Inventions

HOW DOES A PHYSICIAN GO ABOUT SOLVING HIS/HER OWN NEEDS?

A physician wanting to solve his/her own identified need must first define the need as comprehensively as possible. As the prolific inventor Charles Kettering stated, “a problem well stated is a problem half solved.” In addition to detailing a deficiency, a need should characterize the prevalence, urgency, cost reduction, and the relevance.

Proof-of-concept (i.e. feasibility), is every project’s first stage. Feasibility does not solely imply demonstrating a prototype of your idea works in a laboratory test, in an animal model or in a human clinical case. Feasibility also includes verifying a market opportunity, cost projections (profit potential) and that issued patents will not block your idea from being practiced. Typically, in parallel to feasibility, a provisional patent is filed to start the process of protecting the idea as intellectual property. A small minority of physician ideas can be licensed to medical device companies before they reach proof-of concept (e.g. when a patent issues). Most ideas, however, need validation.

Fabricating a prototype of your concept makes the idea tangible and also allows the concept to be tested. If you have the skills and resources, you can create preliminary prototypes yourself or with the help of a technical associate. If you have funds, however, companies experienced in medical device prototyping may be a more effective option. Commonly referred to as contract development companies, these outsourcing companies are capable of “turnkey” development of your concept, or a more managed approach. Finally, with a prototype of the concept you may be able to raise sufficient funding to create a start-up company with internal or outsourced resources for further development and even potentially bring the product to the market.