Innovation in Medicine has a proud tradition. With the advent of advanced communications research and collaboration it has become ever easier to generate new knowledge. However, the translation of new knowledge into Healthcare Innovation is fraught with challenges. Key aspects of navigating these challenges include choosing the right questions, finding strategic partners and demonstrating impact.

Drawing on my own personal experiences of researching, developing and marketing several medical devices I hope to highlight the various mistakes I have made and successes I have encountered. Specifically, the concept of private sector collaboration within the broader public healthcare sector will be elucidated. Creating an environment that fosters translational research and business partnerships is an essential part of securing the future of Canadian healthcare. Over the next 50 years hospitals will be facing many difficult challenges including demographic shifts and increasing complexity. In order to prevent disease, promote wellness and treat illness innovative healthcare solutions that “shift left” will be required.

PRESENTERS

Dr. Matthew Bromwich has been a pediatric surgeon at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario since July 2009. He completed his medical training at Queen’s University, followed by a surgical residency at the London Health Sciences Centre and a Fellowship at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Centre in pediatric airway reconstruction. He is an associate professor at University of Ottawa. He has published 19 papers and four book chapters on Otolaryngology and received 2.4 million in grants and funding. Dr. Bromwich is the inventor of several medical devices and holds 4 patents on various products in Canada and the U.S with 2 more pending. Other research endeavors include treatments for dizziness, mobile hearing testing, video endoscopy and surgical airway reconstruction. His research aims to democratize access to medical care by delivering innovative and inexpensive solutions.