Latest news with #ChiefMedicalOfficer
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Five Lessons From Building A Deep Tech Company
Dr. Joseph Nathan is the Co-founder, President and Chief Medical Officer of ForSight Robotics, reshaping eyecare through surgical robotics. Advanced technologies built with a deep tech approach are redefining whole industries, from robotic surgery applications to autonomous vehicles to humanoid robot assistants. Deep tech innovation focuses on developing disruptive technology that answers global challenges, while fusing multidisciplinary sectors like artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, among others. Physical AI, or the fusion of AI with physical systems, is at the heart of deep tech innovation. As the AI race intensifies and the industry expands—in 2025, more than $320 billion has already been allocated for AI developments by megacap tech companies—the opportunities for having a transformational impact on the physical world grow with it. Leading a company developing truly ground-breaking technology requires a level of resilience and a burning desire to create real impact, no matter what challenges arise along the way. The following five lessons stem from our experience building ForSight Robotics. 1. Constant Adaptation In deep tech, the product envisioned at the outset is rarely the one that reaches the market. As technologies advance, market needs shift and real-world feedback challenges early assumptions, the initial product often evolves beyond the vision and concept of the early days. Founders need to embrace that adaptation is not a setback—it is the operating system that drives the product towards its best version. The ability to constantly adapt, without losing sight of the core problem being solved, is what separates success from failure. New data points will introduce breakthroughs that may guide product development in new directions; and while this does not mean chasing every track and entirely discarding previous assumptions and designs, it does mean recognizing opportunities and, when needed, shifting to new ideas to maintain long-term viability. At ForSight, we transformed our ORYOM Robotic Surgery Platform through three generations until reaching our clinical product—providing superior precision and optimizing ergonomics, features shaped by user feedback and market need. 2. Building The Right Team Deep tech is fundamentally multidisciplinary and requires thorough collaboration across specialties. Assembling the right team begins with knit-picking top-tier talent in each discipline the product requires—but it can only be successful if those experts can build and maintain a true ecosystem. As founders, our role is to enable this ecosystem to thrive by creating the right culture and conditions for the required cross-specialty collaboration. Building a deep tech company requires a convergence of expertise and should not be approached alone. Especially for first-time founders, surrounding yourself with pioneers who have done it before—successfully, and in your particular industry—is essential. From the start of our journey, we integrated both our strategic and clinical advisors as core members of the ForSight journey. Their insights have shaped our product decisions and grounded our vision in real-world clinical needs. By tapping into the knowledge and experience of the founders who have reshaped our market, we have been able to navigate the last five years with deep insight and focus on what truly matters. 3. Validating Relentlessly Unlocking critical insights that may shape, and reshape, deep tech development roadmaps comes from relentless validation—a continuous process that ensures a breakthrough idea functions under real-world constraints, and truly answers a market need. From simulations to prototypes to transitioning to real-world models, validation of deep tech products is essential at every stage of product development. Demonstrating early prototypes, even before they are fully refined, for key users creates critical feedback loops that save time and resources down the road. Intuitive Surgical, which introduced robotics to general surgery with its da Vinci surgical system and dominates over two-thirds of the surgical robotics market today, began testing its system in 1997 and received FDA regulatory approval in 2000. Its next-generation product, expanding laparoscopic surgery to over a dozen subspecialties, would only reach the market in 2014, following nearly 15 years of testing and validation. While technological advances have significantly accelerated development and validation cycles, and medtech products reach the market much faster today than a decade ago, rigorous validation remains essential. 4. Establishing A Long-Term Foundation Scaling sustainably requires early investment in the foundational elements of a deep tech company. Just like picking the right team, designing internal processes, systems and operations early on can set the stage for the company's and product's success as it evolves. For medical technology companies, for example, building quality systems, clinical data pipelines, regulatory mapping, robust IP strategies and other functions that will only scale years later is crucial from the very first days of the company's inception. It is not only about thinking strategically and knowing that early decisions will have a long-term impact, as the product evolves and the organization grows and transitions through stages. It is about implementing critical functions and processes to create a durable and trusted system from the outset, which will result in compounding advantages. 5. Enjoying The Journey While focusing on long-term milestones is necessary to maintain momentum and always keep the goal in sight, it is the small moments along the journey that define the DNA of the company you are building. Beyond developing a novel product, you are building a community—one based on a sense of meaning and value. Amid operational pressure and intense timelines, take the time to celebrate individuals and small wins along the way. Recognizing the people who pour their hearts into bringing your vision to life allows your high-functioning teams to sustain the organization for years. Shaping the right company culture is at the heart of building a successful deep tech venture. Operating in an ecosystem with little precedent, which defines deep tech companies, requires founders to be comfortable with ambiguity, adaptable to challenges and above all, resilient. For those willing to embrace the complexity while enjoying the journey along the way, lies a truly life-changing opportunity that can impact our world for generations to come. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
Reuters
2 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Schrödinger stops development of blood cancer therapy after two patient deaths
Aug 14 (Reuters) - Schrödinger (SDGR.O), opens new tab said on Thursday it has stopped the development of an experimental drug after the death of two patients with a type of blood cancer in an early-stage trial, sending its shares down nearly 17% before the bell. The company was testing the therapy, SGR-2921, in patients with high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes, a group of blood cancers in which the bone marrow doesn't produce enough healthy blood cells, and its more serious form - acute myeloid leukemia. The drug was considered to have contributed to the deaths of two AML patients in the trial, the company said. "While disappointing given the early clinical activity observed, we believe this is the right decision for patients," Chief Medical Officer Margaret Dugan said. In pre-clinical trial, the therapy showed responses against the cancer, which suggested SGR-2921 could ultimately be used in combination with standard of care treatments, the company said. The experimental drug was designed to work by blocking CDC7, a protein that helps cancer cells repair DNA damage during replication. By inhibiting this protein, the drug causes cancer cells to accumulate fatal levels of DNA damage.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Elevating Clinical Excellence: TLCx Appoints Dr Ries as Chief Medical Officer
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, Aug. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TLCx is taking a significant step toward its long-term vision of transforming the healthcare patient experience. This move underscores the company's dedication to pioneering a new era of healthcare, one rooted in thoughtful design, patient-centered systems, and clinically sound innovation. "This is more than just a clinical appointment; it signifies a key milestone in realizing TLCx's Vision 2030," said Dr. Zachary Ries, Chief Medical Officer. "It will pioneer a new era of healthcare patient experience driven by intelligent design, human-first systems, and clinically grounded innovation." TLCx is pleased to welcome Dr. Zachary Ries as its first Chief Medical Officer. This decisive appointment highlights TLCx's dedication to reshaping the patient experience through clinically grounded innovation and human-first systems. Dr. Ries's expertise will be instrumental in guiding TLCx toward its Vision 2030, which focuses on creating a healthcare journey prioritizing the needs and well-being of patients. Tom Cardella, Founder and CEO of TLCx, added, "I've known Dr. Ries for many years, and I couldn't be more excited to have him join TLCx, especially at this time of transformation through human-driven AI solutions. His expertise and vision will be pivotal as we redefine healthcare delivery." Dr. Zachary Ries is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Spine Surgeon from Des Moines, Iowa, with nearly 18 years of medical experience. A University of Iowa graduate with advanced fellowship training at Norton Leatherman Spine Center, he is dedicated to improving patient care through clinical expertise and innovation. The addition of a Chief Medical Officer will benefit the company in the following ways: Enhanced Clinical Leadership: Dr. Ries will provide vital leadership, ensuring TLCx's strategies and innovations are firmly rooted in medical expertise. Patient-Centered Approach: With Dr. Ries at the helm, TLCx will further emphasize a patient-centered approach, designing systems and experiences that address the unique needs of each individual. Realization of Vision 2030: This appointment marks a milestone in realizing TLCx's Vision 2030, moving the company closer to its goal of transforming healthcare patient experience. Drive Innovation: Dr. Ries will also help drive innovation at TLCx, leading development of products, services, and solutions that improve patient experience and outcomes. About TLCx:TLCx is a certified veteran-owned company dedicated to enhancing customer experiences for Fortune 500 companies through innovative outsourcing solutions. With a focus on operational excellence and a people-first culture, TLCx has been a trusted partner in the CX industry for 18 years. For more information, visit Media Contact:Bryan GrayChief Commercial View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE TLCx Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CBC
05-08-2025
- Health
- CBC
Wildfire smoke could pose health problems, says chief medical officer, but there are preventatives
Smoke from the wildfires in Conception Bay North and Holyrood has created a visible haze over parts of the Avalon Peninsula. The smell of smoke has been noticed as far east as the Confederation Building in St. John's. It promptrf Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald to advise vulnerable people to stay indoors as the air quality index presents a moderate health risk for residents in St. John's and the surrounding area. "We want people to stay indoors when they can, especially if you smell the smoke like we can today," Fitzgerald said during a media availability on Tuesday afternoon. She said people vulnerable to health effects from wildfire smoke include those with asthma, chronic lung disease, seniors, young children and people who are pregnant. Symptoms of wildfire smoke inhalation can range from mild to severe. Fitzgerald said that mild symptoms include watery eyes, nasal and throat irritation, and increased phlegm production. Severe symptoms, that may require medical attention, include shortness of breath, dizziness, heart palpitations and intense coughing. She said avoiding exposure is most important. "Keep your windows and doors closed. If you have an air exchanger system, make sure you don't have it bringing in air from the outside to reduce that exposure as much as possible," Fitzgerald told reporters. In cases where people are required to go outside, Fitzgerald is encouraging them to use N95 masks over surgical masks — similar to the COVID-19 pandemic. "If your work takes you outside, and there are air quality advisories and you're concerned and you're feeling the effects of smoke, certainly wearing a well-fitted mask can be helpful in those situations," she said. Listen to your body Wildfire smoke has affected the air quality index of cities and communities across the country. Fitzgerald said a few days with a higher air quality index shouldn't cause long-term effects, but her primary concern is for those who already have issues that could be exacerbated by short-term exposure. "There have been situations here where the air quality index has been 10, not necessarily right here in town, but in the province and certainly across the country we've seen poorer air quality," she said. The most important thing, Fitzgerald said, is listening to your body. "It does tend to be transient, but we have to be aware, listen to our bodies, and keep ourselves in a clean airspace as much as possible."
ABC News
21-07-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Hundreds of aged care facilities facing COVID-19 outbreaks amid renewed vaccination calls
Dozens of aged care residents are dying of COVID each week as facilities grapple with more than 240 outbreaks nationwide. Outbreak numbers have been steadily rising since late May, according to federal data. It reached a peak of more than 300 outbreaks, 1,752 affected residents and 34 deaths in the final week of June, according to health officials. However, a spokesperson for the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing said cases were now in decline. "[The] peak outbreak and case numbers recorded this year is lower than in previous years," they told the ABC. "On 11 April 2025, the Chief Medical Officer and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner wrote to all aged care provider Board Chairs regarding expectations around staff and resident vaccinations and preventing and managing outbreaks. "The [department] contacted all providers of aged care homes prior to the winter season to remind them of the current vaccination recommendations and to seek assurance they have plans to vaccinate their residence." Lagging vaccination rates, community complacency and "damaging" misinformation were all contributing to climbing cases, experts told the ABC. The number of outbreaks throughout Australian aged care facilities reached a low of 57 active outbreaks nationwide in early April. Numbers then began to steadily increase with each passing week before reaching their June high point. As of July 11, there were 241 active outbreaks, with 1,159 residents and 438 staff testing positive for the virus. There have been 138 resident deaths since the beginning of June. Aged Care chair at the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP), Anthony Marinucci, said there were always "seasonal waves". "That's normally hand in hand with new variants of the disease," he said. "There is certainly lower booster uptake and waning community [vaccination rates] … There's also been a relaxation of precautions and higher exposure in aged care facilities. "During the actual COVID period, aged care restrictions were super, super tight, but now there is much higher community visitation [to] aged care. "The relaxing of precautions on one hand is very good for the mental health of people living in aged care, but it certainly does increase their potential to viral illnesses." He added it was "the very nature of aged care" which made it more prone to outbreaks. "It's a shared space, which often makes containment very difficult. So the facilities themselves can lead to higher outbreaks." In dozens of facilities, less than 10 per cent of residents had received a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in the last six months, according to data from the Australian Immunisation Register. The department spokesperson told the ABC it was working with facilities to boost vaccination numbers nationally. "Vaccination remains the most important measure to protect against severe disease … particularly in high-risk settings such as residential aged care," they said. "To further ensure boosters are being prioritised … the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission continues to make unannounced site visits across the country with a focus on providers with the lowest vaccination rates." Vaccinating aged care residents came with its own set of hurdles, experts told the ABC. Cognitive decline meant that, for some residents, a family member needed to consent to the vaccination first. University of New South Wales professor of Global Biosecurity Raina MacIntyre said it was concerning to see "highest risk" settings, such as aged care, lagging in vaccine booster rates. "And older people in aged care have the same right. "Aged care houses a lot of people with dementia [and] many facilities are almost 100 per cent dementia residents. "So you have to get next of kin consent for vaccination. Therefore, we need material for education of family and loved ones who are making decisions for their relatives." RACGP's president, Michael Wright, said health officials have known "since the beginning of the pandemic" that older patients were more at risk. "It's true there are often additional challenges to vaccinating in aged care, but it's literally vital to keep residents' immunity up, as that fades over time," Dr Wright said. He added the college was calling on operators to boost vaccination "as a matter of priority". "Where aged care GPs and other health workers have identified barriers, aged care operators should do everything possible ot increase vaccination coverage among these vulnerable patients. "That goes for other age groups, too, though. COVID can still cause serious harm, including chronic conditions like long COVID. Many Australians now think of COVID-19 as "just a flu", according to Professor MacIntyre. "It's not a cold, it's a really serious virus," she said. "There's an increased risk of cognitive damage [and] dementia as well with COVID. Up to a year, maybe even up to three years after one infection, your risk of heart attacks and strokes doubles, at least. "So, it causes these terrible complications, including long COVID, which is quite a debilitating condition. "It is a serious infection, and it's worth preventing it." Dr Marinucci said it was difficult to balance the psychological and physical risks when it came to protecting aged care residents. "I think that the assumption is … 'We've been through this before and we were okay, and we'll get through it again,'" he said. "But complacency can be very dangerous. "All respiratory illnesses can cause significant morbidity and mortality in a broader population. Aged care residents are a vulnerable population, there's no doubt about that. "It's not just [the] reduced immunisation, but overall that increased community visitation. "I've heard anecdotally where people have sort of said, 'Oh, I've got a sniffle, but I'll go see Mum and Dad,' whereas a few years ago, they absolutely … would have stayed away. "But on the flip side of that, I've also seen the psychological impact of lockdowns in aged care, and they were very, very significant. "So I think there has to be a precautionary balance." COVID-19 vaccines are free for all Australians, and the influenza vaccine is free for everyone aged over 65.
