In this episode of our podcast, we are joined by Bill Betten, an engineer turned entrepreneur and is the President of Betten System Solutions and Director of Solutions – Medtech at S3 Connected Health. Bill shares his fascinating journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a leading figure in medtech, with a career that spans contributions to life-saving devices and innovative solutions for the healthcare industry.
From Aerospace to Medical Devices
Bill’s path to medtech began with a deep interest in science fiction and engineering, which initially led him toward aerospace. However, he later transitioned into the medical device field, where his engineering skills found a new purpose—saving lives. His early work with companies like 3M gave him exposure to groundbreaking projects, including the development of heart-lung machines and pulse oximeters. These experiences helped him understand the complexity of medical device development and set the foundation for his career.
Embracing Collaboration in Engineering
Throughout the conversation, Bill highlighted how collaboration is crucial to engineering success in the modern medtech landscape. He reflected on the evolution of engineering from individual contributions to team-based projects, emphasizing the importance of cross-functional teams. His insights from working with large companies underscored the value of collaboration between engineers, clinicians, and regulatory experts to bring medical devices to market.
Connected Health and Rigorous Design
Bill delved into the growing field of connected health and the distinctions between consumer wearables and true medical devices. He discussed the importance of rigorous design, verification, and validation processes to ensure the safety and effectiveness of medical technologies. With connected medical devices becoming more prevalent, Bill stressed the need for cybersecurity and adherence to FDA regulations, especially as more startups enter the space.
Helping Startups Navigate Medtech Challenges
Today, Bill plays a key role in helping medtech startups overcome challenges through his consulting firm, Betten Systems Solutions, and his work as Director of Solutions at S3 Connected Health. He works closely with early-stage companies to help them navigate regulatory hurdles, secure funding, and bring innovative products to market. His vast experience in both large corporations and startups has given him a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in the medtech field.
The Future of Medtech
Looking ahead, Bill is optimistic about the future of medical technology. He believes that continuous learning and staying engaged in the industry are essential for success. Bill’s passion for innovation and his commitment to mentoring startups demonstrate his dedication to advancing healthcare solutions through engineering.
Bill Betten’s journey from engineering to medtech entrepreneurship highlights the power of innovation, collaboration, and persistence in the healthcare technology space. His dedication to improving patient outcomes and guiding startups offers valuable insights for anyone looking to make an impact in the medical device industry.
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