplications:Abettercontrol,accuracy,speed,and reliabilityhasbeenestablishedincertainnicheareasof healthcarewhichareactiveassistanceincomplexsurgeries, disinfection,andsanitization,supply-analysis-delivery operations,patientcarewithsymptomanalysis,assistance, etc.
Theroleofdigitaltechnologyhasmiraculouslyelevatedthe quality,accuracy,andspeedoftheproceduresresultingin fasterrecoveryandwell-beingofthepatients.Wecangladly lookuptothephenomenaladvancementsandthemagnitude ofitsefficacythathastransformedhumanlivesintoa blessedlifestyle.
What if questions were not asked? What if the
existing challenges were not solved? And what if the world still believed in the facts bestowed through the loops of hierarchical levels?
Can’timagineaworldlikethatright?
That’smoreofareasontothanktheleaders,whostepped up,questionedtheproblems,andsolvedtheminnovatively topresentaneasy-goingpathforallinthefuture.
Inthislistofsuchexemplaryleaders,weat InsightsCare crossedpathswithMabelGimenowhoistransformingthe livesofmanypatientswhoarediagnosedwithvisionrelatedchallenges.Thoughshecomesfromaneducational backgroundintheArtsfield,shehaseffectivelyutilizedher innovativeleadershipskillstointricatelydesignsolutions forearlyvisioncare.Shepresentedthesesolutionstothe healthcareworldwhenshecofoundedDIVEMedicalwith Victoria Pueyo andmadeabigjumpintheMedTechsector in2020.
AstheCEOandCo-founderofthisstartup,apioneerin earlyvisioncarewitheye-trackingandartificialintelligence technologies,sheiscurrentlyimmersedinitscommercial launch.
Through the interview highlights below, let us indulge in her contributions in changing the MedTech sector with her innovative and visionary leadership!
Mabel,kindlybriefusaboutyourselfandmotivateus withtheinspiringtaleofyourprofessionaljourneyso far.
IhaveadegreeinBAandanMBAfromIESE.After startingmycareerinmarketingdepartmentsinFMCG
companiesthatbelongedtoP&GorDanone,Ihavespent 20+yearsinmanagementpositionsinSMEs,reachingthe GeneralManagementofAraven,aB2Bcompanysellingin morethan40countries.
Aftertakingtheleapintoentrepreneurshipbycreatingmy owninnovationfoodconsultancy,Imadeabigjumptothe MedTechsectorin2020andco-foundedDIVEMedical togetherwithagroupofresearchersfromtheUniversityof ZaragozaandtheHealthResearchInstituteofAragon,in Spain.
AstheCEOofthisstartup,apioneerinearlyvisioncare witheye-trackingandartificialintelligencetechnologies,I amcurrentlyimmersedinitscommerciallaunch.
Whathasbeenyoursourceofmotivationand inspirationinyourinachievingyourcareermilestones andbecomingasuccessfulleaderintheMedTech industry,especiallyasawomanleader?
Mycuriosityandloveforbigchallengesdeterminedmy interestinacareerrelatedtomarketingandinnovation, whereIachievedrelevantmilestonesinbuildingnewstrong brandpositioningsandlaunchingsuccessfulnewproducts.
WHAT WORKS BEST FOR ME IS TO WALK EVERY MORNING FOR AT LEAST HALF AN HOUR. IT HELPS ME ORGANIZE MY BUSY MIND AND WHEN I START MY DAY EVERYTHING FLOWS BETTER
Igraduallymovedtosmallercompaniesanddifferent sectorswherebuildingthingsfromscratch,workingin multidisciplinaryteams,andfindingwaystodevelop successfulbusinessmodelsininternationalenvironments becamemymotto.Iamnowapplyingallmybusiness knowledgetotheMedTechsectorwiththesupportof partnerswithextensiveexperienceinaccessingprivateand publichealthcustomers.
Inthiscase,theimpactwecanhaveonmillionsofpatients withlowvisionaddsextramotivation,sinceIhave experiencedwhatalatedetectionofavisionproblemcan haveonachildwithmyyoungestchild.
PleasetellusaboutDIVEMedicalandwhatwerethe ideasanddevelopmentsthatledtoitsinception.
DIVEMedicalS.L,isaMedTechcompanythatoffersa proprietarytechnologybasedoneyetrackingandartificial intelligenceforscreeningandcompleteexaminationof visualfunctioninafastandaccurateobjectivemanner.It caterseventopatientswithcooperationproblemssuchas preverbalchildrenandpeoplewithcognitiveproblemsor elderlypeople.
Weliveinaworldwheremorethan1billionpeoplelive withlowvisionworldwide,onethirdofthe810million childrenwithvisionproblemsarenotdetectedearlyand25 percentofchildrenhavevision-relatedlearningdisabilities.
Inthisworld,VictoriaPueyo,apediatricophthalmologistin atertiarycarehospitalinSpainandco-founderofDIVE, wasfacedeverydaywithpatientswithwhomitwasvery difficulttogetobjectivedataonhowtheirvisionwasinthe pastandtomakegooddecisions.Thesearethemost
vulnerablepatients,babies,orthosewhopresent cooperationproblemsinvisualexaminationsdueto neurocognitivecauses.Andsheknewthattechnologycan beofgreathelptothem.
Hermeetingwithcomputerengineerswascriticaltostarta projectandafter6yearsofresearch,DIVEMedicalwas foundedasaspin-offoftheUniversityofZaragozain February2020,andthatiswhenIjoinedtheprojectforits commerciallaunch.
CurrentlyIleadamultidisciplinaryteamof13people, madeupofhealthcareprofessionals,engineersandbusiness andmarketingprofiles.
Whataretheproductsandservicesthatyourcompany offersandhowisitimpactingthedemographic concerned?
Ourtechnologyhastwomainfieldsofapplicationwithtwo differentsoftwaremodulesinauniquedevice:
Ÿ In examinations of visual function byvision specialists,ophthalmologistsandoptometrists, providingobjectivemetricsnotdependentonthe examinerfordiagnosisandmonitoringtheeffectiveness oftreatments.
Ÿ In visual screening performed in primary care providinganimmediateindicationoftheneedornotfor referraltoaspecialist.ByapplyingAItothemetrics obtained,thescreeningcanbeperformedbypersonnel withminimaltraining.
Weareabletoexplorechildrenfromsixmonthsofageand peoplewithneurocognitivediseaseswithagreater accuracy
Howdoesyourcompanyensuremaximumcarefor nonverbalpatientstoo?Howisitrevolutionizingthe sector?
Theteamhasbeenreallyobsessedfromthebeginningof theprojecttomakeourtechnologycapableofreliably testingthemostvulnerablegroups,thepatientsthatcannot providefeedbackonwhattheysee.
Ithasbeenessentialtomakeclinicaltrialsinfivecountries, Spain,Mexico,China,Vietnam,RussiaandHongKong, withpatientsfromsixmonthsofage,affectedbyalarge numberofvisualpathologies,andalsowithdisabled patients.
Wehaverecentlysubmittedapatentcoveringthemethods andprocessestovalidatetheeyetrackingdatafor performingdifferenttests.
Inwhatwaysareyouadoptingemergingtechnologiesto upgradeyourdeliveries?Whathasbeenthesuccessand impactofeyetrackingandArtificialintelligence technologiesthatyouarecurrentlyusinginyour operations?
Sinceoursoftwarereliesonthesetechnologiestheir contributionhasbeenthekey,butinordertoreliablyscreen suchdifficultpatientswehavedevelopedverydeep methodsandprocesses.
Theseallowustoreallyhavereliabledataforpatientswho areuncooperativeorhavelimitedvisualfunction.
Moreover,asAIexpertswehavebeenabletoelevatethe potentialofeyetrackingtechnologyandrespondtothe needsofacollapsedandunder-resourcedhealthcaresector
Beingaleadercomeswithgreaterresponsibilities.How doyoumanagethestressbehindthemandwhatdoyou dotopracticeahealthywork-lifebalancedlifestyle?
Whatworksbestformeistowalkeverymorningforat leasthalfanhour.Ithelpsmeorganizemybusymindand whenIstartmydayeverythingflowsbetter.Ialsowalk throughoutthedayasmuchasIcanandtakePilates classes.
Ieathealthyandtrytohavelunchordinnerwithmy husbandandmythreeteenagerchildren.Sharingwiththem isalsoveryimportantformybalance.Onweekends,
besideshavingfunwithfriends,ItrytodoasmuchasIcan ofmytwopassions:goingtoconcertsandhikinginnature.
Whatwouldbeyouradvicetoaspiringentrepreneurs wishingtoenterthisindustry?
ComingfromothersectorsIhavetosaythatthehealthcare sectorisparticularlychallengingduetoregulations,the needforstrongclinicalevidence,reluctancetochange...so “bepatient”ismyfirstadvice.
Iwouldrecommendtostartcontactingthehealthcare ecosystem(accelerators,start-ups,advisors)asearlyas possibletoavoidanymistakesthatcosttimeandmoney
Andlast,butmostimportant,don’tdaretostartselling fromdayone,evenifyouonlyhaveafirstconcept.
WhatarethefuturegoalsofDIVEMedical?Howdo youenvisionupscalingitsoperationsandreachin2022 andbeyond?
InNovember2022wewillreachamajormilestone,with theMDRCEmarkingofourfirstproduct.Ourgoalsareto positionourbrandamongophthalmologistsinEuropeand thenexpandtoothergeographiessuchasAmericaandAsia withthebestdistributorsineachcountry
IntermsofR&D,wewillgraduallyincorporatenewteststo becomeamorecomprehensivesolutionthatwillappealthe vastmajorityofeyecareprofessionals.
Pleaseshareanyclientele,awards,andrecognitions.
Wealreadyhavesomedevicesbookedandwillcloseour firstsalesinSpainbytheendof2022.
Wewereselectedin2020asoneofthreehealthcare companiestoinvestinbyBancoSabadell.Wehavealso receiveddifferentgrantsfromtheSpanishMinistryof Innovationandrecentlyreceivedthe Seal of Excellence fromtheEuropeanUnion.
Wehavebeenrecognizedwiththe Emprendedores XXI and GooDs awards amongothers.
And,wehavebeenselectedtoparticipatein entrepreneurshipprogramsoffirstlevelinstitutions,EIT Health,Ship2B,RafaeldelPinoFoundationandMITSloan SchoolofManagementandESADEwithexpertsfrom SiliconValley
