The Medventions Program stands as a testament to how targeted education and hands-on experience can forge the pioneers of medical technology. Katelyn So, an alumna of the program, represents the ultimate achievement of this distinctive fellowship, seamlessly blending engineering expertise with clinical insight to make significant strides in patient care and clinical workflows.
The Medventions Program distinguishes itself by offering an immersive, real-world experience that extends far beyond the conventional classroom setting.
For So, the exposure to clinical translation was invaluable. She articulated this sentiment, noting, “The Medventions experience was incredibly invaluable, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
“During the first few weeks of the program, there was a lot of excitement and anticipation,” said So. One of the key aspects So praised was the program’s ability to prepare her for the complexities of the healthcare industry, especially in her role at Epineuron, with whom she connected at the annual Medventions Innovation Day. She underscored the practical benefits of the coursework and clinical needs-finding, which “vastly prepared” her for dealing with the real-world challenges of clinical translation and research. “Because of the Medventions program and the immersion, I know how to interact with surgeons, how to observe carefully in the OR, how these health systems work,” So explained. Her words underscore the depth of understanding and the hands-on skills that the program instills in its fellows, ensuring they are not just innovators but also effective collaborators within the healthcare ecosystem.
As one of two engineers in her group, she embarked on a unique fellowship with the initial plan of undertaking a single project but experienced a eureka moment that led them to pursue two separate projects in the realms of oncology and urology. Despite a slow start and challenges in finding a clear path, the duo expanded their focus beyond ortho-oncology into urology, recognizing that the issues they aimed to address extended beyond their original domain. With encouragement from Dr. Cari Whyne, Dr. Jeremie Larouche, Dr. Urban Emmenegger, Dr. Laurence Klotz, and insights from Dr. Brian Courtney and Dr. Ahmed Nasef, they decided to take on the daunting task of developing two separate solutions. This decision required them to create two distinct innovations for the fellowship’s conclusion.
“The Medventions program eliminates a lot of the boundaries and red tape,” chimed So. “In the hospital, you’re allowed to observe as much as you want. You’re able to move projects forward so much more easily. The resources were plentiful, and the people that you work with have the same mindset; it’s an unparalleled learning environment for medtech innovation.”
At the end of the program, when So and her co-fellow, Austin Sawyer, presented their two novel medtech solutions, they were ultimately recognized and commended for their ambition and the potential of their ideas, with mentors encouraging them along the way to think outside the box and not feel constrained by the program’s structure. The program’s flexibility and the absence of significant hurdles played a crucial role in their ability to pursue these innovative projects.
So’s experiences highlight the program’s success in fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation. The program’s emphasis on observing and identifying clinical needs directly contributed to her success at Epineuron, where she now helps run the clinical research and translation efforts. This synergy between her Medventions training and her professional endeavours illustrates the program’s effectiveness in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Furthermore, the entrepreneurial aspect of the program resonated deeply with So, arming her with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the startup world. “The program helped me to dip my toes in entrepreneurship,” she stated, acknowledging the critical role Medventions played in her understanding of how startups begin and thrive. This entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with a solid foundation in clinical immersion, empowered So to contribute significantly to the adoption of new technologies in the hospital setting, ultimately enhancing patient care.
In advising future fellows, So’s message is clear and inspiring: “Don’t limit yourself. Come in with wide eyes. Be ready to observe, and don’t ever mark off anything as a bad idea.” For future medtech entrepreneurs, So has a simple message: “I always tell my fellow colleagues, peers, and mentees that if you have the opportunity to do Medventions, you should do it. It is a very unique program.” Her journey and achievements underscore the Medventions Program’s capacity not only to inspire but also to equip the next generation of biomedical engineers with the tools, knowledge, and mindset needed to push the boundaries of what’s possible in medical technology.
The Medventions Program, as seen through Katelyn So’s experiences, is more than an educational initiative; it’s a beacon for innovation, collaboration, and real-world impact in the medtech industry. It stands as a compelling example of how targeted training and experiential learning can prepare individuals to lead and innovate in the complex, ever-evolving world of healthcare technology.
