The current COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on clinical trials has created a sense of chaos amongst medical device companies worldwide. Are there creative ways to stay on track while ensuring the safety of those involved? In this episode of the Global Medical Device Podcast, Jon Speer talks to Isabella Schmitt, Regulatory Affairs Consultant, and Stephanie Mull, Director of Clinical Project Management, from Proxima Clinical Research (CRO). Together, they discuss the challenges and concerns for m...
Jul 29, 2020•39 min•Ep 157•Transcript available on Metacast Are you considering patent protection for your software as a medical device? Should you keep your secret sauce via the trade secret route? Perform due diligence to stay ahead of the competition. In this episode of the Global Medical Device Podcast, Jon Speer talks to Kevin Buckley and Neil Thompson from Torrey Pines Law Group. Their biotech-focused legal firm specializes in artificial intelligence (AI) applied to medical devices. Together, they discuss intellectual property (IP) with software as...
Jul 22, 2020•39 min•Ep 156•Transcript available on Metacast What makes Greenlight Guru unique? It’s Guru edge, composed of a team of medical device experts with over seventy years of combined industry experience. In this episode of the Global Medical Device Podcast, Jon Speer talks to Jesseca Lyons, a senior medical device guru at Greenlight Guru, a self-proclaimed design control junkie with a mechanical engineer background. Listen as Jesseca shares her insights on the importance of design controls and how a deep understanding of the different pieces and...
Jul 15, 2020•37 min•Ep 155•Transcript available on Metacast Where do you begin when building a quality management system (QMS) for a medical device? It’s a task that is often delayed until later stages of development. Don’t wait to implement a QMS; the consequences of waiting too long can lead to irreparable damage to your processes and, in some cases, product failures. In this episode of the Global Medical Device Podcast, Jon Speer talks to quality and regulatory expert Mike Drues, president of Vascular Sciences. Together they discuss why a QMS is so im...
Jul 08, 2020•44 min•Ep 154•Transcript available on Metacast What makes Greenlight Guru unique? The Guru Edge—a team of medical device professionals with over eight decades of combined industry experience. Greenlight Guru’s mission is to improve quality of life, and those of customers, through True Quality products managed through its medical device quality management system (MDQMS) software. In this episode of the Global Medical Device Podcast, Jon Speer talks to Taylor Brown, a medical device guru for Greenlight Guru’s Customer Success team with 7+ yea...
Jul 01, 2020•43 min•Ep 153•Transcript available on Metacast What is regulatory due diligence? Why does it matter, and how does it differ from other regulatory strategies and pathways? In this episode of the Global Medical Device Podcast, Jon Speer talks to Mike Drues of Vascular Sciences about the importance of and reasons for regulatory due diligence that all medical device professionals should understand. Some of the highlights of the show include: • Regulatory due diligence involves looking at what’s been done so far when a company is developing a med...
Jun 24, 2020•41 min•Ep 152•Transcript available on Metacast Are you discouraged by all of the negative news and sad stories about COVID-19? Let's shift the focus to a story centered on positivity and innovation that will reignite hope for a better, safer road ahead. In this episode of the Global Medical Device Podcast, Jon Speer talks to Dan Purvis, CEO and co-founder of Velentium. Dan shares some much needed positivity through the uplifting stories and experiences of Project V, a collaborative venture backed by Velentium, Ventec Life Systems, and Genera...
Jun 18, 2020•33 min•Ep 151•Transcript available on Metacast There is a spectrum of feelings someone may experience in the midst of a career transition. For some, however, being laid off can turn out to be one of the best things to ever happen to them. In this episode of the Global Medical Device Podcast, Jon Speer talks to Aaron Moncur, owner of Pipeline Design & Engineering and host of the Being an Engineer podcast, as they both reflect on the twists and turns of their professional journeys to help others realize their full potential and seize new caree...
Jun 11, 2020•39 min•Ep 150•Transcript available on Metacast Most of us have read about, observed, participated in, and spoke with healthcare providers and medical device professionals collaborating during the COVID-19 crisis. Creativity within reason can be an opportunity. Like many things in life, it’s not what happens to us that counts, it’s how we choose to respond. COVID-19 is not an excuse to cut corners. In this episode of the Global Medical Device Podcast Jon Speer invites guest Mike Drues of Vascular Sciences to join the show. Together, they shar...
Jun 03, 2020•43 min•Ep 149•Transcript available on Metacast What is a regulatory strategy? What are the components involved? In this episode of the Global Medical Device Podcast Jon Speer talks to Mike Drues of Vascular Sciences to provide listeners with practical and pragmatic tips on how to construct a meaningful, not misunderstood, misapplied, and misused regulatory strategy. Some of the highlights of the show include: • Pro Tip: Regulatory strategy is not synonymous with Pathway to Market (element), or 510(k) and De Novo (tactics). • Regulatory Strat...
May 27, 2020•41 min•Ep 148•Transcript available on Metacast Does your software as a medical device (SaMD) function properly? Does it meet the needs of the end user? What are the expectations for post-market clinical surveillance and real world evidence for SaMD products in particular? In this episode of the Global Medical Device Podcast Jon Speer talks to Kevin Coker, co-founder and CEO of Proxima Clinical Research. Kevin shares tips and advice on what companies need to know about clinical evaluation and validation for their Software as a Medical Device ...
May 21, 2020•37 min•Ep 147•Transcript available on Metacast What is artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) and how do the two differ in the medical device industry? How can companies leverage AI and ML in their medical devices to improve the quality of life? In this episode of the Global Medical Device Podcast Jon Speer talks to Devon Campbell, founder of Prodct LLC, and Anthony Habayeb, co-founder and CEO of Monitaur.ai about how AI and ML can be utilized to produce better, safer, smarter, and faster medical devices. Some of the highligh...
May 13, 2020•45 min•Ep 146•Transcript available on Metacast What does the 510(k) process involve? How should medical device companies know if this is the right regulatory pathway to market? When should a premarket notification be submitted to FDA and how should it be prepared? What’s the Refuse To Accept (RTA) checklist? In this episode of the Global Medical Device Podcast, Mike Drues of Vascular Sciences joins host Jon Speer to tackle these and other common questions, and offer tips on the Premarket Notification 510(k) process to help companies achieve ...
May 06, 2020•44 min•Ep 145•Transcript available on Metacast Are you a medical provider or caregiver unable to find facemasks as PPE for COVID-19? Get one for free. In this episode of the Global Medical Device Podcast, Jon Speer talks to Sanjay Vakil and Devon Campbell from MasksOn.org to discuss the impactful efforts being made through the MasksOn initiative that’s providing personal protective equipment and relief at no cost during the coronavirus pandemic. MasksOn.org is a non-profit effort to mass-produce reusable, sanitizable emergency masks and dist...
Apr 29, 2020•33 min•Ep 144•Transcript available on Metacast NOTE: This episode was recorded prior to the EU Commission Proposal and now EU Parliament approval; pending EU Council (member states approval) and publication in the official journal (OJEU) for the official postponement of EU MDR. Once official, the DoA would be amended by one year, so when referring to the DoA as 26 May 2020 this would now be 26 May 2021. This live episode of the Global Medical Device Podcast was recorded at the Greenlight Guru True Quality Roadshow in Houston, with host Jon S...
Apr 22, 2020•30 min•Ep 143•Transcript available on Metacast Why is verification and validation (V&V) confusing and challenging for many medical device professionals? In today’s new episode of the Global Medical Device Podcast, Jon Speer and his guest Brad Graves, Principal Project Manager at The RND Group explore key aspects of the verification and validation topic and provide helpful clarification to medical device professionals about V&V cloud-based software. Some of the highlights of the show include: - Verification demonstrates that you designed the ...
Apr 15, 2020•39 min•Ep 142•Transcript available on Metacast In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, medical device companies are improving and saving lives through innovative technologies and methods to combat the virus. In this episode of the Global Medical Device Podcast, Jon Speer talks to Jeff Veenhuis and Quinn Leach from Surfacide, a company actively working in the fight against COVID-19 with their proven UV-C technology that destroys pathogens, including the novel coronavirus. Listen to their powerful story about how Surfacide has embraced the oppor...
Apr 10, 2020•24 min•Ep 141•Transcript available on Metacast What qualifies and what does not for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA)? What is the impact of this rare regulatory pathway during the COVID-19 pandemic? In this episode of the Global Medical Device Podcast, Jon Speer talks to Mike Drues of Vascular Sciences in a highly relevant discussion on considerations for medical device professionals regarding EUA as a proper pathway to bring a medical device to market that can support the needs of healthcare providers and patients. Some of the highlights o...
Apr 08, 2020•45 min•Ep 140•Transcript available on Metacast Medical device usability is a critical, yet confusing component of medical device design, development, regulatory, marketability, and product success. Although three things are clear when it comes to your processes around usability for your medical device: do it early, do it right, and don’t try to cut corners. In this episode Isabella Schmitt, regulatory affairs consultant with Proxima Clinical Research, joins Jon Speer as his guest to discuss this topic, stressing the importance of usability a...
Apr 01, 2020•31 min•Ep 139•Transcript available on Metacast In this modern digital world, did you know that most medical devices are not connected to the Internet? This episode of the Global Medical Device Podcast is a special live recording from The Greenlight Guru True Quality Roadshow in San Jose, California and is moderated by Tom Rish, Medical Device Guru at Greenlight Guru. Chris DuPont, CEO of Galen Data, joins Tom as his guest to discuss with live viewers and podcast listeners the design control and development process for software as a medical d...
Mar 26, 2020•41 min•Ep 138•Transcript available on Metacast How can the IEC 62304 standard serve as a framework for your Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) development processes? Today’s guest is Cathy Wilburn, Director of Quality Assurance and Compliance for The RND Group, a medical device software development company that helps clients write software, submission readiness, and compliance. Cathy joins Jon Speer to clarify the confusing parts of IEC 62304 and helps listeners understand how they can leverage this standard to improve development processes...
Mar 18, 2020•37 min•Ep 137•Transcript available on Metacast The FDA announced another new pilot program to improve the consistency and efficiency of its 510(k) review process. It’s called, eSTAR, or electronic Submission Template And Resource. Today’s guest is Mike Drues of Vascular Sciences. Together, we discuss the details of the eSTAR Pilot Program to help you understand what you need to know and do as medical device professionals. Some of the highlights of the show include: - New Format, Same Information: Content and regulatory burden remain unchange...
Mar 12, 2020•38 min•Ep 136•Transcript available on Metacast Most medical device professionals and companies are familiar with Premarket Approval (PMA) and 510(k) options. However, there are several other major regulatory pathways along with several sub-pathways (traditional, abbreviated, special, and safety and performance) that are available through the FDA. Today’s guest is Mike Drues of Vascular Sciences. Together, we introduce all of FDA’s regulatory pathways to bring a medical device to the U.S. market to help you understand which option is best for...
Feb 26, 2020•39 min•Ep 135•Transcript available on Metacast Regulatory is a big deal for medical device companies. Whether it’s a startup or established business, a strong understanding of regulations and regulatory strategy is vital for product success in the marketplace. Today’s guest is Isabella Schmitt, regulatory affairs consultant at Proxima Clinical Research where she specializes in quality and regulatory business advice. Isabella shares how medical device companies can establish a solid foundation for fundraising and product success through a hei...
Feb 19, 2020•37 min•Ep 134•Transcript available on Metacast Are you looking to hire medical device professionals? Or, are you a professional seeking new job opportunities in the industry? Today’s guest is Mitch Robbins, founder and managing director of The Anthony Michael Group. He is a recruiter who specializes in quality and regulatory for the medical device industry. In this episode, Mitch breaks down the pros and cons of the four parts to the candidate interview process. Some of the highlights of the show include: - Candidate Prep and Priorities: Pur...
Feb 13, 2020•34 min•Ep 133•Transcript available on Metacast Everybody seeks advice and opinions from others from time to time, even those in the medical device industry. What are the pros and cons when it comes to hiring industry advisors? Today’s guest is Isabella Schmitt, regulatory affairs consultant at Proxima Clinical Research. Listen to this episode as Jon Speer and Isabella discuss good and bad practices when identifying and selecting advisors for your early stage or established medical device company. Some of the highlights of the show include: -...
Feb 05, 2020•30 min•Ep 132•Transcript available on Metacast What top priorities can medical device professionals and patients expect in 2020 from the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH)? Today’s guest is Mike Drues from Vascular Sciences. We discuss the recent FDA report that outlines CDRH’s regulatory science priorities, all of which are important, some more than others. However, there are a couple big ones missing. Listen to this episode for actionable tips on how you can develop your own list of priorities for 2020. Some of the highlight...
Jan 29, 2020•37 min•Ep 131•Transcript available on Metacast Change is constant… Especially in the medical device industry. Medical device change management can be a challenging concept and process for companies, especially during FDA inspections and other audits from regulatory agencies. Today’s guest is Mike Drues of Vascular Sciences, who joins Jon Speer to discuss the twists and turns of what to expect, what you may experience, and what to focus on when dealing with change management. Some of the highlights of the show include: - Do’s and Don’ts of Ch...
Dec 28, 2019•49 min•Ep 130•Transcript available on Metacast FDA announced the launch of a new program for test lab accreditation that will evaluate medical devices for conformity to specific consensus standards recognized by the regulatory agency. The Accreditation Scheme for Conformity Assessment (ASCA) Pilot Program allows third party testing laboratories to become eligible for accreditation to FDA-recognized consensus standards upon their evaluation of device safety and efficacy. Today’s guest is Mike Drues of Vascular Sciences, who joins Jon Speer to...
Dec 19, 2019•33 min•Ep 129•Transcript available on Metacast Recruiting top, elite quality assurance and regulatory affairs (QA/RA) talent in the medical device industry is challenging, but vitally important. Today’s guest is Mitch Robbins, managing director of The Anthony Michael Group. As a recruiter, Mitch joins Jon Speer on the show to break down five myths about QA/RA recruiting and discuss the dos and don’ts medical device companies should consider when hiring these professionals. Some of the highlights of the show include: - Myth #1: Recruiting isn...
Dec 11, 2019•43 min•Ep 128•Transcript available on Metacast 
