The Medical Alley Podcast (Presented by MentorMate)

Hosted by Medical Alley

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Episodes

283

Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

Gain insights from leaders as they discuss their experiences guiding the organizations that make Medical Alley the epicenter of health innovation and care. Join us for conversations with top healthcare CEOs, startup entrepreneurs, and other experts in healthcare community who are doing innovative work right here in Medical Alley.

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60 recent

September 9, 202632 min

Navigating Today's Health Tech Job Market with Talencio CEO Paula Norbom

On this episode of the Medical Alley Podcast , we sit down with Paula Norbom , founder and CEO of Talencio , to unpack what's happening in today's health and life sciences job market and how professionals can position themselves for what comes next. Paula shares practical advice for approaching your career as a "company of one," defining the value you bring, strengthening your LinkedIn presence, networking more effectively, and using AI as a tool in your job search. She also explains why hiring timelines have stretched, and what job seekers can do to stay focused when a search takes longer than expected. Send us a message! Follow Medical Alley on social media on LinkedIn , Facebook , X and Instagram .

May 19, 202625 min

Inside the Clinical Trial Journey with Mobius Medical: Data, AI, and Bringing MedTech to Market

On this episode of the Medical Alley Podcast, host Ben Wagner sits down with the leaders of Mobius Medical — co-founder Stefan Czyniewski and VP of clinical operations David Pomfret — for a behind-the-scenes look at the regulatory and clinical strategies shaping the future of medtech innovation. From early feasibility studies in Australia, to scaling operating in the United States, the conversation explores the realities of clinical research, the biggest mistakes founders make when building regulatory strategies, and why bringing medical technology to market is "not just hard — it's really, really, hard." Send us a message! Follow Medical Alley on social media on LinkedIn , Facebook , X and Instagram .

May 6, 202621 min

The Human Stories Behind Health Equity with David McLain

In this episode of the Medical Alley Podcast, host Bobbie Dressen sits down with National Geographic photographer and filmmaker David McLain for a powerful conversation ahead of his keynote at the 2026 Medical Alley Annual Celebration on May 21st. Drawing from his decades of work — from documenting the world's longest-living populations in the Blue Zones , to capturing the realities of underserved communities across the U.S. — David shares what he's learned about prevention, environment, and the role of access in shaping health outcomes. As David puts it, "We all deserve a fair shot at living a life in full health." This episode is a reminder of what's at stake, and what's possible when we see the world through someone else's eyes. Send us a message! Follow Medical Alley on social media on LinkedIn , Facebook , X and Instagram .

April 21, 202619 min

Inside the Rise of Integrated CDMOs with Forj Medical's Jeff Kelly

What does it take to bring a medical device from idea to reality — faster, smarter, and with less risk? In this episode of the Medical Alley Podcast, Ben Wagner sits down with Jeff Kelly, Chief Commercial Officer at Forj Medical, a newly formed CDMO built from the combination of Intricon and Minnetronix. Jeff shares how the medtech landscape is shifting, from fragmented supply chains to fully integrated partners, and why OEMs are demanding more from their manufacturing relationships. They also dig into what this means for the Medical Alley ecosystem, the importance of building a strong talent pipeline, and where the CDMO model is headed next. Send us a message! Follow Medical Alley on social media on LinkedIn , Facebook , X and Instagram .

April 14, 202635 min

The Heart of Leadership: A Conversation with Dr. Connie Delaney

In this episode of the Medical Alley Podcast, host Ben Wagner speaks with Dr. Connie Delaney, dean of the University of Minnesota School of Nursing, about the science, compassion, and leadership at the heart of nursing. Together, they discuss Dr. Delaney’s path into nursing and academia, the growing workforce challenges facing the profession, and how innovation—including artificial intelligence—can better support both clinicians and patients. They also explore the themes of her book, Leading with Love , and what it means to lead with empathy, presence, and purpose in today’s healthcare environment. This is a thoughtful conversation about the future of nursing—and the human connection that must remain at the center of healthcare. Send us a message! Follow Medical Alley on social media on LinkedIn , Facebook , X and Instagram .

March 31, 202622 min

Inside Salesforce’s Vision for AI-Driven Engagement in MedTech

MedTech companies are navigating a new reality: more data, more tools, and more pressure to engage customers and teams in smarter, more efficient ways. But with no clear playbook, many are struggling to keep up. In this episode of the Medical Alley Podcast, Ben Wagner sits down with Salesforce’s Larry Davis to unpack how engagement is evolving across the industry, and where AI is beginning to make a real impact. From the rise of agentic AI to the challenges of scaling innovation in highly regulated environments, Larry shares practical insights on how organizations can cut through complexity, reduce administrative burden, and empower teams to focus on what matters most. They explore: Why only 28% of a sales rep’s time is spent actually selling—and how to fix it What “agentic AI” really means (and why it matters now) The biggest mistakes companies make when adopting AI How to move from pilots to enterprise-scale transformation What the future of personalized, patient-centered engagement could look like Whether you’re leading commercial teams, building digital strategy, or simply trying to make sense of the AI wave, this conversation offers a clear, grounded look at where MedTech is heading, and how to keep up. Send us a message! Follow Medical Alley on social media on LinkedIn , Facebook , X and Instagram .

March 24, 202628 min

Leading with Heart: The Future of Pediatric Care with Dr. Emily Chapman

What does it mean to lead a health system where every decision shapes the future of a child and their family? In this episode of the Medical Alley Podcast, Medical Alley President and CEO Roberta Dressen sits down with Dr. Emily Chapman, President and CEO of Children’s Minnesota, to explore leadership in a moment of profound change for healthcare. Dr. Chapman shares her journey from child life specialist to pediatrician to CEO, and reflects on the responsibility of guiding one of the nation’s largest independent pediatric health systems. The conversation explores how Children’s Minnesota is navigating workforce challenges, strengthening partnerships across the care continuum, and advancing innovation in a field where both science and compassion are essential. From responding to community crises to reimagining what “value” means in healthcare, this episode offers a powerful look at how pediatric systems are evolving, and why investing in children’s health is foundational to the future of care. Send us a message! Follow Medical Alley on social media on LinkedIn , Facebook , X and Instagram .

November 20, 202525 min

Strengthening the STEM Talent Pipeline through Medtronic Spark with Dr. Sally Saba

On this episode of The Medical Alley Podcast, we dive into one of the most urgent challenges facing our industry — our workforce. From shortages across clinical roles to the growing demand for skilled digital and technical talent, the strength of our future healthcare system truly depends on the people who power it. To help us unpack the issue, we welcome Dr. Sally Saba , president of the Medtronic Foundation and Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer at Medtronic. Dr. Saba is leading one of the most ambitious workforce initiatives in the country — Medtronic Spark , a 10-year, $100 million commitment designed to expand opportunity, strengthen the STEM talent pipeline, and ensure that the next generation of innovators reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. Applications for the Medtronic Spark Scholarship are officially open. To learn more about how to apply, click here . Send us a message! Follow Medical Alley on social media on LinkedIn , Facebook , X and Instagram .

November 4, 202540 min

Understanding Alzheimer's Disease: From Diagnosis to Discovery with Eli Lilly & Company, Mayo Clinic, and the Alzheimer's Association

On this episode of The Medical Alley Podcast, we’re recognizing Alzheimer’s Awareness Month with three special guests: Dr. Brandy Matthews (VP, Global & US Medical Affairs, Alzheimer's Disease at Eli Lilly and Company), Dr. Ronald Petersen (Neurologist, Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center), and Robert Freeman (VP, Public Policy, Alzheimer’s Association, MN-ND Chapter). In the discussion, we break down what Alzheimer’s Disease is, how it’s diagnosed, the latest innovations in research and treatments, and what the future of Alzheimer’s care could look like. Send us a message! Follow Medical Alley on social media on LinkedIn , Facebook , X and Instagram .

October 21, 202547 min

Women in Health Leadership: Sheri Dodd, CEO of Tactile Medical

On September 30, Medical Alley hosted Women in Health Leadership, bringing together an extraordinary group of leaders for connection, reflection, and growth. The featured speaker was Sheri Dodd , CEO of Tactile Medical . Sheri is a seasoned executive with vast experience in the pharmaceutical, medical device, and digital health sectors. She is widely respected for her insight, integrity, and perspectives on healthcare transformation and leadership and offered lessons in leadership and inspiration to pursue bold ideas and meaningful change in your work. Send us a message! Follow Medical Alley on social media on LinkedIn , Facebook , X and Instagram .