Last September of 2019, Foldax, Inc. announced its first-in-human use of the Tria heart valve under its FDA Early Feasibility Study (EFS) for the treatment of aortic valve disease. Tria heart valves combine LifePolymer™, an advanced biopolymer material, and a patented design to create a valve with the potential to lower the cost of medical care given the increasing costs of using animal tissue valves and the associated durability and calcification concerns. The proprietary biopolymer material and design of the Tria heart valves also allow for high volume manufacturing. The valves are robotically manufactured to provide the highest level of quality and precision and allow for future patient customization while eliminating the variability of human production.
In this episode of DeviceAlliance’s Medtech Radio, we speak with the Executive Chairman of Foldax Inc., and Exec Chairman Chief Strategy Officer of Compellon Inc. Ken Charhut. Join us as we discuss how this groundbreaking technology was created, what major milestone this represents for heart valve patients worldwide, and how the progress toward mitral and transcatheter versions of the valves next year has the potential to revolutionize the heart valve industry.
Creighton ChaneyKen Charhut: The Future of Heart Technology | Ep.16
There is immense untapped potential for underrepresented groups within the MedTech industry. How does one take on the immense challenge of increasing the number of persons of color who can make a meaningful contribution to the life-saving MedTech industry? Why is it important for businesses to diversify workforces? How does mentorship impact groups that are significantly underrepresented in the medical device industry?
In this episode of DeviceAlliance’s Medtech Radio, we speak with the Principal at Ulmer Ventures, Venture Partner at Wavemaker Three-Sixty Health, and Founder of Medtech Color Kwame Ulmer. With years of experience within the medical device industry, hear the story of his journey and how he saw an opportunity to create a platform to educate and inspire people of color.
Join us as Kwame shares with us his mission and vision to engage the next generation of Medtech leaders.
Torey ConradKwame Ulmer: Advancing Diversity in Medtech | Ep.15
Strokes are the number one cause of disability in the world, and the second cause of death globally. In addressing this challenge, Medtronic grew to become the largest medical device company in the world. With key strategic acquisitions, Medtronic experienced unparalleled growth. In such a business environment, how does a professional adapt the change agility to scale themselves at the same rate as the business?
In this episode of DeviceAlliance’s Medtech Radio, we speak with the Vice President and General Manager Neurovascular with Medtronic, Stacey Pugh. With over 16 years in the medical device industry, Stacey has served several key leadership roles, including Vice President, Global Medical Affairs, Neurovascular with Covidien, and Sr. Director, Global Clinical Development with Kinetic Concepts. Join us as Stacey shares her personal journey from her background as a nurse at the patient’s bedside to becoming a key leader of the fast-growing business division of Medtronic.
Torey ConradStacey Pugh: Change Agility in Neurovascular | Ep.14
The City of Hope will invest $1 billion in a new hospital and research center in Irvine that will enhance the way cancer care is delivered in the region. The large-scale facility will include a hospital and a research facility conducting clinical trials of new drugs and medical devices. The cancer incidence rate in Orange County is projected to increase by 18% over the next decade, as cancer risk increases with age and the county’s population is aging faster than the U.S. average.
In this episode of DeviceAlliance’s Medtech Radio, we speak with the President, City of Hope Orange County, Annette Walker. She served as president of strategy for Providence St. Joseph Health and chief executive of St. Joseph Health. In 2017 she was named one of the top 25 women in U.S. healthcare by Modern Healthcare magazine. Join us as we discuss her professional journey in health care, the challenges fighting cancer today, and how the medical device community can help in that fight.
Creighton ChaneyAnnette Walker: Fighting Cancer in Orange County | Ep.13
When people talk about having a purpose in your professional or personal life, they often sound like a self-help book. However, having a purpose in your work and life can help you become more motivated and push you to go above and beyond. When we talk about ‘finding your purpose’, we’re referring to an overarching goal that drives you. This can be anything, such as reaching the top of your company or even raising a family. Whatever your goal may be, the idea is that having something to aim for will help you put your best foot forward day after day.
In this episode of DeviceAlliance’s Medtech Radio, we interview Jeff Blanton of the Blanton Group. The Blanton Group focuses on transforming the potential of a business by discovering and implementing the combination of business and personal purpose. Join us for an in-depth discussion on the keys to success, and how to marry one’s desires, strengths, and passions with the collective goal of the business.
Creighton ChaneyJeff Blanton: Discover Your Calling | Ep.6
It’s such a simple question, and yet it continues to vex popular consultants and people alike. True leadership is much more than authority and recognition from the outside world. Instead, leadership is all about developing people and helping others reach their full potential. The bedrock foundation that your leadership will be built on the principles you hold. As John C. Maxwell said, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way”.
In this episode of DeviceAlliance’s Medtech Radio, we interview David Powell; CEO of Midreef Partners and CEO, Interim of Fieldpiece Instruments, Inc. Join us as we discuss his life of professional leadership and the critical lessons he learned along the way.
Today’s changing work environment means many qualified employees have a much easier time heading for greener pastures to find the right financial compensation and cultural fit. While corporate culture is influenced by organization members, HR plays a pivotal role in setting a company’s cultural tone. As a business function, HR shapes and reinforces how employees define corporate culture. Investing in positive workplace culture will foster the right shared directive, organizational goals, beliefs, and values that will harmonize employee behaviors. When paired with HR strategies, having a unified culture will allow a company to attain its goals.
In this episode of DeviceAlliance’s Medtech Radio, we speak with the Global HR Lead of Transcatheter Mitral Tricuspid Therapy / Advanced Technology of Edwards Lifesciences, Ryan Blackmore. Ryan has 18 years of HR experience with various strategic leadership roles and oversight of global initiatives. Join us as we discuss the evolution of HR departments impact on talent and culture, generational strategies for retention, and the role HR plays in defining a company’s culture.
Torey ConradRyan Blackmore: People Strategies | Ep. 3
Is Blockchain the Next Great Disruptor in the Medical Device Industry?
Blockchain has the potential to transform how medical devices are created, controlled, managed, and acted upon throughout the life of the device. As businesses continue to grapple with core IoT complexity and security problems, it is becoming obvious that blockchain-based solutions have merit and bring real value to the table. Yet the irony is a large proportion of the medical device companies have neither the knowledge nor appetite for blockchain.
In this episode of DeviceAlliance’s Medtech Radio, we speak with IP Lawyer and Blockchain Technology Expert, Bridget Smith. Join us as she breaks down the complex topic of blockchain while tackling tough questions including…
– Why should I care about blockchain as a medical device professional?
– How will blockchain permanently change the medical device industry?
– Is blockchain the “silver bullet” that will protect information?
Contrary to popular belief, success isn’t defined by how well you did in school or how many degrees you have. It isn’t based on what family you had or where you grew up. It comes down to your personality, your mindset, and your outlook on life. You don’t even have to be a type-A person to be a successful entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs tend to be more “street smart” than “book smart.” Entrepreneurship can mean many things, but ultimately, it’s about paving your own path. So, do you have what it takes to be a medical device entrepreneur?
In this episode of DeviceAlliance’s Medtech Radio, we get into the mind of serial medical device entrepreneur Ben Bobo. Join us as he reflects on his business life lessons, while tackling many questions including…
How should entrepreneurs look at calculated risk?
Creighton ChaneyBen Bobo: The Flight Of An Entrepreneur | Ep.1
