Med Tech Gurus

Is the future of MedTech innovation shifting away from devices—and toward manufacturing? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with Mark Freitas, Managing Director and Life Sciences Leader at Alvarez & Marsal, to explore a major shift happening in MedTech: capital is moving away from traditional device acquisitions and toward advanced manufacturing platforms and CDMOs. As device complexity increases and technologies converge across hardware, software, and biologics, the ability to manufacture at scale is becoming a strategic differentiator—not just an operational function. Mark breaks down why 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for MedTech M&A, with a surge in deal activity driven by private equity exits, OEM carve-outs, and platform roll-ups. He explains why scarcity of specialized capabilities—not revenue—is now driving valuation, and how regulatory infrastructure has emerged as a hidden but powerful competitive moat. We also explore how founders and operators should think about CDMO partnerships, when to own manufacturing versus outsource it, and why many companies get the timing wrong. For MedTech leaders, investors, and innovators, this episode delivers a clear message: the winners in the next wave of MedTech won't just build great products—they'll build (or partner for) the capabilities to make them.

Cybersecurity in healthcare is no longer an IT issue—it's a patient safety issue. In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with Skip Sorrels, Field CTO and Chief Information Security Officer at Claroty, to explore how cyber threats are evolving from data breaches into full-scale clinical and operational disruptions. With a unique background as both an ICU nurse and healthcare cybersecurity leader, Skip brings a rare perspective on what actually happens inside a hospital when systems go down. From electronic medical records shutting off to clinicians reverting to paper processes, these events don't just slow operations—they fundamentally impact patient outcomes. We dive into the growing risks tied to connected medical devices and hospital infrastructure, including operational technologies like HVAC systems, water filtration, and building controls—areas increasingly targeted as the "path of least resistance" for attackers. Skip also shares why healthcare organizations must begin treating cybersecurity like disaster preparedness, focusing on operational resilience, recovery planning, and real-world readiness—not just prevention. For MedTech innovators, this episode delivers a critical message: security is no longer a feature—it's a requirement for trust, adoption, and patient safety. If you're interested in healthcare cybersecurity, medical device security, hospital operations, digital health risk, or MedTech commercialization, this episode offers a powerful and timely perspective on one of the most important challenges facing healthcare today.

Why do breakthrough medical technologies still fail to get adopted? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with David Neale, Co-Founder and CEO of Argá  MedTech, to explore what it really takes to bring a differentiated cardiac technology from concept to clinical adoption. Argá is advancing next-generation pulsed field ablation (PFA) for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, with early data showing 100% procedural success, strong safety, and high lesion durability. But as David explains, great clinical data alone isn't enough. Drawing on decades of experience in cardiac rhythm management, David shares why so many promising technologies fail—not because of engineering, but because they ignore physician workflow, hospital operations, and real-world usability. From designing a single, multi-configurable catheter platform to simplifying complex EP lab environments, Argá's strategy is built around one principle: innovation must fit the workflow to win adoption. We dive into lessons from first-in-human trials, the importance of disciplined execution, and why companies must design for three critical stakeholders: clinicians, operational teams, and administrators. David also shares practical insights on site selection, physician alignment, and how to move from strong data to real-world adoption. If you're interested in cardiac electrophysiology, pulsed field ablation, MedTech commercialization, clinical trials, or healthcare innovation, this episode delivers a powerful playbook for turning technology into adoption.

What does it really mean to put the patient at the center of healthcare innovation? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with Stephanie Hunter-Banks of Jazz Pharmaceuticals, a leader in medical learning, patient engagement, and rare disease advocacy. But what makes this conversation truly powerful is that Stephanie doesn't just study the patient journey—she lives it. As a rare disease patient herself, Stephanie brings a deeply personal and professional perspective to how healthcare systems, MedTech companies, and clinicians engage with patients. Her journey—spanning more than two decades without a definitive diagnosis—offers a raw and honest look into what many patients experience but few organizations truly understand. Stephanie shares why scientific innovation alone isn't enough—and how empathy, trust, and meaningful engagement are critical to driving better outcomes. From the challenges of the "diagnostic odyssey" to the importance of resilience, she provides a framework for how healthcare leaders can rethink patient-centricity—not as a buzzword, but as a real partnership. We also explore the role of medical affairs in translating complex science into real-world clinical decisions, the gaps that still exist between providers and patients, and how leaders can build teams grounded in trust, connection, and growth. If you're interested in rare disease, patient engagement, medical affairs, healthcare leadership, or MedTech innovation, this episode delivers a powerful reminder: the future of healthcare isn't just about better technology—it's about better understanding the people it serves.

In rare disease, time isn't money—it's lives. In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with Dr. Rob Freishtat, physician-scientist, former President and Co-Founder of Uncommon Cures, and board member of the Foundation for mRNA Medicines, to explore how clinical trial design is being rewritten for rare and ultra-rare conditions. Traditional randomized, placebo-controlled trials—largely unchanged for decades—are often too rigid, too slow, and too burdensome for patients facing life-threatening conditions. Dr. Freishtat shares why adaptive trial designs, natural history cohorts, and patient-centric approaches are becoming essential to accelerating drug development. We dive into the rise of N-of-1 therapies, mRNA-based treatments, and collaborative models that bring together regulators, academic centers, and industry in ways that were previously unthinkable. From the groundbreaking "Baby KJ" case to emerging ARPA-H initiatives, this conversation highlights a fundamental shift toward truly personalized medicine. Dr. Freishtat also offers practical insights for founders navigating today's capital environment—why smaller, more efficient trials can unlock new funding pathways, and how aligning with mission-driven investors can accelerate both impact and execution. If you're interested in rare disease innovation, clinical trial design, mRNA therapies, personalized medicine, or biotech startup strategy, this episode delivers a powerful look at how urgency is reshaping the future of healthcare.

What if the future of surgical training doesn't happen in the operating room? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with Dr. Danny Goel, orthopedic surgeon, clinical professor at the University of British Columbia, and CEO & co-founder of Precision OS, to explore how virtual reality and AI are transforming surgical education. Today's training environment is under pressure—reduced clinical hours, increasing procedural complexity, and a relentless focus on operating room efficiency are limiting opportunities for hands-on learning. The traditional "see one, do one, teach one" model is no longer enough. Dr. Goel shares how Precision OS is addressing this challenge with immersive VR simulation that allows surgeons to practice procedures on demand, receive objective performance feedback, and improve skills outside the operating room. With over 100+ orthopedic training modules and the ability to capture detailed performance data, the platform is redefining how surgical competency is measured and developed. We explore the shift from subjective evaluation to data-driven skill assessment, the importance of workflow integration for adoption, and how just-in-time training can improve both surgeon confidence and patient outcomes. If you're interested in medical education, surgical simulation, AI in healthcare, virtual reality training, or MedTech innovation, this episode offers a compelling look at how technology is reshaping the future of surgical training.

Great technology doesn't win—visibility does. In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with Lauren Schafer, Founder of Lakehouse Digital Media, to explore why so many MedTech and life sciences companies struggle to gain traction—not because of weak innovation, but because of weak visibility and storytelling. Lauren works with founders and leadership teams to turn expertise into credibility, helping companies show up where investors, clinicians, and decision-makers are actually evaluating solutions. From LinkedIn thought leadership to modern SEO strategies shaped by AI, her approach focuses on one core idea: if you're not part of the conversation, you're not part of the decision. We dive into why traditional SEO is rapidly evolving, how platforms like LinkedIn and podcasts are becoming primary drivers of discovery, and why long-form, conversational content is now critical for AI search visibility. Lauren also shares practical strategies for repurposing content, maximizing conference ROI, and building a scalable marketing engine through fractional teams. If you're a MedTech founder, healthcare executive, or startup leader looking to break through the noise and accelerate growth, this episode delivers a practical playbook for turning visibility into real business momentum.

Access to care remains one of healthcare's biggest challenges—especially in physical therapy, where patients often travel hours for a single appointment. In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with Dr. Ashok Gupta, founder and CEO of TheraNow, a rapidly growing virtual physical therapy platform that has treated more than 70,000 patients nationwide through a network of over 400 therapists. Ashok's journey began on the front lines as a physical therapist working in rural communities and VA hospitals, where he repeatedly saw patients abandon treatment simply because access to care was too difficult. That experience led him to ask a bold question: if mental health therapy can be delivered virtually, why not physical therapy? In this conversation, Ashok shares how TheraNow built a telehealth platform that works inside healthcare workflows—not outside them. We explore why many virtual care startups fail, how AI-powered clinical documentation can improve therapist productivity, and what it takes to scale a digital health company while partnering with major health systems. Ashok also discusses achieving Joint Commission accreditation, integrating with complex EHR environments, and building operational infrastructure that supports both clinicians and patients. If you're interested in telehealth innovation, digital health startups, AI in healthcare, physical therapy, or healthcare workflow design, this episode offers practical insights on building virtual care platforms that actually work.

What if the future of interventional cardiology isn't just better devices—but robotic precision? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with Dr. Philippe Bencteux, founder and president of RoboCath, a pioneering company developing robotic platforms designed to transform cardiovascular and neurovascular interventions. A neuroradiologist turned entrepreneur, Dr. Bencteux launched RoboCath after witnessing how access to specialized vascular expertise can determine whether patients live or die—particularly in hospitals lacking advanced interventional capabilities. His vision: bring robotic precision and eventually remote care to life-saving endovascular procedures. We explore the evolution of RoboCath's robotic systems, including the R1 platform, which demonstrated more than 98% technical success in multicenter studies, and the company's next-generation system now entering first-in-human trials for coronary artery disease. Dr. Bencteux shares how robotics can dramatically improve physician safety by reducing radiation exposure and physical strain in the cath lab, while also increasing procedural precision and enabling more complex interventions. If you're interested in robotic surgery, interventional cardiology innovation, digital health, AI-driven medical devices, or the future of remote healthcare, this episode offers a fascinating look at how robotics could reshape the next era of cardiovascular treatment.

AI can analyze data faster than any human—but strategy still requires judgment. In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with Joe Luminiello, Founder and CEO of RCG Intel, a competitive intelligence firm operating at the intersection of healthcare, biopharma, and AI-driven decision making. With more than 40 years of life sciences leadership experience—including helping launch Takeda's Canadian business and leading a 650-person commercial organization responsible for over $1B in annual sales—Joe brings a unique perspective on what separates data from real strategic insight. Joe explains why many life sciences companies struggle to translate information into action. While AI can rapidly analyze clinical data, market signals, and competitive activity, it cannot replace the contextual intelligence that comes from human conversations with physicians, key opinion leaders, and frontline healthcare professionals. We explore how commercial teams can avoid the common disconnect between product development and market strategy, why cross-functional communication is critical for successful product launches, and how companies can use AI to enhance—not replace—human decision-making. If you're a MedTech founder, biotech executive, investor, or commercial leader navigating AI, competitive intelligence, and product commercialization, this episode offers powerful insights into turning data into strategy and strategy into execution.

AI can detect lung nodules in milliseconds—so why hasn't radiology been transformed? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with Khan Siddiqui, radiologist, serial entrepreneur, and CEO of HOPPR, to unpack why most AI tools in medical imaging struggle to survive beyond pilot studies. Dr. Siddiqui explains that detection isn't the real problem—workflow is. As imaging volumes surge and radiologist shortages intensify, AI must deliver measurable ROI in time savings, reporting efficiency, and reduced cognitive load. Tools that add clicks or increase reading time simply won't scale. We explore HOPPR's AI-native platform, which accelerates model development, enables local fine-tuning, and integrates AI directly into existing clinical workflows. Khan also shares powerful lessons on fundraising, identifying "hair-on-fire" customers, building A-player teams, and scaling innovation responsibly in regulated healthcare environments. If you care about AI in healthcare, radiology innovation, or moving from hype to real-world adoption, this episode delivers practical insight from one of the field's pioneers.

What if one of pediatrics' most common emergency procedures hasn't meaningfully evolved in over a century? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with Bob Cooper, CEO of SMoLTAP, to explore how a simple but powerful positioning innovation is transforming infant lumbar punctures. For decades, pediatric spinal taps have relied on manual restraint, inconsistent positioning, and high failure rates—often leading to repeat attempts, unnecessary hospital admissions, and increased stress for clinicians and families. SMoLTAP's positioning cradle stabilizes infants in a consistent seated posture, improving first-stick success rates, reducing procedural time, and minimizing the need for sedation. Bob shares the origin story—from a frustrating clinical moment at Brown University to adoption in over 100 hospitals—and dives into the realities of pediatric medical device commercialization. We explore specialty distribution strategies, navigating value analysis committees, building ROI calculators, and scaling capital-efficiently in a challenging healthcare market. This episode is a powerful example of how human-centered design, operational insight, and disciplined execution can change the standard of care.

Why do so many MedTech innovations fail to gain traction—even when the technology works exactly as designed? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we're joined by Erin Rollenhagen, Founder and CEO of People-Friendly Tech, UX strategist, and author of Love at First Launch. With experience leading over 200 successful technology launches across healthcare and other regulated industries, Erin brings a unique perspective on what truly drives product adoption. Erin explains why usability and emotional connection often matter more than features alone—and why success depends on how both clinicians and patients feel when interacting with new technology. We explore how companies can preserve the original vision behind their innovations while navigating compliance, scaling challenges, and evolving market demands. From designing onboarding experiences that build trust to using AI thoughtfully without overwhelming users, Erin shares how MedTech leaders can create solutions that align with real-world workflows and deliver meaningful outcomes. If you're a founder, executive, or investor looking to improve clinical adoption and scale innovation without losing the magic of your original idea, this episode offers practical insights into building technology people actually want to use.

Why do hospitals invest millions in clinical innovation—yet still struggle to move patients down the hall? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with Dr. David Crabb, emergency physician and CEO of Rovex, to explore one of healthcare's most overlooked operational challenges: patient transport. Drawing on his dual experience in frontline emergency medicine and clinical informatics, Dr. Crabb shares how delays in moving patients between departments can quietly impact throughput, staff workload, and ultimately patient outcomes. At Rovex, Dr. Crabb is leading the development of an autonomous mobile robot designed to attach to standard hospital stretchers—safely transporting patients while reducing delays, minimizing staff injuries, and helping clinicians work at the top of their license. We discuss how physical AI and robotics are moving beyond the digital world to address real-world inefficiencies inside hospitals. From building trust in AI-driven systems to navigating adoption challenges in complex care environments, this episode explores what it takes to introduce an entirely new category of medical technology—and why solving logistical problems may be the key to unlocking better care delivery.

Why do so many breakthrough MedTech products fail — even when the technology works? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we're joined by Holley Miller, Founder and President of Grey Matter Marketing and one of the most direct, no-nonsense voices in healthcare commercialization today. With nearly three decades in life sciences — from the early days of surgical robotics to advising CEOs, boards, and investors — Holley has helped create more than $4.5 billion in enterprise value by doing one thing differently: designing adoption before launch. Holley is the architect of what she calls the Product Adoption Lie — the dangerous belief that better products automatically win. In this conversation, she explains why most launches fail not because the product is weak, but because the market was never taught to change its beliefs or behavior. We explore why adoption must be engineered, how category design replaces traditional go-to-market playbooks, and why alignment across clinical, regulatory, and commercial teams is essential to changing the standard of care. If you're a founder, executive, or investor trying to scale innovation — not just launch a product — this episode delivers a hard truth and a clear roadmap for building something the market can't ignore.

What if frontline clinicians everywhere had instant access to expert-level stroke imaging — no matter where a patient arrives? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we're joined by Michalis Papadakis, CEO and Co-Founder of Brainomix, an Oxford University spin-out using AI to transform how stroke is diagnosed and treated. With a background in neuroscience from Imperial College London, UCL, and the University of Oxford, Michalis built Brainomix with a singular mission: ensure patients don't miss out on life-saving stroke treatments due to delays or lack of imaging expertise. Under his leadership, Brainomix developed Brainomix 360 Stroke, the world's first fully automated AI imaging suite for stroke care — now deployed in more than 30 countries, backed by 50+ clinical publications, and processing patient scans in minutes with results delivered in under sixty seconds. In this conversation, we explore how starting with a true clinical unmet need, relentless evidence generation, and seamless workflow integration enabled Brainomix to scale globally and materially improve patient outcomes. If you care about AI in healthcare, stroke innovation, clinical adoption, or scaling medtech from academia to enterprise, this is a blueprint worth hearing.

Why do so many great MedTech products stall after launch — even when the data is there? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we're joined by Amy Brouhle, Vice President of Strategic Business Development at S2N Health. A former emergency department nurse turned commercialization leader, Amy brings more than 20 years of experience spanning clinical care, GPO strategy, national accounts, and MedTech growth. Her career includes senior roles at Vizient, Hillrom, and GE Healthcare, giving her a rare, end-to-end view of how innovation actually gets adopted — or stuck. At S2N Health, Amy helps MedTech companies cut through the noise of fragmented data and turn insight into action. We explore why most organizations don't have a data problem — they have an insight problem — and how aligning sales, marketing, and strategy around the right signals can unlock utilization, accelerate adoption, and improve investor confidence. From GPO dynamics and channel strategy to AI-powered targeting, territory planning, and go-to-market execution, Amy shares practical lessons every founder and commercial leader needs to hear. If you're trying to translate innovation into revenue and scale, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Why has healthcare resisted digital transformation longer than almost any other industry? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we're joined by Mariano García-Valiño, four-time entrepreneur, digital health innovator, and CEO of AXENYA—recently named one of the world's best digital health companies by Newsweek. Mariano has built, scaled, and exited billion-dollar healthcare companies by combining technology, data, and human-centered design to tackle chronic disease at scale. Mariano is also the author of Inedible, where he argues that modern healthcare is still built for acute illness, not the chronic conditions driving today's costs and outcomes. In this conversation, we explore why software alone isn't enough, how AI and continuous care models unlock real impact, and what it actually takes to scale health tech in complex, regulated markets. From leadership and entrepreneurship to AI-enabled care delivery, Mariano shares hard-earned lessons on building companies with both scale and purpose. If you care about digital health, healthcare transformation, or meaningful innovation, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

What if the most dangerous part of brain tumor treatment isn't the surgery… but the wait that comes after it? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with Dr. Michael Garcia, Chief Medical Officer and Head of Clinical Development at GT Medical Technologies, and one of the leading voices reshaping how we treat brain tumors. Dr. Garcia leads the clinical strategy behind GammaTile® — an implantable, bioabsorbable device that delivers targeted radiation from inside the brain immediately after surgery, eliminating the dangerous 3–6 week delay where tumors often begin to grow back. Under his leadership, GT Medical has reported powerful interim clinical data showing GammaTile can reduce the risk of recurrence or death by more than 50% compared to standard of care — with no increase in safety concerns. Today, more than 150 leading cancer centers are using this technology, changing not only outcomes, but something equally important: patient experience. Less anxiety. Fewer treatment delays. Fewer logistical burdens. More hope. Dr. Garcia shares the science, the strategy, and the deeply personal mission behind this innovation — along with insights on clinical trial design, multidisciplinary collaboration, and building medtech that truly serves patients. If you care about oncology, neurosurgery, innovation with purpose, or patient-centered design, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

What happens when rocket-science precision meets frontline healthcare? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with Professor Mark Kendall, Founder & CEO of WearOptimo and one of the world's most visionary biomedical innovators. A former rocket scientist turned medtech pioneer, Mark has already transformed vaccine delivery with groundbreaking platforms like PowderJet and Vaxxas. Now, he's doing it again — this time with a revolutionary micro-wearable sensor designed to pull high-fidelity biosignals directly from the skin without painful needles or invasive hardware.   Mark explains how WearOptimo's sticker-like microneedle patch, built using cutting-edge manufacturing techniques that scale to tens of millions of units, is redefining what wearables can do. The first target? Hydration monitoring — solving a problem so widespread it quietly reduces life expectancy and affects elite athletes, surgical outcomes, and everyday health. From scalable manufacturing and AI-enabled biomarker intelligence, to building elite teams and navigating fundraising, Mark delivers powerful lessons on innovation, leadership, and building technologies that truly matter.  If you're passionate about the future of wearable medicine, platform technology, and designing solutions that actually reach the real world, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.

What if getting breakthrough devices to the right patients wasn't a guessing game — but a data-driven science? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with Mike Monovoukas, CEO and Co-Founder of AcuityMD, one of the fastest-growing platforms in MedTech. Mike shares how his team is turning mountains of messy healthcare data into clear, actionable insights — helping innovators pinpoint the right physicians, facilities, and patient populations, and transforming how devices reach the people who need them most. We explore how AcuityMD is powering precision targeting through AI, why democratizing market intelligence helps level the playing field for new entrants, and how smarter commercialization can unlock access for underserved communities — including their work helping EPI bring the Alpha-Stim device to veterans struggling with pain, insomnia, and anxiety.   From designing platforms built specifically for MedTech, to making complex data simple for frontline sales teams, to reshaping how companies scale, Mike delivers a masterclass in building for the future of commercialization — where evidence, empathy, and AI come together.

What if the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement isn't political noise—but a powerful signal that patient expectations are fundamentally changing? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with Noël Theodosiou, CEO of Luminous, to explore the growing trust gap between life sciences companies and the patients they serve. Noël challenges leaders to move beyond a traditional "we know best" mindset and embrace a biopsychosocial, patient-centered approach to innovation. From GLP-1 adoption trends to AI-driven health searches, we discuss why co-creation, prevention, and clearer separation between science and promotion are critical to rebuilding credibility. For founders, executives, and investors navigating today's shifting healthcare landscape, this conversation delivers practical insight into aligning innovation with modern patient expectations.

In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with Dr. Adam S. Arthur, Chief Medical Officer for Medtronic's Neurovascular business — and one of the most influential voices in modern stroke care. With more than 20 years as a practicing neurosurgeon, clinical researcher, and academic leader, Dr. Arthur has helped redefine standards of care for ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, carotid disease, and neurovascular innovation worldwide. Now at Medtronic, he's leading the charge to translate real-world clinical insight into breakthrough devices that scale — from next-generation thrombectomy tools to new applications for established technologies like Onyx, and a pipeline of neurostimulation, robotics, and endovascular therapies that promise to change what's possible for brain health. Dr. Arthur shares powerful lessons from decades of clinical trials, including why "the devil is in the details," how honest collaboration between physicians and industry accelerates innovation, and why failing fast is often the quickest path to breakthroughs. He also offers an exciting look at the future: remote robotics, closed-loop vagus nerve stimulation, and new ways to reach stroke patients with life-saving precision. If you care about the future of stroke care, neurovascular devices, or scaling innovation responsibly, this episode delivers a masterclass from one of the field's true thought leaders.

In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we're joined by John Dugas and Dr. Kevin Schwarz of Solventum Medical—two leaders pushing wearable innovation into its next era. With expertise spanning chemical engineering, materials science, synthetic biology, and global R&D, John and Kevin show how truly breakthrough wearables demand far more than clever sensors. They require world-class adhesives, smart overlays, skin-friendly materials, and device designs that survive real life—not just the lab. They explain why longer wear time is becoming one of the biggest drivers of clinical success, how thin-film overlays can quadruple device survivability, and why understanding patient behavior is just as important as engineering excellence. From global scale to skin biomechanics, this episode delivers a powerful look at what it really takes to build wearables that stay on, stay comfortable, and stay effective. If you're building the next generation of chronic disease tools, diagnostics, or connected care devices — this conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we welcome Neil Klompas, Chief Executive Officer of Augurex Life Sciences. With more than two decades of experience leading companies at the intersection of diagnostics, rheumatology, and translational medicine, Neil is pioneering a new era of autoimmune biomarker discovery. Under his leadership, Augurex developed SpineStat, the world's first blood test designed to identify axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA)—a chronic inflammatory spinal disease that affects millions yet often goes undiagnosed for nearly a decade. By leveraging the anti-14-3-3η autoantibody in combination with CRP, SpineStat is helping clinicians detect disease earlier, prevent irreversible spinal damage, and even reduce opioid dependence through faster, targeted treatment. Neil shares how engaging early with regulators helped Augurex earn FDA Breakthrough Device Designation, why he believes rheumatology is poised for its "oncology moment," and how keeping his team centered on the patient journey drives innovation every day. If you're passionate about precision diagnostics, regulatory navigation, and building mission-driven teams, this episode is a masterclass in turning unmet medical need into measurable clinical impact.

What if the next medical breakthrough could be undone—not by biology—but by a hacker? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with Christian Espinosa, CEO and Founder of Blue Goat Cyber, a leading medical device cybersecurity consultancy helping innovators protect patients by securing the technology behind modern healthcare. With over 30 years of experience spanning the U.S. Air Force, Department of Defense, and MedTech industry, Christian brings a rare perspective on precision, resilience, and empathy in cybersecurity After a personal health scare revealed vulnerabilities in his own implanted device, Christian turned mission into movement—founding Blue Goat Cyber to transform cybersecurity from a regulatory afterthought into a strategic advantage Christian shares how patient safety—not data protection—must be the heart of every cybersecurity strategy, why "bolting on" security late in development can derail innovation, and how emotional intelligence drives his leadership in high-stakes medtech environments. Whether you're a startup founder, RA/QA leader, or healthcare executive, this episode delivers powerful lessons on building trust, protecting patients, and creating a culture where security saves lives.

What if artificial intelligence could spot hospital-acquired infections days before symptoms appear? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with Benedikt von Thüngen, CEO and Co-Founder of Sanome, a company redefining hospital care through AI-powered clinical decision support. After enduring profound personal and professional loss, including the collapse of his seed round and the death of loved ones, Benedikt rebuilt his company around one mission—helping clinicians understand patients earlier and intervene faster Under his leadership, Sanome became the first UK-based AI company to earn Class IIb certification for HAI prediciton. Its Memory Platform predicting infections up to 72 hours sooner than conventional methods with the potential to save each NHS Trust over £1.1 million per year. Benedikt shares a powerful story of resilience, transparency, and innovation—proving that when data, determination, and purpose align, technology can truly save lives.

What if the key to saving lives in maternal health wasn't more hospital visits—but smarter, connected care at home? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with Anish Sebastian, Co-Founder and CEO of BabyScripts, the leading virtual care platform transforming how mothers and providers navigate pregnancy. Built from both analytics and empathy, BabyScripts bridges one of healthcare's most critical gaps—access to consistent, quality prenatal and postpartum care Under Anish's leadership, BabyScripts has raised over $30 million in funding from partners like Philips and Cigna, now managing over 300,000 pregnancies across more than 70 health systems. From detecting preeclampsia early to supporting mental health and postpartum recovery, the platform delivers measurable results—proving that technology and teamwork can make pregnancy safer for every mother. Anish shares his insights on scaling digital health, building strategic partnerships, and leveraging AI to expand maternal care equity. Whether you're an entrepreneur, innovator, or clinician, this episode reveals how connected technology can deliver life-changing outcomes at scale.

What if we could take the guesswork out of cancer treatment—and move from try and hope to test and know? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with Jim Foote, CEO and Founder of First Ascent Biomedical, whose mission began after losing his son to cancer. That experience became the driving force behind Functional Precision Medicine (FPM)—a groundbreaking approach that combines tumor testing, genomics, and AI to rank the most effective drugs for each patient in just ten days Backed by a Nature Medicine study showing an 83% patient benefit rate, First Ascent is proving that personalization saves lives. With automation reducing lab times from hours to minutes and new CLIA-certified labs accelerating access, Jim and his team are reshaping how cancer care is delivered. From building trust with clinicians to leading through loss, Jim shares a powerful story of innovation, resilience, and purpose that every medtech leader can learn from.

What if trauma care didn't require a full surgical team or a giant toolbox to save lives in critical moments? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, Dr. Adam Power, vascular surgeon and co-founder of Frontline Medical Technologies, takes us inside the development of the COBRA-OS—an ultra-simplified REBOA device that's transforming trauma care. From war zones to rural communities, Dr. Power explains how miniaturization and smart design make this innovation faster, safer, and more accessible—without sacrificing patient outcomes. We discuss the challenges of commercialization, academic innovation, and the evolving role of physicians as entrepreneurs. Gurus, this episode is a masterclass in turning front-line insight into global impact. Don't miss it!

What if the missing link in treating autoimmune disease wasn't a new drug—but a better way to measure stress? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with Dr. Andrew Holman, CEO of Inmedix and the innovator behind CloudHRV, the first FDA-cleared platform to measure stress biology with medical-grade precision .At a time when 75% of autoimmune treatments fail—costing billions and leaving patients without answers—CloudHRV delivers actionable insights in just five minutes reframing how clinicians think about chronic disease. Dr. Holman takes us inside his two-decade journey building Inmedix, from early IP strategy to securing partnerships with global pharma. Along the way, he shares lessons on leveraging licensing as a growth strategy, building a culture of innovation, and aligning science, business, and patient care in the pursuit of transformative healthcare solutions. Whether you're a founder, investor, or clinician, this conversation will reshape how you think about precision medicine and the future of patient-centered innovation.

What happens when one of the toughest challenges in vascular medicine—severe arterial calcification—meets breakthrough engineering? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with Dr. Robert Chisena, Co-Founder and CTO of Amplitude Vascular Systems (AVS). With a PhD in mechanical engineering and a portfolio of five patents, Robert has dedicated his career to tackling one of the most stubborn barriers in cardiovascular health: hardened arterial blockages that resist traditional interventions. From the labs at the University of Michigan to the founding of AVS, Robert shares how he and his team are developing a next-generation intravascular lithotripsy platform designed to fracture calcium safely and effectively—combining the familiarity of angioplasty with the power of shockwave technology. Along the way, he offers lessons on building IP-rich startups, fostering innovation cultures, securing clinical adoption, and navigating the high-stakes path from spinout to commercialization Whether you're an engineer, entrepreneur, or investor in medtech, this conversation shines a light on the strategies, setbacks, and breakthroughs required to transform a complex clinical challenge into a scalable, life-saving solution.

What if solving a widespread medical condition didn't require surgery, expensive implants, or harsh medications—but could be done by simply putting on a sock? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with Isaac Oppenheim, CEO and Founder of Zida, a company pioneering wearable neuromodulation at the intersection of aging, textiles, and healthcare. Inspired by his grandfather's struggle with overactive bladder (OAB), Isaac developed the Zida Control Sock—the first FDA-cleared, Medicare-covered, home-use neuromodulation device for OAB. From his early career in textiles and wearable tech with brands like Nike and Lululemon, to navigating FDA clearance and CMS reimbursement without institutional capital, Isaac's journey shows what happens when design thinking, perseverance, and patient-centered innovation come together. Clinical trials show nearly 80% success rates, giving millions of patients renewed confidence, independence, and quality of life Whether you're an entrepreneur building medtech from scratch, a clinician seeking better therapies for aging populations, or an innovator curious about the future of neuromodulation, this episode is packed with lessons on resilience, creativity, and making healthcare more human.

What happens when groundbreaking medtech isn't enough—when success depends on how well physicians and health plans actually adopt it? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with Dr. Shannon Decker, PhD, MBA, M.Ed., Founder & CEO of VBC1. With over 25 years of experience in healthcare transformation—including 17 years in Medicare, Medicaid, quality improvement, and risk adjustment—Shannon has become a nationally recognized strategist on aligning medical devices with real-world provider workflows. From helping health plans and physician groups improve outcomes, to showing medtech innovators why the best devices still fail without strong provider enablement, Shannon shares hard-earned lessons on education, incentives, and adoption. She explains how startups can avoid costly mistakes, when to engage with clinicians, and why intrinsic motivation often drives lasting change more than financial incentives. Whether you're a startup CEO, a commercial leader, or a clinician navigating the shift to value-based care, this conversation delivers a playbook for turning innovation into impact

What if the lines of code you wrote weren't just running a program—but keeping someone's heart beating? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with Wade Demmer, Vice President of Research and Development for Cardiac Pacing Therapies at Medtronic, whose career journey began with his grandmother's pacemaker and led him to help pioneer some of the world's most impactful cardiac devices, including Micra, the world's smallest pacemaker. Wade shares the lessons of two decades inside the world's largest medtech company—what it really takes to build a culture of innovation, engineer for reliability, and launch breakthrough devices at scale. From balancing patient safety with bold ideas, to recognizing when timing makes or breaks a technology, Wade brings a deeply personal and practical lens to the future of cardiac pacing and medtech innovation. Whether you're an engineer, entrepreneur, or leader aiming to improve patients' lives, this conversation will expand how you think about risk, collaboration, and building technologies that truly matter

What happens when decades-old surgical tools finally get a 21st-century upgrade? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with Andy Chang, Chief Commercial Officer at BVI, to explore how innovation is reshaping ophthalmology. Andy takes us behind the launch of Leos, a next-generation glaucoma laser platform designed to be faster, smarter, and more intuitive—giving surgeons precision while saving valuable OR time. Drawing on his global commercialization experience with leaders like Zeiss and Bausch & Lomb, Andy shares what it really takes to scale disruptive technologies: from designing surgeon-friendly tools that blend seamlessly into workflows, to balancing veteran expertise with fresh ideas on commercial teams, to building feedback loops that keep patients at the center of every decision. Whether you're an innovator introducing new platforms, a commercial leader navigating global markets, or a clinician eager to see where eye care is headed, this episode delivers sharp insights on strategy, leadership, and the future of ophthalmic innovation. #MedTech #Ophthalmology #Glaucoma #HealthcareInnovation #MedicalDevices #SurgicalInnovation #VisionCare

In an era where telehealth is often reduced to quick, one-off visits, Ovatient CEO Michael Dalton is charting a different course—one that blends digital access with the trust, continuity, and whole-person focus of traditional care. With deep roots inside health systems like MetroHealth and MUSC, Michael shares how Ovatient was built "by health systems, for health systems" to move beyond transactional virtual care. He reveals the keys to building trust in digital health, integrating seamlessly with Epic, and creating true partnerships rather than vendor relationships. From reducing barriers for patients to scaling integrated behavioral health, Ovatient's model is showing how virtual-first can still be personal, local, and outcome-driven. You'll hear real patient stories, lessons on co-developing with health systems, and strategies for delivering high-quality care at scale—without losing the human touch. Whether you're a health system leader, digital health innovator, or investor, this conversation is packed with insights on designing virtual care models that last, scale, and truly serve

What happens when a medtech founder starts college at 12, launches their first company at 9, and grows up to help clients secure over $1 billion in funding? You get Elizabeth Chabe, CEO of High Touch Group. In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, Elizabeth shares how she helps science-driven companies translate complex innovations into stories that resonate with investors, regulators, and clinicians. She offers powerful insights on breaking past "no," avoiding costly early-stage mistakes, and navigating today's funding challenges with creative, non-dilutive strategies. If you're struggling to get your technology off the ground—or into the right hands—Elizabeth's wisdom and practical guidance will help you turn complexity into commercial clarity. Don't miss this one!

Every minute counts in cardiology—but for too many patients, the wait to see a specialist is measured in weeks. In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, Dr. Jeff Wessler, cardiologist and CEO of Heartbeat Health, shares how his team is transforming heart care with a virtual-first model. By combining telehealth, remote diagnostics, and evidence-based protocols, Heartbeat Health is tackling one of medicine's most urgent challenges: delivering timely, life-saving cardiac care to patients wherever they are. Dr. Wessler takes us inside the evolution of Heartbeat Health—from its origins in New York to its nationwide impact. He explains how virtual-first cardiology is closing critical access gaps, how remote monitoring and cloud-based "clinics" can prevent emergencies, and why building a culture of innovation and rigorous outcomes tracking has been key to their success. If you're passionate about digital health, virtual care, or improving patient outcomes, this episode is packed with insights on what it takes to scale a new standard of care.

When it comes to serious illness, early detection can be the difference between a difficult battle and a manageable path forward. But what if advanced diagnostics didn't require a referral, radiation, or even a reason to feel sick? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with Mike Wernli, Chief Operating Officer at Craft Health, to explore how they're flipping the script on traditional healthcare. With AI-enhanced full-body MRI scans, Craft Health is delivering hospital-grade insights in under 30 minutes—without contrast or complexity. But the technology is only part of the story. Mike opens up about the mindset shift required to empower patients to take control of their health before symptoms appear. He shares how Craft is combining clinical excellence with retail-like access, building a culture that thrives on purpose, and engaging communities in ways that truly matter. Whether you're an innovator in preventive care, a startup leader navigating consumer health, or someone passionate about shifting care upstream—this conversation offers both inspiration and a playbook.

What if diagnosing coronary artery disease, pulmonary hypertension, and heart failure didn't require a hospital, a specialist, or even invasive testing? In this episode, Adrian Lam, CEO of Corvista Health, shares how their FDA-cleared, AI-powered platform is transforming frontline cardiac care—delivering accurate, non-invasive diagnostics in under 30 minutes. Adrian discusses the delicate balance of explainable AI, clinical trust, and business strategy. He also dives into lessons on IP protection, clinical validation, and why understanding unmet needs—both clinical and operational—is key to commercial success. From rural health access to drug monitoring and phenotypic insights, this episode is packed with lessons for medtech entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators alike.

What if a discreet sensor could quietly prevent one of healthcare's most common—and dangerous—IV injuries? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, Jaclyn Lautz Ph.D., COO of IV Watch, takes us inside the journey of building a global standard of care. Jaclyn shares how her team navigated the EU MDR maze, achieved regulatory approvals across 16 countries, and proved their technology's impact through powerful clinical studies. From mentoring moments that shaped her career to the operational discipline driving IV Watch's innovation, this conversation delivers invaluable insights for MedTech leaders aiming to scale globally while keeping patient safety at the core.

What if a simple design shift could save lives in the most chaotic environments? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, Dr. Irena King, neuroscientist, engineer, and CEO of Surgicure Technologies, shares how she's transforming emergency airway management with the Horseshoe—a novel device born out of battlefield necessity and refined through deep clinical collaboration. Irena reveals the hard lessons of product design, the power of listening to frontline providers, and the importance of adapting for both civilian and military use. From trauma bays to transport units, this episode is a masterclass in building devices that work when seconds—and lives—are on the line.

What if the key to fixing pharma's toughest challenges wasn't more complexity—but more clarity? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, Shetal Vyas, SVP of Commercial Strategy & Development at Ardelyx, joins us to explore how digital-first strategies are reshaping how we bring therapies to patients. Shetal unpacks how to overcome the $200 billion patent cliff, reframe customer engagement, and build scalable, data-driven commercial models that don't just add tech—but center patients. With practical insights into digital ecosystems, commercialization frameworks, and change management, this episode is packed with takeaways for MedTech innovators navigating the intersection of healthcare, pharma, and digital transformation.

What if we could detect Alzheimer's disease before the first memory fades? In this powerful episode of Med Tech Gurus, Dr. Maria-Magdalena Patru, MD, PhD—who leads the neurology medical team at Roche Diagnostics US—explains how early diagnosis is being radically transformed through CSF and blood-based biomarker innovations. With Alzheimer's affecting over 7 million Americans, Dr. Patru outlines how new guidelines, improved reimbursement, and diagnostic advances are helping clinicians identify the disease earlier—when treatments can still preserve cognition. She also shares how her personal connection to Alzheimer's drives her mission and offers advice to innovators navigating regulatory and clinical pathways. If you're building diagnostics or working on access-to-care challenges, this is a must-listen. https://www.medtechgurus.com https://diagnostics.roche.com/us/en/products/product-category/neurology/alzheimers-disease.html  

What if the future of clinical trials wasn't just faster—but dramatically more human-centered, efficient, and aligned with real-world outcomes? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, Meri Beckwith, co-founder of Lindus Health, shares how a broken experience during a COVID trial sparked a revolution in trial design. Lindus is reimagining the traditional CRO with fixed-cost models, milestone-based payments, and tech-driven platforms that cut enrollment timelines by 74%. Meri reveals how their innovative culture, AI-enhanced monitoring, and focus on patient experience is building a new infrastructure for smarter trials. If you're a medtech founder tired of bloated protocols, poor enrollment, and outdated systems, this episode will help you rethink what's possible in clinical research.

What if you could cut your product development time in half—and avoid the regulatory landmines that derail most startups? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, Marcel Botha, CEO and Founder of 10XBeta, reveals how his Brooklyn-based venture studio helps innovators turn bold ideas into compliant, fundable, and scalable medical technologies. With deep expertise in design, engineering, and regulatory strategy, Marcel shares how 10XBeta supports founders in navigating the critical—and capital-intensive—first mile of MedTech development. From pandemic-driven ventilator designs to launching 50+ products, Marcel delivers powerful lessons on speed, structure, and investor alignment. Gurus, if you're building in the deep end of innovation, this episode is your blueprint.

What happens when clinical strategy, bioinformatics, and market access all live under one roof? Meet Tyler O'Malley, VP at Exagen, who shares how this rare triad is driving innovation in autoimmune diagnostics. In this episode, Tyler reveals how real-world data fuels product strategy, why storytelling is key to market access, and how diagnostic innovators can scale in a payer-driven world. We explore the evolution of evidence, the importance of physician advocacy, and how to align science with unmet clinical need—without chasing shiny objects. Gurus, if you're launching diagnostics or navigating commercialization in today's complex environment, this episode is full of insight you can't afford to miss.

Behavioral health is in crisis—not just from rising demand, but from the chaos of inconsistent care models, fragmented data, and outdated systems. In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, Jim Szyperski, CEO of Acuity Behavioral Health, shares how his team is bringing much-needed structure and accountability to inpatient psychiatric care.   Backed by a $1.5 million seed round and in collaboration with health systems, Acuity is creating data-driven standards that empower nurses, improve patient outcomes, and deliver operational clarity. Jim brings lessons from decades of entrepreneurship and dives into the real-world challenges of scaling innovation in healthcare's slowest-moving sector. Gurus, if you care about solving systemic gaps in mental health care, this conversation is a must.

What if we could finally put real answers behind the brain fog, fatigue, and lingering symptoms so many patients still face post-COVID? In this episode, Dr. Nigel McCracken, Chief Operating Officer at Virax Biolabs, returns to Med Tech Gurus to reveal how their groundbreaking ViraxImmune platform is decoding the hidden dysfunctions of the immune system. With major NHS-led trials underway and U.S. clinical sites ramping up, Nigel shares how their proprietary FluoroSpot T-cell assay brings unprecedented accuracy to diagnosing long COVID, chronic fatigue, and post-viral syndromes. We also dive into the operational challenges of global trials, lessons from diagnostics commercialization, and how to build innovation-ready teams that scale. Gurus, this is diagnostic disruption at its best.