Design, Build, and Use It! A Crash Course and Guide to Device Innovation, 2024

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Otolaryngologists -- by the very nature of the profession and problems they address -- are innovative individuals. This is also reflected in the growing number of practitioners who find themselves assessing and developing new devices and technologies. If you are an Otolaryngologist who is interested in being more involved in the device and technology development space, or wish to better understand the pathways that have brought a new device to your practice, then this course is for you. You will be introduced to a practical process for innovation within the medical device space. Participants will have the chance to learn from experts with experience in developing and evaluating devices in academic, private, and government regulatory settings, and who have experience in working with startup and established companies. Updated for 2024, this course is redesigned to be accessible to people both new and experienced in this aspect of the Business of Medicine. A case-based approach with brand new sections to illustrate key learning points will be employed. Participants will be introduced to a number of subject areas including: 1) problem-based ideas versus technocentric ideas, 2) building your team, 3) design considerations, 4) funding methods, 5) basics of patents/intellectual property, 6) device considerations for regulatory pathways, and 7) Total Product Lifecycle and innovation impact. The presenters will also introduce concepts specific to health equity and disparities, and how this relates to innovation. Also new for 2024 is an expanded discussion on the “how-to” for developing and launching a new device.

The presenters will bring their in depth, real-world experience as well as data-driven information to the audience.