We have all heard stories from doctors about some medical device company stealing their idea for a new product. Perhaps, there are real medtech bandits on the prowl, but in the vast majority of cases, it’s more a matter of misconceptions and miscommunication. Read More
There are many reasons why a doctor may let a great medical device idea gather dust and never see the light of day. Time has to be the greatest culprit, since doctors are busy and developing an idea is like a second job – a job with no training manual. Never mind the time required finding the right resources to support the effort. Money is a second barrier to entry and also impacts resources. The third deterrent is more abstract… FEAR.
So, you are a doctor with a great idea but you don’t know what to do first. How do you get started in turning your concept into a medical device product that can be used in the clinic?
When it comes to developing medical devices, there are engineers that love working on complex electro-mechanical systems with sophisticated software algorithms. Maybe I am the exception that proves the rule, but for me the simpler the idea the better. In fact, when I come across an elegant solution to an entrenched medical problem in the form of a low-tech design, I just smile and give a mental high-five. Read More
