At The MedTech Conference, “Medtech Moves Us” is more than a theme. It’s what happens when innovation reaches a real person.
Behind every technology is a patient with somewhere to go, someone to be there for, or a life they want to get back to.
At this year’s Patient Pavilion, hear directly from the people whose experiences show what that can look like — from finding cancer earlier and making difficult treatment decisions to getting back to sleep, movement, confidence and the moments that matter most.
Here are some of the stories taking the stage at #MTC26.
From Uncertainty to Answers
When early detection becomes personal.
Allison Barry helped bring a multi-cancer early detection test to life. Then she took the test herself. Despite feeling well, a positive result ultimately led to a stage 1 ovarian cancer diagnosis. Allison will share how that experience changed her perspective on early detection and the possibilities of finding cancer before symptoms appear, alongside David Harding, Senior Vice President, Pipeline Product Management, Abbott.
When care is about more than technology.
When seven-year-old Mason needed an MRI, his family needed more than advanced technology. They needed answers, reassurance and access to care close to home. Mason’s father Tom and his family will share how compassionate care, thoughtful innovation and strong partnerships helped turn an uncertain moment into one of comfort and confidence, alongside Carla Perron, CMO, Philips.
When peace of mind means moving forward.
For years, Janelle Hall navigated a rare vascular condition while raising her family and maintaining an active lifestyle. When imaging revealed an unruptured aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm, she faced a difficult decision. Her story is one of informed decision-making, resilience and what early diagnosis and treatment made possible. She’ll share that experience with Stryker Chair and CEO Kevin Lobo.
FROM EXHAUSTION TO ENERGY
When an answer changes everything.
After years of living with exhaustion, Brittany was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. Overcoming her concerns about treatment helped her regain energy, confidence and independence — and be more present in the life she wants to live. She’ll share her journey with Dr. Carlos Nunez, CMO of Resmed.
When seeing more changes what’s possible.
Former CBS News anchor René Syler knows firsthand the power of better glucose insights. After being diagnosed with diabetes with an A1C of 12.8, she used glucose biosensing to better understand the relationship between her daily choices and her health — ultimately lowering her A1C to 5.4 without medication. She’ll discuss her journey and the importance of access with Neeta Sharma, SVP of Regulatory Affairs, Dexcom.
When treatment creates freedom.
After years of managing diabetes with multiple daily insulin injections, Erick Rivera found a different experience with automated insulin delivery. He’ll share how a simpler approach to diabetes management has given him greater freedom, flexibility and peace of mind in conversation with Insulet COO Eric Benjamin.
WHEN GETTING BACK TO LIFE IS THE GOAL
When getting back to life is the goal.
For Chris Fox, chronic knee pain meant adapting his life around what his knee could — and couldn’t — do. Following treatment with CartiHeal’s Agili-C implant, he describes the outcome as “game-changing.” Now he’s able to move through daily life without thinking about his knee. Chris will sit down with Smith+Nephew CEO Deepak Nath to talk about what restoring mobility can mean beyond the procedure itself.
When healing creates renewed purpose.
After being diagnosed with a rare genetic heart condition and undergoing major surgery, Arend Schuurman experienced firsthand how medical technology could support his recovery. Today, that experience shapes how he sees healthcare innovation, quality and the people behind both. He’ll share his story of healing and renewed purpose with Solventum Chief Commercial Officer Heather Knight.
When innovation changes the story — and the future.
After numerous cardiac procedures, including open-heart surgery and two aortic valve replacements, Denise Sullivan knows the realities of heart disease firsthand. Her experience has fueled her work as a patient advocate with WomenHeart and her passion for changing the family cycle of heart disease. She’ll share her perspective on innovation, longevity and life after treatment with Edwards Lifesciences’ Senior Director of Global Patient Engagement, Rhoyge Traylor.
When success means getting back to life in motion.
For Noah Brauner, successful medical technology looks like playing ultimate frisbee, riding 100 miles on a bike and going through college without constantly thinking about his back. Medtronic Chairman and CEO Geoff Martha will sit down with Noah to explore his scoliosis journey, recovery and what medtech innovation can make possible long after a patient leaves the operating room.
FROM PATIENT TO PARTNER
When innovation becomes part of the family story.
Yolanda “Yoli” Origel has experienced cancer across two generations — from her mother’s diagnosis in 1983 to her own diagnosis 18 years ago. Today, as Founder and CEO of Cancer Kinship, she brings a patient perspective to how cancer care has evolved and what patients and families need next. She’ll explore the future of human-centered cancer innovation with Stacy Stordahl, Global Head of Reimbursement & Market Access, Siemens Healthineers.
When patient experience becomes a path to access.
For Ali Ingersoll, navigating healthcare access revealed how difficult insurance requirements, documentation, denials and appeals can be for patients and caregivers. She’ll join Peter Menziuso, EVP & President, BD Interventional, to discuss how lived experience can help identify barriers and shape practical, product-neutral resources that support patients and caregivers in navigating health insurance and advocating for their care.
These are stories about people and what becomes possible when medtech innovation helps them move forward.
Register now to hear their stories at The MedTech Conference in Boston, October 18-21.