Now’s the time to take risks.
We’re living through a period of unprecedented volatility. Rather than shrink in this moment, it’s an opportunity to take risks to keep the medical device industry growing.
Our industry’s most influential women made that point in September at MedtechWOMEN’s annual conference, which I attended after taking a risk of my own.
Three years ago, I was working in sports journalism at The Athletic (owned by The New York Times) and Major League Baseball. As a woman, I thought I could challenge the “boys club” and create a welcoming community for young professionals or contribute to innovation that would outlast my career. I wanted to leave a legacy in a way that mattered. But there wasn’t a large enough community of women and allies.
In 2023, I took a risk. I quit.
I found freelance work, but it wasn’t steady. I took another risk, enrolling in a science writing master’s program without having any science writing experience. During the program, I landed a technical writing role at Edwards Lifesciences.
It was my introduction to the medical device industry, and I’m glad I’m here. I launched myself into uncertainty to pursue a more fulfilling career supported by a welcoming community and because of that risk, I’ve found what I was searching for.
This Women in Medtech edition of Medical Design & Outsourcing illustrates how innovators and leaders create a better industry and better outcomes for the patients they serve. The women in this issue took risks and found opportunities in disruption and because of them, medtech will prevail and continue to meet the needs of patients despite increasing volatility.
Thanks to them for sharing their stories with us, and thanks to you for your support. Enjoy this edition of Medical Design & Outsourcing.
– Skyler Rivera, Associate Editor
Medical Design & Outsourcing
[email protected]
