TWO QUESTIONS FOR THE GROUP - Medical Devices Group

July 2018

2 min reading time

I have not used LinkedIn groups much until now, but am disappointed so far. While this particular group seems to be a bit of an exception, many other groups I see don’t have much conversation. I would like to pose two questions:

First, where are other Healthcare Technology industry related discussions occurring in your life? I know some professional organizations may have forums on their websites, or during conferences, but I am asking to make sure I am aware of all resources.

Second, do you have any recommendations for transitioning into this industry? (medical device OEMs, contract medical device engineering firms, medical device consulting firms, etc.)

I have a Biomedical Engineering degree and an MBA, with much of my experience in clinical engineering within hospitals. While I have enjoyed my hospital time and may continue in that direction, I am exploring transitioning from the clinical setting towards industry to expand my experiences. There are many areas that peak my interest such as R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, Testing, Consulting, Auditing, Regulatory, etc., and I may be looking for a technical / hands-on role as an individual contributor. I’m pretty flexible on U.S. locations, and whether the roles are temporary or permanent, etc. (I have thought of performing or managing service for an OEM as a way to get my foot in the door, but I haven’t pursued that yet because it seems pretty close to what I’ve been involved in already.)

Difficulty seems to be convincing people my transferable skills allow me to take on new types of roles, kind of a chicken and egg scenario. I understand it is easiest in hiring to match jobs with candidates who perfectly match the stated position requirements. Have you ever had success in pivoting to new types of roles in this industry? If you have hired employees in this industry, have you been able to effectively source candidates with highly transferrable skills?

Thank you in advance for your insight!

source: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/78665/78665-6422131072175206403

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Posted by Michael Cauthen

Asked on July 9, 2018 12:00 am

129 views

	Private answer Thanks for the question, Michael, and, yes, "How can I break into industry" is a popular question around these parts. As you'll find elsewhere, most answers concentrate around networking and presenting your value proposition in a way that convinces your future employer that the risk/return of hiring you is better than ALL alternatives. Clearly, the latter is the greater challenge. Regarding other 'healthcare technology industry-related discussions?' There's plenty written out there, but I'm unaware of much "discussion." I'm as interested as you to learn if these exist and I hope other Medical Devices Group members contribute heartily to your thread here. P.S. I always make room for the un/underemployed and students at my 10x Medical Device Conferences, including the 10x for ENGINEERS happening in October (San Diego). If you can attend, I can at least help you with the "networking part." 😊 Marked as spam Report spam
	Private answer Julie Omohundro You can't pivot to a new role in the industry unless you are actually in the industry. My advice is to pursue something as close to your previous experience as possible, to get your foot in the door. Then you can look for opportunities to pivot. Marked as spam Report spam
	Private answer John R. Miller Michael- Look at capital equipment companies that need installation and servicing technical associates- Network within those companies. J Marked as spam Report spam
	Private answer Neil Thompson Michael, I suggest targeting a company you want to work for by using LinkedIn. Connect with the person who'd likely be your hiring manager. Then, become a resource to that person. Send that person an article you think they'd find interesting, for instance. People like to help their friends. Marked as spam Report spam
	Private answer Karen Boyd, ASQ CQA As John suggested, there are a wealth of equipment service providers out there - whether OEM direct or 3rd party. Auditing, whether 3rd party or Internal (as a Consultant), is always needed. Must be willing to travel in either scenario. Marked as spam Report spam
	Private answer Michael, my answers to your 1st question are AdvaMed, RAPS, ASQ, etc. are other discussion board forums. My answer to your second question is strictly based on my own personal experience. Consider seeking out positions aligned with your educational and professional background (e.g., Device Engineering, etc.), then seek to move to other med-dev areas. Marked as spam Report spam
	Private answer I would recommend that you explore the world of R&D, and from there you will have crossed the bridge. And by the way, eggs can't hatch by themselves!😯 Marked as spam Report spam
	Private answer Michael Cauthen LinkedIn groups are a great way to get your name out there and add value by sharing experiences and knowledge. Answering questions that others may post helps. Follow the companies you are interested in and zone in on those department managers you want to work for and plan almost a marketing campaign of you to them. Another way is to attend the network events or conferences where that industry congregate. They usually have network events for new members. They also have specialized forums that are limited to their membership. Connect with me on LinkedIn, and we can chat further. You can send me your resume too. Hope this helps. Good luck. Marked as spam Report spam
	Private answer Hello Michael, Don't know what direction you are looking for, but there is a O & P site called O& P List server, The Orthotic & Prosthetic Industry sure could use more R&D and Engineers. Just a suggestion. Marked as spam Report spam
	Private answer Ken Powell I revolutionized the diagnosis of AMI (acute myocardial infarction). I crafted ans implemented BDs needlessness strategy producing billions dollars in annual revenue. I acquired and introduced novel latex free technology for many products. How mat I help you? Marked as spam Report spam
	Private answer Have you tried the DME/HME field Marked as spam Report spam
	Private answer I agree with many of your comments. I would add... that you could take a course toward a certificate in Quality and or Regulatory or both and add that to your resume. There are many opportunities and networking is key. Marked as spam Report spam
	Private answer Rik Warren Create a liaison position between Engineering, Clinical and Sales. Coordinating understanding of capabilities and gaps then communicating those needs succinctly and in an actionable manner is a skill I see underutilized. Marked as spam Report spam
	Private answer We are constantly canvassing the industry for innovative shakers and movers. Let us know if you are ever in our area. Check us out, ReNewbiomedical.com Marked as spam Report spam
	Private answer Michael, I am in a similar boat in term of trying to move into the medical device industry. (However, I am coming from a very different industry.) What I have done is reach out to start up companies in the area that I wanted. (for me it is through doing some consulting work with a company in my target field R&D in the O&P industry) For you, it may be something different. This could allow you to test the waters to see what you really want to do while building up some of the direct work experience needed, while you are still in your current job. It has been my experience that start ups will not necessarily pay you much, but will be a great way to pick up experience. They will also benefit from your business and clinical experience. It may be a win-win option. Marked as spam Report spam
	Private answer Re: question #2: Your clinical background and MBA are a good start for movement into the Medical Device field; but, you need one more piece to the puzzle. Functional expertise (R&D, Marketing, Regulatory, etc) or entrepreneurial expertise will enable you to provide immediate value to generate short-term returns. This will enable the those who are seeking talent and/or investment opportunity to see a path to short-term returns on the path to larger/longer-term gains. Being open to possibilities in various areas is helpful, but you must address the concern of the individual seeking talent “what can you do to help me, today and tomorrow?”. Build toward being able to convincingly answer that question in a compelling manner and I believe opportunities will come your way. Marked as spam Report spam
	Private answer Michael Cauthen Hi all! I want to thank everyone who liked or replied to my post. I didn’t see a feature to reply to individual people within the post (except privately) so thats what I did for specific questions asked of me. There is a lot of helpful information and suggestions here- a lot to think about and follow up on! I believe that the feedback will be helpful for others as well who are contemplating a career change or enhancement / advancement in their line of work. The responses I have received in this group far outnumber that of other groups I posted in. Also thanks Joe for the conference information and efforts towards keeping this group successful! Marked as spam Report spam

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