Med Tech Gurus

Hosted by Tom Hickey

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Episodes

357

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Med Tech Gurus is a podcast dedicated to helping medical device executives stay on the leading edge of their industry. Whether you're looking to grow your sales team, commercialize new devices, set up national accounts, or improve your clinical performances, this podcast is designed to help. Each episode features an interview with a thought leader or practitioner, discussing topics like: sales force, innovation, patient outcomes, emerging technologies, supply chain, group purchasing organizations, device launches, value analysis, biotech, and more.

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60 recent

August 26, 202629 min

If Patients Won't Use It, It Won't Help

Clinical efficacy doesn't matter if the patient won't use the device. In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we sit down with Anat Shani, biomedical engineer and CEO of Synchrony Medical, to explore a critical but often overlooked truth in MedTech: adherence is everything. Anat led the development of Liberty, a patient-centered airway clearance device designed to help individuals with chronic respiratory conditions manage mucus buildup and reduce infection risk—all from home. What makes this story unique is not just the speed to market—FDA authorization and commercialization in under five years—but the relentless focus on real-world usability. We dive into why many clinically effective respiratory devices fail in practice, how patient feedback reshaped Liberty's design from day one, and why comfort, simplicity, and workflow integration must be engineered—not added later. From iterative prototyping with patients to refining even the language used in instructions, Anat shares how small design decisions can drive massive differences in outcomes. We also explore the realities of launching in the U.S. market, aligning messaging across stakeholders, and building a lean, disciplined team that can move quickly without losing focus. For MedTech founders and innovators, this episode delivers a powerful message: the best product isn't the most advanced—it's the one patients actually use. If you're interested in respiratory care, home healthcare devices, patient adherence, MedTech design, digital health, or medical device commercialization, this episode offers a practical playbook for building products that succeed beyond the clinical trial.

August 19, 202639 min

The New MedTech Battleground

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.

August 12, 202634 min

When Cyber Attacks Become Patient Care Events

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.

August 5, 202631 min

Why Great MedTech Doesn't Get Adopted

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.

July 29, 202639 min

The Diagnostic Odyssey: What Healthcare Gets Wrong About Patients

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.

July 22, 202638 min

Time Is Lives

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.

July 15, 202637 min

The End of 'See One, Do One, Teach One

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.

July 8, 202640 min

Visibility Is the New Currency

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.

July 1, 202637 min

Why Telehealth Isn't Just a Video Call

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.

June 24, 202631 min

Robots Are Coming to the Cath Lab

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.