Team OsTech is putting its final touches on its presentation, hoping to impress the judges at the NEOvations Bench to Bedside Inaugural Competition Thursday, Aug. 12, in the Jay A. Gershen Atrium.
In preparation for the competition, OsTech has been busy creating an elevator pitch video, making a poster presentation, and completing a detailed description of the medical technology they have developed over the last 10 months. Specifics of the medical technology being presented can’t be released prior to the event, but OsTech and other teams will be on hand to discuss and answer questions about their projects at the competition.
Team OsTech is composed of three NEOMED College of Medicine students – Alyssa Basdavanos, Muhammad Islam and Trinity Samson – supported by faculty advisor Eric Miller, M.D., a trauma orthopedic surgeon with Summa Health.
Though she has third-year standing, Samson is spending the 2021-22 academic year as an orthopedic research fellow working with Fayez Safadi, Ph.D., professor of anatomy and neurobiology. Looking back at the first year of the NEOvations Bench to Bedside program, Samson said there had been many revelations along the way.
“Initially, we thought NEOvations was going to be focused on solving a clinical problem. What we did not realize was that the solution to the clinical problem was just the first step. We’re grateful for the opportunity to learn about the interdisciplinary process of bringing a product to market, and we hope to keep this with us throughout our careers in medicine,” she said.
Samson also credited the program for helping their team connect with many successful entrepreneurs. While the amount of interdisciplinary teamwork needed to develop medical technology was even more than expected, the team received help from entrepreneurs who willingly used their experience to offer solutions and guidance.
“Becoming involved in medical innovation may be intimidating, but there are absolutely support systems there to help you succeed and teach you along the way – NEOvations being a prominent one,” said Samson. “NEOvations also creates leadership opportunities for students to bolster what we are learning in the classroom.”
OsTech will be one of seven teams to present medical technology at the competition, which begins at 4 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 12, in the Jay A. Gershen Atrium.
Register to attend and receive two free drink tickets and heavy hors d’oeuvres.