MedTech Innovator LIVE

About MedTech Innovator LIVE

Webinars are one hour in length and are live-streamed on our YouTube Channel. They will also be recorded and available for later viewing.

The goal of the MedTech Innovator webinars is to provide the medtech ecosystem and our portfolio companies with feedback from experts and professionals in areas that are specific to the strategic needs outlined in our discussions and surveys. Strategic areas to be covered include: intellectual property, product development, commercialization, reimbursement, healthcare economics, regulatory strategy, clinical trial design and execution, and fundraising.

Our webinars are administered virtually and consist of one or more panelists addressing key questions supplied in advance by the MedTech Innovator Accelerator & Showcase companies, as well as a general discussion on the topic within the context of the evolving healthcare ecosystem.

2023 Webinar Recordings


Webinar 1 – Creating an Effective Company Video

June 29, 2023 – 9am PT

Gerry Sapienza, Opera Bioscience

Gerry is the CEO and cofounder of Opera Bioscience where he aims to enable a sustainable and economical biomanufacturing future that will positively impact the world. After completing his undergrad degree at the United States Military Academy at West Point, he spent 10 years serving as a reconnaissance pilot in the U.S. Army, leading teams from 20 to 150 people. Gerry also received an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management with a major in finance.

Charles Allen, MyO1

Charles Allan is passionate about using really small things to solve big problems. Being surrounded by many successful and supportive entrepreneurs, he quickly gained an ability to create teams and transform problems into solutions.

An example of his passion at work can be found during his undergraduate years at Queens University, where he helped build a microfluidic pump for an implantable therapeutic for glaucoma. This project helped ignite his entrepreneurial spirit, and, while pursuing his Masters in Bioelectrical Engineering at McGill University, he formed a team that combined engineering and technology to develop microsolutions. Some of those initial microsystems are the foundational components used by the three companies that Charles founded: MY01, Inc., Stathera, Inc., and NXTSENS Microsystems, Inc. These companies each have won several awards and been selected for important growth accelerators. They have grown to over 70 employees, and combined to raise over $50M in funding.

Rui Jing Jiang, Avisi Technologies

Rui Jing is Co-Founder and CEO of Avisi Technologies. She gained corporate development, strategic marketing, and product management experience from working at Allergan and Sanofi, before working at JP Morgan as an equities analyst.

Rui Jing graduated cum laude from Wharton at the University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. in Economics, concentrating in Strategic Management and Finance.

Webinar 2 – Term Sheets & Deal Structuring

July 6, 2023 – 9am PT

Chris Martin, RCT

Along with his responsibilities as CFO, Martin is President, Medical Devices, treasurer and a director of the RCT board of directors. He leads the RCT team focused on medical device investments. Martin holds an M.B.A. in finance/strategy from The Anderson School, UCLA, an M.S. in biomedical engineering from the University of Southern California, and a B.S. in biology/biochemistry from the University of Michigan.


Webinar 3 – US Health Economics & Market Access

July 27, 2023 – 9am PT

Brian Vaughn, Johnson & Johnson

A growth focused market access leader with a passion for optimizing patient access and growth for innovative medical technologies. Experienced in new product development, new business development, evidence strategy, real world evidence, market access, health economics and reimbursement for surgical and digital technology across numerous clinical specialties. A committed people leader with a passion for developing talent and building highly motivated and successful teams.

Amy Siegel, S2N Health

Amy Siegel is the co-founder of S2N Health, a strategic services and software provider to healthcare technology innovators. Since its founding in 2011, S2N Health has worked with >150 companies, from start-ups to large global organizations, bringing key insights & custom analytics to product, market, and business decisions. Amy’s 25+ years of experience in the healthcare industry includes VP of Marketing roles at Aspect Medical (acquired by Covidien) and Seventh Sense Biosystems, and 10 years of strategy consulting with Health Advances and Monitor Company. Prior to entering the healthcare space, Amy was a loan officer and policy analyst with the U.S. Export-Import Bank. Amy earned a B.A. from Tufts University and Master’s degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, and was a Fulbright scholar in Germany. Amy serves as a mentor and judge for several innovation organizations, including AdvaMed Accel, MassMEDIC Ignite, German Accelerator, Ontario BioScience Organization (OBIO) and mHUB, and guest lecturer at Tufts University, Boston University and UCLA.

Marc Zemel, Retia Medical

I am a serial medical device entrepreneur. I founded Retia Medical to develop advanced algorithms for guiding hemodynamic management. Retia focuses on detecting shock and guiding treatment for high-risk surgical and critically ill patients to improve outcomes. Retia’s Argos monitor has been adopted by leading academic medical centers, including Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins, Columbia, Cornell, Duke and several others. They chose the Argos for its consistent accuracy, rapid (1-minute) setup, and unlimited use (no disposables) business model.

In 2021, Retia was selected to Medtech Innovator, the industry-sponsored startup competition, out of over 1200 applicants and was a finalist in the Value Competition.

In 2022, Retia completed its Series B financing led by Fresenius Medical Care Ventures, with participation from another global strategic investor, the Pritzker Vlock Family Office, and Red Cedar Ventures (Michigan State).

In my career, I have raised over $40M in investor and non-dilutive capital, led over 12 clinical studies, taken products through FDA clearance and CE Mark, built and led commercial teams, and continue to lead Retia as it ramps sales in 14 countries (and counting!).


Webinar 4 – Strategic Partnerships & Co-Development

Aug 3, 2023 – 9am PT

Adam Zerda, BD

Adam is a healthcare industry professional specializing in medical devices with experience in strategy development, project management and high-volume manufacturing.

Biren Mehta, Johnson & Johnson

Biren is responsible for Business Development for the Cardiovascular and Specialty Solutions Group, and is a Global Management Board member representing Business Development for the CSS group within J&J. 

David Tuch, Lightpoint Medical

David has more than a decade of experience in the medical imaging and pharmaceutical sectors. Previously, he was Head of Research Alliances at GE Healthcare and Head of Clinical Imaging at Novartis. Before joining industry, David served on the faculty of Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Radiology. He holds a PhD from MIT and Harvard Medical School, and a BA from the University of Chicago.


Webinar 5 – Provider Partnerships: Pilots and Trials

Aug 10, 2023 – 9am PT

Yael Kessler, CHLA

As the Associate Director of Care Model Innovation and Emerging Technologies Research at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, I have the opportunity to lead transformative initiatives that leverage cutting-edge technology to drive innovation and improve healthcare outcomes. As a seasoned healthcare professional with 15 years of experience, I am able to leverage my deep experience as a pediatric ICU nurse to lead the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles’ innovation program to successfully implement transformative solutions that improve the patient, provider and care giver experience.

Throughout my career, I have invested heavily in developing a deep understanding of the unique needs of pediatric patients and their families. This expertise, combined with my passion for leveraging technology to improve care delivery, has enabled me to make a significant impact in the healthcare sector.

Joseph Jankowski, CWRU and HFHS

MBA and Ph.D. with demonstrated success in establishing, funding and leading product and enterprise development initiatives. Executive-level expertise in industrial marketing and corporate partnering, with special focus on technology-based commercialization and entrepreneurship, including opportunity analysis, intellectual property portfolio creation and analysis, and mergers, acquisitions and deal structuring.

Emily Fry, Geisinger

A results-driven individual who is deeply passionate in developing departments for rapid health innovation and increasing the effectiveness of health care policy in clinical and back office operations. I am a dynamic person who enjoys a fast-pace, engaging environment.

I believe a positive outlook creates positive outcomes. I strive to make a difference in my own life as well as others. There is no better way to make a difference in the world than working in an industry striving to achieve healthier communities!


Webinar 6 – Developing Talent and Company Culture

Aug 17, 2023 – 9am PT

Anne Osdoit, Moon Surgical | Sofinnova Partners

Anne has been running the Sofinnova Partners in-house MedTech accelerator, MD Start, since she came on board as a partner in 2015.

She embodies the MD Start team’s hands-on approach: Anne is the founding and current CEO of both Gradient Denervation Technologies and Moon Surgical. She is a Board member of both SafeHeal and May Health — two companies where she was also founding CEO.

“What I like about this job is that it is about building products and companies,” Osdoit says. “It is very diverse. It is in different therapeutic areas, in different spaces with different technologies.”

Prior to joining Sofinnova, Anne held several key positions at Mauna Kea Technologies, a Paris-based medical technology company with global presence, developing a disruptive “optical biopsy” technology. She was closely involved in multiple financing rounds, including the company’s initial public offering on the Paris Euronext, a highly successful operation and the largest public listing for the sector that year.

Anne is an active angel investor and an independent board member of FeetMe and Cardiologs Technologies, two Paris-based e-health startups. Cardiologs was purchased by Philips in 2021.

Anne is a trained biomedical engineer from Ecole Polytechnique of Paris, France and Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. She holds additional degrees in Biostatistics and epidemiology applied to clinical trials (Université Pierre et Marie Curie), as well as Corporate Finance (London School of Economics).

Matt Gardner, CBRE

I’ve joined CBRE as Head of Life Sciences Advisory for the Americas. This role brings together colleagues from our investment, occupier and a range of finance and solutions teams on a unified life sciences offering.

Marquicia Pierce, Ruby Leaf Media | Spartan Innovations

An analytical thinker with life science expertise and strong business acumen. Motivated when contributing innovative solutions to cross-functional problems in the biomedical research and commercialization field. I enjoy working with life science startup companies and entrepreneurs to help translate their ideas into an actionable strategy.

Specialties: Molecular Physiology, Neuroscience, Program Management


Webinar 7 – Engaging with the FDA

Aug 24, 2023 – 9am PT

April K. Marrone, FDA

Excited to be a part of FDA/CDRH launch of the voluntary Total Product Life Cycle (TPLC) Advisory Program (TAP) Pilot. TAP is intended to help ensure that U.S. patients have access to high-quality, safe, effective, and innovative medical devices first in the world for years to come by promoting early, frequent, and strategic communications between the FDA and medical device sponsors.

An experienced regulatory scientist involved in medical device review and leadership in the weight-loss and hepatobiliary device spaces.

An experienced scientist with proven success in molecular biology, biochemical, and biophysical research in both leadership and supporting roles.

Ed Margerrison, FDA

Director, Office of Science and Engineering at FDA


Webinar 8 – Partnering with Payers

Aug 31, 2023 – 9am PT

 

Laura Manning Hill, Commonwealth Care Alliance

As a Director of Digital Health Solutions, Laura is passionate about transforming the healthcare industry through innovative technology solutions. With her deep understanding of the digital health landscape, she has developed and implemented numerous solutions that have enhanced patient care, streamlined operations, and driven business growth. She excels at translating complex clinical workflows into user-friendly digital interfaces that improve efficiency and ensure regulatory compliance. Her expertise in project management, product development, and technology integration enables her to deliver successful outcomes across diverse stakeholders. She is dedicated to staying ahead of industry trends and partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver cutting-edge digital health solutions.

Lewis Mattison, Mattison Advisory

As founder of Mattison Advisory, Lewis works closely with healthcare companies on tactical growth strategies. Representative client partners include Walgreens Health, Oncology Physician Network, KAID Health, WellBe Senior Medical, ChenMed, Momentive (SurveyMonkey), and Anthem. He helps companies at any stage of growth including early concept development, go-to-market planning, and partnership development.

Prior to Mattison Advisory, he launched and headed the FutureVentures group at Elevance Health (formerly Anthem) which made investments into new revenue streams and saw profitable investment returns that exceeded all of our original investment plans. He also I headed a team within Anthem that brought online doctor visits to Anthem many years before online visits became the standard that we expect today as consumers. This offering was branded as LiveHealth Online.

Prior to Evalence (Anthem), he helped with the launch of Health Evolution, the healthcare industry’s pre-eminent leadership forum. And, prior to that he served as Chief of Staff for the National Coordinator for Health IT at HHS where they built a new office in the Federal Government from scratch and worked with the private sector to drive the adoption of Health IT (e.g., EMRs) in the private sector. He also was instrumental in the launch and growth of the eHealth Initiative, a prominent trade association for Health IT. And, the earlier part of his career was focused on management consulting for several years – very focused on provider strategies.

Gabi Niederauer, Bluegrass Vascular Technologies

Gabi joined BVT in September 2014 as CEO & President. Gabi has more than 25 years of experience in the study, development and commercialization of devices for orthopedic, sports medicine, dental and ENT. Previously, she was SVP of Technology & Development and a founding officer of ENTrigue Surgical, Inc., where her team developed commercially viable implants and instruments for otolaryntology. The company was acquired in 2013 by ArthroCare Corporation, which was subsequently purchased by Smith&Nephew. Gabi was also on the management team of Concept to Market Medical, which developed a unique shoulder anchor acquired by Tornier., Inc. Prior to that, Gabi served as Director of R&D at OsteoBiologics, Inc. launching a dozen new products / product line extensions and worked with key opinion leading surgeons in arthroscopy and cartilage repair. OBI was acquired by Smith&Nephew, Inc. Gabi completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory at UTHSCSA. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biomedical Engineering from Iowa State University, a Masters of Science degree in Materials Science and Biomedical Engineering from Iowa State University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Ceramic Engineering from Clemson University.


Webinar 9 – Safety & Security

Sep 7, 2023 – 9am PT

Joe Saul, ICPSR at University of Michigan Institute for Social Research

J.D., CISSP, CIPM, CIPP/E, FIP. Expertise in law, technology, information security, data privacy, healthcare analytics, and healthcare. Develops privacy and security programs; collaborates across the organization to deliver creative solutions while ensuring the privacy and security of data. Passionate about creating a culture where all employees understand the importance of protecting data, recognize and speak up about potential issues, and are actively engaged in the process.

Experience with Privacy Regulations (HIPAA, GDPR, CCPA etc.), Formal Certifications (ISO, SOC, HITECH, EHNAC), and De-Identification of Data.

I consult with health technology startups (and others) on privacy and security issues, including HIPAA compliance. Feel free to reach out.

Hasan Shanawani, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Results-focused, solution-oriented, and collaborative Medical Director for Quality and Performance Improvement. Interim Medical Director for largest MA Group Waiver Plan (EGWP) in the United States. Board-Certified Physician Informaticist. Practicing Pulmonary and Critical Care physician. Expert in Quality, Safety, Systems Improvement and Redesign.

Documented experience overseeing strategic and operational enhancements to national policies, PGs/ KPIs, and organizational structures to drive safe, efficient, effective, patient-centered care. Leads payor efforts to meet accountability metrics (MA Star, HEDIS, CAHPS) and group customer needs and expectations. Guides individual hospital systems nationwide to align with national regulations (VA, CMS), meet core measures (NQF, AHRQ, NCQA, ONC), and maintain certification (LeapFrog, TJC).

Develops clinical decision support and documentation tools to execute evidence-based care guidelines (InterQual, MCG/ Milliman). Case review to identify gaps in quality, efficiency, and safety. Leads teams in identifying, developing and implementing internal process improvements to ensure interoperability, safety, efficiency and other key metrics. Oversees large-scale standardization of quality and patient safety initiatives throughout enterprise-level healthcare systems. Builds strategy and plans to achieve health equity, patient safety, efficiency and cost, and patient centeredness.

Actively committed to collaborative workplace environment, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, health equity, and anti-racist mission and vision.


Webinar 10 – Investment Panel: VC/ CVC & Commercial Banks

Sep 14, 2023 – 9am PT

Abigail Hunter-Syed, Olympus Innovation Ventures

Director of Olympus Innovation Ventures

Jun Jeon, Khosla Ventures

Passionate about creating a healthier society through investing in and operating with the world’s most thoughtful and passionate founders in the biotech and digital health space. Research background includes immuno-oncology, genomic analysis, microfluidics, iPSCs, and clinical trials. In digital health, I’m drawn by the transformative potential of the virtual medium in systematically improving the landscape of value-based specialized care. Received my MD from the University of Pennsylvania and BS in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. Previously served two research fellowship positions (IRTA & MRSP) through the NIH.

junjeon.com

Name pronunciation: Jun [JUNE] Jeon [JON]
Pronouns: he/him/his

John Perez, Ballad Ventures

Managing Director at Ballad Ventures


Webinar 11 – Healthcare Engineering & Manufacturing and Supply Chain

Sep 21, 2023 – 9am PT

Jim Warren, Jabil Healthcare

I have been fortunate to work for Jabil for many years. In that time, I have been privileged to learn from many great leaders both inside and outside of our company. I have also lived abroad and had a chance to see how the cultures around the world enhance a great culture like Jabil’s. As I continue to evolve my leadership style, I still feel the most important tenants are that of compassion, inclusion, patience, trust and service.

Jason Meridew, Zimmer Biomet

Highly accomplished leader combining skills in product development and business development. Known for expertise in product design and innovation, portfolio management, project management, customer relationship building, and troubleshooting techniques essential to bringing solutions to market on time and on budget. Armed with a strong business and engineering background, decision making skills to effectively resolve problems to meet customer needs both internal and external to the organization.


Webinar 12 – Marketing and Branding

Sep 28, 2023 – 9am PT

Branden Morris, MedTech Innovator

I’m a marketer because I love telling stories and crafting experiences that evoke emotion and inspire action.

I have grown brands, launched products, and generated leads through managing the art and science of marketing. Combining a data-driven understanding of markets, a strong creative story that specifically speaks to customers’ needs, and the seamless execution of multichannel strategies that deliver the message when and how prospects are most receptive, I have helped my organizations grow sales, delight customers, and influence industries.

Laura Nobles, Pazanga Health Communications

My company Pazanga Heath Communications is the Navy Seal team of healthcare communications. We are senior led and senior driven. Our staff is steeped in healthcare with experience at the highest agency and in-house and levels, and also includes seasoned healthcare and medtech journalists. Who you see is who you get.

Our services cover a range of communications functions, from brand positioning, messaging and design to campaign execution across traditional and social media, digital marketing, events, KOL programs, patient advocacy and more.

I proudly lead the team as a trusted C suite advisor – offering our clients strategic thinking and communication programming designed to drive market adoption, sales growth and, when appropriate, successful exit strategies.

On a personal note, I am also a member of the Business Council of the Orange County Chapter of the American Cancer Society. I am honored to be co-chairing the upcoming 2024 ASC Orange County gala. My goal is to raise an obscene amount of money for this organization, which has helped an untold number of people including my own family.

Tom Salemi, DeviceTalks

I host podcasts, conduct video interviews, and organize events – both virtual and in-person -to ensure our innovative Medtech ecosystem stays strong and saves lives.

Webinar 13 – Global Scaling & Building a Sales Force

Oct 5, 2023 – 9am PT

Brandon Bendes, Woven Orthopedics

I have dedicated my career to building businesses and guiding them through their evolving lifecycle stages. A former management consultant and venture investor, I am a strategic specialist and financier who merges the perspectives of two different disciplines to build companies by creating and executing actionable plans while also optimizing resource allocation to maximize growth and returns. I’ve led and supported companies at all stages and have improved care in markets around the globe. After a number of successful exits in the early 2010s, I co-founded Woven Orthopedic Technologies to solve a pressing challenge routinely experienced by clinicians in orthopedics.

Rob Bryant, Formerly Medtronic

Formerly National Sales Director, Medtronic
Now Chief Commercial Officer, Xoran Technologies

Webinar 14 – Hospital Supply Chain & Distribution Channels

Oct 19, 2023 – 9am PT

2023 Upcoming Webinars

2023 Schedule

All webinars begin at 9:00AM PT, unless otherwise noted
 
Date Topic
JUN 29 Creating an Effective Company Video
JUL 6 Term Sheets & Deal Structuring
JUL 27 US Health Economics & Market Access
AUG 3 Strategic Partnerships & Co-Development
AUG 10 Provider Partnerships: Pilots and Trials
AUG 17 Developing Talent and Company Culture
AUG 24 Engaging with the FDA
AUG 31 Partnering with Payers
SEPT 7 Safety and Security
SEPT 14 Investment Panel: VC/ CVC & Commercial Banks
SEPT 21 Healthcare Engineering & Manufacturing and Supply Chain
SEPT 28 Marketing & Branding
OCT 5 Global Scaling & Building a Sales Force
OCT 19 Hospital Supply Chain & Distribution Channels