The Backtable Innovation Podcast brings you the stories from physician entrepreneurs and founders who are helping to drive healthcare forward through med tech innovation. Listen on BackTable.com or on the streaming platform of your choice. You can also visit www.BackTable.com to browse our open access, physician-catered knowledge center.
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Ep. 82 Biodesign Insights: Embracing Risk and Innovation with Dr. Christopher Kinsella
Friday, October 25, 2024 • Duration 54:28
Are you curious about the biotechnology startup world? Learn how our guest transitioned from trauma surgeon to entrepreneur in this episode of the BackTable Podcast. Dr. Chris Kinsella, CEO of Watershed Therapeutics and our host Dr. Bryan Hartley discuss the importance of using entrepreneurship to solve clinical needs. Watershed Therapeutics has created a novel bladder drug delivery platform to help women with recurrent urinary tract infections.
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SYNPOSIS
The doctors systematically cover the process of identifying market needs, inventing solutions, bringing a product to the market, and managing risk. They also share examples of successful startup ventures and underscore the importance of perseverance, innovative thinking, and strategic market focus in forging a path to success.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction
04:30 - The Birth of a Surgical Trainer
07:04 - Challenges and Innovations in Trauma Surgery
22:06 - Evaluating and Killing Ideas
28:27 - Challenging Assumptions
29:53 - Meeting a Co-Founder
33:07 - Developing the Solution
37:29 - Raising Funds
40:28 - Navigating Regulatory Challenges and Market Expansion
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RESOURCES
Watershed Therapeutics:
https://www.watershedtx.com/
Stanford Biodesign Innovation Fellowship:
https://biodesign.stanford.edu/programs/fellowships/innovation-fellowships.html
Ep. 81 Endovascular Innovations: The Ellipsys story with Dr. Jeff Hull
Friday, September 27, 2024 • Duration 58:37
Surgical arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation has been a mainstay of dialysis care for multiple decades. What does it take to break into such an established space with a new endovascular medical device? In this episode of the BackTable Podcast, Dr. Jeffrey Hull discusses the challenging journey of developing the Ellipsys system for endovascular AVF creation.
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SYNPOSIS
We trace Dr. Hull’s path from the device's initial conception in 2006, through the first-in-human cases in 2013, to regulatory approval and acquisition by Medtronic in 2020. Dr. Hull highlights the roles of key business mentors, the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration with vascular surgery and nephrology, and the impact of investment. He also shares valuable insights on the benefits of having competitors and selecting a well-thought-out exit strategy. Additionally, we explore deep vein arterialization (DVA) as another application of endovascular AVF creation in the context of peripheral arterial disease.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction
03:05 - The Birth of the Percutaneous AV Fistula Creation
15:04 - First-in-Human Cases
17:58 - Navigating the Startup Journey
21:52 - Identifying Mentors and Investors
27:33 - Competition and Criticism
36:43 - Regulatory Hurdles
44:45 - Acquisition by Medtronic
49:14 - Deep Vein Arterialization for Peripheral Arterial Disease
54:40 - Final Thoughts and Advice
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RESOURCES
Avenu Medical:
https://avenumedical.com/
Gracz KC et al. Proximal forearm fistula for maintenance hemodialysis (1977):
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/839655/
Hull JE et al. The Pivotal Multicenter Trial of Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Arteriovenous Fistula Creation for Hemodialysis Access (2018):
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29275056/
Endovascular Today- Update on Percutaneous AV Fistula Creation (2015):
https://evtoday.com/articles/2015-june/update-on-percutaneous-av-fistula-creation
Mallios A, Jennings WC. Percutaneous arteriovenous fistula creation with the Ellipsys Vascular Access System-the state of the art (2020):
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8353338/
Ep. 80 World of Hurt: A New Film About Medical Malpractice with Viknesh Kasthuri
Friday, September 13, 2024 • Duration 36:39
In a society where discussions about medical malpractice are often concealed from the public eye, this episode of BackTable shines a spotlight on the powerful documentary ‘A World of Hurt: How Medical Malpractice Fails Everyone,’ produced by Viknesh Kasthuri, a fourth-year medical student at Brown University. Released earlier this year, the film explores how the American medical malpractice system harms and disconnects patients and providers through three compelling case studies.
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SYNPOSIS
We delve into Viknesh’s motivations and the process behind creating the documentary, discussing the need for improved provider education on lawsuits, effective communication with patients and legal teams, and strategies for coping mentally and emotionally throughout this intensive process.
Additionally, Viknesh provides a behind-the-scenes look at documentary production, including filming during the COVID pandemic, creating environments for patients and providers to share their stories, and submitting the documentary to film festivals.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction
02:40 - Inspiration Behind the Documentary
06:10 - Technical and Legal Aspects of Documentary Production
14:34 - Releasing the Documentary
17:04 - Physician and Patient Responses to Medical Errors
20:27 - Highlighting Communication Resolution Programs
23:04 - Educational Gaps in Medical Training
26:43 - Exploring Systemic Solutions to Management of Medical Errors
30:16 - Final Thoughts and Future Projects
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RESOURCES
A World of Hurt Documentary:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09IVcL6pACU
BackTable VI Ep. 77- Doctors and Litigation: The L Word, with Dr. Gita Pensa:
https://www.backtable.com/shows/vi/podcasts/177/doctors-litigation-the-l-word
The L Word Podcast with Dr. Gita Pensa:
https://doctorsandlitigation.com/podcast-2
BackTable ENT Ep. 90- Coaching Physicians Through the Stress of Malpractice Litigation, with Dr. Gita Pensa:
https://www.backtable.com/shows/ent/podcasts/90/coaching-physicians-through-the-stress-of-malpractice-litigation
Michigan Model Communication and Resolution Program:
https://www.uofmhealth.org/michigan-model-medical-malpractice-and-patient-safety-umhs
Ep. 79 Innovations in Superficial Venous Disease Treatment with Dr. Ali Golshan
Friday, July 26, 2024 • Duration 36:24
Superficial venous disease can pose significant management challenges, particularly after patients have exhausted conservative and invasive therapies. This week, our host, Dr. Sabeen Dhand, interviews Dr. Ali Golshan, an interventional radiologist and the founder of SOLVEIN. Dr. Golshan discusses the latest advancements in treating superficial venous disease, highlighting both the benefits and complexities of thermal and non-thermal ablation techniques.
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SYNPOSIS
Dr. Golshin introduces SOLVEIN, his innovative medical device designed to address these challenges. The conversation also includes practical tips for managing patients with venous insufficiencies, along with insights into the entrepreneurial journey involved in developing a new medical device.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction
02:02 - Defining Superficial Venous Disease
05:43 - Diagnostic Techniques and Imaging
08:29 - Current Treatment Options for Venous Insufficiency
20:07 - Introducing SOLVEIN
29:42 - FDA Approval Pathway
33:37 - Advice for Aspiring Medical Entrepreneurs
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RESOURCES
Dr. Ali Golshan’s Practice:
https://www.beachwellnessmd.com/
Ep. 78 Making Healthcare Accessible and Affordable Using Deep Learning with Dr. Samir Shah
Tuesday, July 2, 2024 • Duration 55:23
Dr. Samir Shah and our host, Dr. Aaron Fritts, discuss upcoming disruptions in radiology due to artificial intelligence (AI), including AI's role in making healthcare more accessible and affordable.
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SYNPOSIS
Dr. Shah outlines his career trajectory, from his interventional radiology (IR) training to his entry into teleradiology. He describes his first encounter with AI through natural language processing for encoding radiology reports. Currently, he serves as the Chief Medical Officer of Qure AI, a platform that utilizes deep learning to aid in diagnosing medical conditions from pathology and radiology imaging. He emphasizes that AI will streamline medical workflows by automating patient summaries, image recognition, and cancer detection. These changes are particularly crucial in today's healthcare environment, which emphasizes productivity. The discussion also explores the benefits and challenges of integrating AI into modern radiology workflows and the learning opportunities it presents for trainees.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast
03:12 - Dr. Shah’s Professional Journey
17:59 - Starting the CMO Role at Qure AI
20:42 - Mainstream Integration of AI
30:39 - Qure’s Mission and Global Impact
37:20 - Early Cancer Detection
46:18 - Training Radiologists in AI
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RESOURCES
BackTable Innovation Ep. 7- Viz.AI: Improving Access to Stroke Care using AI
with Dr. Chris Mansi:
https://www.backtable.com/shows/innovation/podcasts/7/vizai-improving-access-to-stroke-care-using-ai
BackTable Innovation Ep. 29- Artificial Intelligence & Imaging: Present & Future with Aidoc Founder Elad Walach:
https://www.backtable.com/shows/innovation/podcasts/29/artificial-intelligence-imaging-present-future-with-aidoc-founder-elad-walach
BackTable Innovation Ep. 68- Transforming Radiology with Workflow Solutions
with Dr. Woojin Kim:
https://www.backtable.com/shows/innovation/podcasts/68/transforming-radiology-with-workflow-solutions
BackTable Innovation Ep. 73- AI in Medicine: Navigating the New Frontier with Confidence
with Dr. Matthew Lungren:
https://www.backtable.com/shows/innovation/podcasts/73/ai-in-medicine-navigating-the-new-frontier-with-confidence
Qure AI: https://www.qure.ai/
Dr. Samir Shah’s email:
Samir.Shah@qure.ai
NightHawk Radiology:
https://www.nighthawkradiology.com/
vRad Teleradiology:
https://www.vrad.com/
Radiology Partners:
https://www.radpartners.com/
AI Doc:
https://www.aidoc.com/
Subtle Medical:
https://subtlemedical.com/
Ep. 77 AI Scribes: Enhancing Patient and Physician Interaction with Elie Toubiana
Friday, June 21, 2024 • Duration 43:32
Dr. Aditya Bagrodia sits down with Elie Toubiana, founder and CEO of ScribeMD.ai, to discuss the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical documentation.
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SYNPOSIS
Their conversation covers the capabilities and benefits of using an AI-driven medical scribe that ensures HIPAA compliance, reduces physician burnout, and enhances patient interactions. Elie also shares his insights about the technology’s adaptability across various medical fields. Finally, Dr. Bagrodia and Elie discuss ethical considerations surrounding applications of AI in other aspects of healthcare, such as medical workup and diagnosis.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction
06:00 - How ScribeMD AI Works
14:14 - Integration with EMR
20:31 - Legal Considerations with AI Technology
26:34 - Cost Implications of AI Scribes
38:46 - Future of AI in Medical Diagnosis
41:45 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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RESOURCES
ScribeMD.ai
https://www.scribemd.ai/
Ep. 76 ProScan’s Path: Medical Expertise to Business Success Part 2 with Dr. Stephen J. Pomeranz
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 • Duration 49:01
In this episode of the BackTable Innovation Podcast, host Dr. Bryan Hartley interviews Dr. Stephen Pomeranz, founder and CEO of ProScan Imaging, co-founder of Medality (formerly MRI Online), and a pioneering radiologist in MRI technology. This is the second part of a two-episode series on ProScan.
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SYNPOSIS
The doctors discuss the growth and evolution of ProScan Imaging, including Dr. Pomeranz’a personal journey to becoming an entrepreneur, as well as business strategies that have led to ProScan’s success. Dr. Pomeranz describes the business’s unique physician-owned structure, which allows physicians to team up and directly invest in tangible assets of technology and real estate. Additionally, a core principle of ProScan’s business has been an emphasis on service excellence, which has been made possible by recruitment of hospitality leaders.
Overall, this episode highlights the importance of high-quality patient care, learning from other industries, and the significance of finding mentors and the right business model for aspiring physician entrepreneurs.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast
04:58 - Service Excellence and Scaling Up
12:09 - Technology Investment Opportunities for Physicians
21:37 - Teaching within the Private Practice Sphere
27:40 - Job Flexibility and Investment Opportunities Within ProScan
35:14 - Advice for Early Stage Entrepreneurs
38:19 - Future Endeavors for ProScan
43:18 - Episode Summary and Final Thoughts
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RESOURCES
BackTable Innovation Episode 75- ProScan’s Path: Medical Expertise to Business Success Part 1:
https://www.backtable.com/shows/innovation/podcasts/75/proscans-path-medical-expertise-to-business-success-part-1-with-dr-stephen-j-pomeranz
ProScan Imaging:
https://proscan.com/
MRI Total Body Atlas by Stephen J. Pomeranz:
https://www.amazon.com/Total-Body-Atlas-Stephen-Pomeranz/dp/1882576063
Medality:
https://medality.com/
Ep. 75 ProScan’s Path: Medical Expertise to Business Success Part 1 with Dr. Stephen J. Pomeranz
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 • Duration 40:47
This episode of the Back Table Podcast features Dr. Stephen Pomeranz, a trailblazing radiologist who shares his journey from taking over a struggling medical practice to founding ProScan Imaging, one of the leading imaging centers in the country.
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SYNPOSIS
Dr. Pomeranz discusses his early motivations for entering the field of radiology, his initial opportunity to learn about MRI in its early stages, and his unexpected but rewarding path to starting his own imaging company. He recounts obstacles of overcoming professional challenges, including dealing with resource limitations and navigating financial risks, during his mission to provide more patient-centered and efficient care.
Dr. Pomeranz also describes how he built networks based on his connections with radiologists all over the world, non-physician providers trained in radiology, and business partners. We end by discussing Dr. Pomerantz’s philanthropic efforts, his perspective on the integration of AI, and the importance of a growth mindset in transforming patient care.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction
01:03 - Dr. Pomertanz’s Early Career and MRI Education
09:30 - Quality Patient Care with Independent Practice
13:22 - The Beginning and Expansion of ProScan
19:42 - Thoughts on the Future of Radiology
23:42 - Integrating Non-Physician Providers in Radiology
28:50 - Structured Training Within Radiology Practices
34:21 - Philanthropic Endeavors and Reflections
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RESOURCES
ProScan Imaging:
https://proscan.com/
MRI Total Body Atlas by Stephen J. Pomeranz:
https://www.amazon.com/Total-Body-Atlas-Stephen-Pomeranz/dp/1882576063
Ep. 74 Pulmera’s Journey: From Concept to Clinical Impact with Dr. Bryan Hartley
Friday, April 19, 2024 • Duration 33:51
In this episode, host Dr. Bryan Hartley takes us on a deep dive into the origin story and mission of Pulmera, a medtech company dedicated to transforming the field of bronchoscopic lung cancer diagnosis by retrofitting existing fluoroscopy machines into cone beam CT-like scanners. Dr. Hartley is a vascular and interventional radiologist and co-founded Pulmera, alongside interventional pulmonologist Dr. Harmeet Bedi at Stanford.
Pulmera is developing a novel approach to enhance physicians’ ability to diagnose lung nodules accurately through innovative technology. Dr. Hartley shares insights into the challenges of existing diagnostic methods, the inspiration behind Pulmera, and the technology’s potential to combine the best of 3D imaging and endoscopy techniques. Dr. Hartley discusses the benefits for both patients and physicians, such as improved diagnostic yields and patient outcomes, and introduces an investment opportunity for the BackTable community to be part of this revolutionary project. The episode also explores the broader implications of this technology across various medical specialties beyond pulmonology.
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SHOW NOTES
00:00 - Introduction
02:18 - Personal Journey: From Vanderbilt to Stanford Biodesign
06:11 - Pulmera’s Mission: Enhancing Diagnostic Accuracy in Lung Biopsies
15:02 - Introducing a Game-Changing Technology for Bronchoscopic Procedures
22:09 - Challenges and Breakthroughs in Portable CT Imaging
27:44 - Economic Impact of Enhanced Diagnostic Procedures
29:48 - Building a Team and Securing Funding for Innovation
31:30 - Understanding Investment Opportunities and Equity Financing
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RESOURCES
Dr. Bryan Hartley’s email:
bryan.hartley@pulmera.com
Dr. Bryan Hartley’s cell:
423-432-0612
Pulmera:
http://www.pulmera.com/
Stanford Biodesign Fellowship:
https://biodesign.stanford.edu/programs/fellowships/innovation-fellowships.html
BackTable Innovation Episode #1 - Needs Driven Innovation with Dr. Todd Brinton (Stanford BioDesign):
https://www.backtable.com/shows/innovation/podcasts/1/needs-driven-innovation
BackTable Innovation Episode #30 - Host Stories with Dr. Bryan Hartley and Dr. Eric Gantwerker (Stanford BioDesign):
https://www.backtable.com/shows/innovation/podcasts/30/host-stories
BackTable VI Episode #422 - Pathology 101: Solid Advice for Percutaneous Biopsies with Dr. Andrew Sholl:
https://www.backtable.com/shows/vi/podcasts/422/pathology-101-solid-advice-for-percutaneous-biopsies
Ep. 73 AI in Medicine: Navigating the New Frontier with Confidence with Dr. Matthew Lungren
Friday, April 5, 2024 • Duration 46:05
In this episode, Dr. Matthew Lungren discusses the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare, sharing insights into large language models, deep learning, and machine learning in improving patient care, enhancing clinical workflows, and optimizing medical research.
Dr. Lungren is a pediatric diagnostic and interventional radiologist, and the Chief Data Science Officer at Microsoft Health and Life Sciences. He advocates for a future where AI acts as a tool for healthcare professionals, allowing them to devote more time to patient care rather than administrative tasks. Additionally, the discussion explores concerns such as AI’s impact on employment and interactions with insurance companies, while presenting resources for healthcare professionals to engage with and learn about AI technologies actively.
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SHOW NOTES
00:00 - Introduction
03:00 - The Journey to AI Expertise: Dr. Lungren’s Story
05:48 - Decoding AI: From Basics to Large Language Models
13:07 - AI’s Impact on Healthcare and Beyond
15:57 - Exploring AI’s Potential in Content Creation and Clinical Efficiency
20:22 - The Future of AI in Healthcare: Opportunities and Challenges
25:27 - Leveraging AI for Diagnostic Radiology and Beyond
27:42 - The Transformative Potential of Generative AI in Healthcare
33:40 - Addressing Concerns: AI’s Role in Insurance and Patient Advocacy
36:41 - Empowering Healthcare Professionals with AI: Practical Applications and Future Outlook
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RESOURCES
Fundamentals of Machine Learning for Healthcare - Stanford University Coursera Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/fundamental-machine-learning-healthcare
Dr. Matt Lungren’s LinkedIn Learning Course on Generative AI:
https://www.linkedin.com/learning/an-introduction-to-how-generative-ai-will-transform-healthcare/introduction-to-generative-ai-in-healthcare
DeepLearning.AI Website (Professor Andrew Ng):
https://www.deeplearning.ai/
Fast.AI Website (Professor Jeremy Howard):
https://www.fast.ai/
Professor Jeremy Howard YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@howardjeremyp/featured
Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMMS) Meeting:
https://www.himssconference.com/en/homepage.html
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