Needs Finding for Medical
Students

Overview

Needs Finding for Medical Students is an introductory seminar that familiarizes aspiring physician-innovators and entrepreneurs with the core concepts behind the need-driven Biodesign process for health technology innovation. Medical students learn how they can objectively observe care delivery to identify important unmet needs and then research and screen them to help them focus on the most compelling opportunities for innovation. They also develop competencies in creating technologies that reflect the interests and priorities of the diverse stakeholders involved in the adoption of new health technologies. Through interactive didactic sessions, the course covers topics such as clinical observations, stakeholder analysis, opportunity assessment (market sizing), brainstorming, prototyping and experimental design, concept selection, regulatory affairs, intellectual property, commercialization, and fundraising. During the quarter, students also hear from speakers who have successfully integrated health technology medical innovation into their medical careers through a variety of different pathways.