What is the job?

Clinical excellence lead — being the only qualified surgeon in the company it is as close as possible to CMO as can be within this start-up/scale-up environment.

How and why did you get into it?

Multitude of push and pull factors. I have always been an innovator (both hardware and software), but it has been largely suppressed through study, work as a doctor / surgeon and the general resistance to change within the NHS. I applied to the Clinical Entrepreneur Scheme and met Elliot Street on one of the pit-stops. At that point I found he had a job opening and I applied through the 'front' door & we instantly clicked. At the time I had multiple other job offers (largely 'side' door), but after contemplating my core values, I decided that education and working with software & hardware development was very important for my future development.

How does it compare to your clinical career?

Despite not helping patients directly, I feel as though my role provides far more impact than a list or an on-call. I know that through the surgical simulation modules I have developed, I can leave a lasting impact on surgical trainees which in turn will help countless patients. The culture at Inovus really does make you feel valued as a human being rather than as a 'cog' in the system. This is a major perk of working for Inovus for me.

The work-life balance varies widely — there are times in the year where I can easily work a 20 hour day without realising yet somehow do not feel as mentally and physically exhausted than if I were to complete a 13h Orthopaedic on-call! I do still keep my hand in elective lists as much as I can to satisfy my love for surgery and to assist tackling the backlog.

How is it related to medicine — why were you suitable?

We build surgical simulators. Inovus needed someone to validate / accredit and expand the range of modules and simulators with anatomic accuracy. As an MRCS-positive surgeon, keen anatomist, closet engineer and a prolific academic, this was perfect for me!

How could someone go about getting into your field?

Join our internship program…!

What can I earn?

Our internship program is expenses-covered only, but we will — once we have clinical roles available — be aiming to look to our interns as potential talent to fulfil these roles. At this stage, think about what you can learn rather than what you can earn; as you grow the capital will follow.

Anything else you'd like to add?

Joining the health-tech industry is getting more and more difficult as we see more clinicians 'jumping-ship'. My best advice is to focus on the pull factors, as everyone's push factors will likely be the common denominator. Finally do not forget to think about what your core values are! If you end up in the wrong role, the grass will not be greener, and you may find yourself burning out.