Five-Minute Interview

Q If I wasn’t talking to you right now, what would you be doing?
A I would be working on the translation and implementation of the Philips Care Cycle strategy that helps the company’s business units develop integrated solutions that benefit our customers. For example, I am working on solutions that reduce time from diagnosis to treatment to ensure better outcomes for patients with myocardial infarctions. I am also involved in the European coalition Stent For Life initiative, which seeks to improve patient access to timely percutaneous cardiovascular interventions (www.europcronline.com/stentforlife).
 
Q How did you get into the medical device industry?
A My interest grew when I was doing my biomedical instrumentation project at engineering college. Following that, I got my first career break in the medical device industry and I have continued to work in this field for 19 years now. I am fascinated by how our industry, which creates innovative healthcare technologies and solutions, touches every aspect of patient care from diagnosis through to treatment and management.

Q What is the best thing about your work?
A I enjoy being part of the Cardiology Care Cycle strategic group. This group is tasked with providing strategic direction for our cardiology business by looking at “white spaces”/new opportunities and leveraging the existing portfolio in various clinical-care settings.

Q What do you think is the most important medical device invention ever?
A Using the principles of the X-ray tube and its derivative products has been one of the most important medical device inventions ever. From visualising a tiny fracture or placing a stent inside the body, X-ray will continue to offer invaluable diagnostic evidence to the medical profession. Philips has a long history in X-ray technology that dates back to 1918 when the company introduced the first medical X-ray tube.

Q What should people give attention to?
A We all know that we have to adhere to leading a healthy lifestyle. In reality most of us ignore this in day-to-day life. This will not change in the immediate future. As a consequence, the challenge will be sustainable healthcare management of both acute and chronic conditions. Hence, the healthcare industry, be it care providers, payers or government, needs to find better ways and means to manage this challenge in an effective manner.

Q What is the most exciting development on the horizon?
A The development of clinical decision support tools that enable clinicians to quickly access relevant information at point-of-care is really exciting. These tools facilitate a more patient-centric healthcare system and ensure optimal decision-making with better patient outcomes as a result. An area to watch in the close future is the Sixth Sense Technology being developed by MIT. This new technology will help to bridge the gap between the digital and human physical world and will pave the way for the integration of information into everyday objects.

Q What do you want from your suppliers?
A Suppliers should act as partners and be integrated into the team. They need to understand the broader goals of our overall business and the regulations that need to be adhered to.