Launch, Learn, Pivot, and Scale: Evolution of the Medical Innovators Development Program.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Health Innovation
• Systems Engineering

Background:

• Physicians need leadership and problem-solving skills for complex adaptive systems.
• Rapid technological change requires physicians with expertise in engineering, informatics, and design.
• Existing medical training often lacks focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Medical Innovators Development Program (MIDP), an MD candidate training initiative.
• To address the unmet need for physician-innovators capable of leveraging technology to improve health.
• To outline the curriculum and capstone experience of the MIDP.

Main Methods:

• Integrated 4-year curriculum blending Design Thinking, Biodesign, Lean Six Sigma, and Business Model Canvas.
• Capstone experience: 3-month immersive course in stakeholder discovery, design prototyping, and solution pitching.
• Focus on applying innovation fundamentals to self-identified clinical needs during clerkships.

Main Results:

• MIDP students achieved success through presentations, I-Corps participation, and pitch competition wins.
• Program graduates have initiated institutional pilots and secured four intellectual property disclosures.
• Students gain skills in innovation and design, applying them to clinical challenges.

Conclusions:

• The MIDP provides a structured pathway for MD students to develop innovation and design competencies.
• The program has demonstrated success in fostering entrepreneurial activity and intellectual property generation.
• Future directions include scaling impact through infrastructure development, interprofessional collaboration, and alumni engagement.