The Medtech community focuses on medical devices, digital health, and health technology innovation.
Community overview
Mission: Connect physician-innovators with medical device and digital health opportunities.
Focus areas:
- Medical device development
- Digital health and health apps
- Wearables and remote monitoring
- Surgical robotics and AI
- Device regulatory pathways (510(k), PMA, De Novo)
Regular programming
| Event | Frequency | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Device Design Sessions | Biweekly (Wed 7pm PT) | Collaborative product development |
| Medtech Demo Days | Monthly | Early-stage startups pitch |
| Regulatory Workshop | Quarterly | FDA device pathway training |
Resources
Slack channel
#medtech — Main community channel
Design resources
Prototyping guides and templates
Career pathways
Medical Director (Device company)
- Focus: Clinical input on product development
- Engagement: Advisory, part-time, or full-time
- Value add: Clinical validation, KOL relationships
Chief Medical Officer
- Typical path: Clinical practice → Medical Director → CMO
- Responsibilities: Clinical strategy, regulatory interactions, publications
- Companies: Startups to Fortune 500 medtech
Clinical Research
- Roles: PI, Study Chair, Clinical Advisory Board
- Focus: Clinical trials for device approval
- Compensation: Consulting fees, grants
Digital Health Product
- Roles: Clinical Product Lead, Medical Advisor
- Focus: Product-market fit, clinical workflows
- Companies: Health apps, telehealth, EHR vendors
Device regulatory basics
| Pathway | Risk Level | Example | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 510(k) | Low-moderate | BP monitor | 3-6 months |
| De Novo | Novel low-risk | New diagnostic | 6-12 months |
| PMA | High-risk | Implantable | 1-3 years |
Get involved early
The best way to learn medtech is to join a startup advisory board or help with a clinical trial. Real-world exposure beats classroom learning.