New fellowship puts innovation at forefront

By Paul Mayne

Ali Tavallaei, PhD'15 (Biomedical Engineering), is making better use of his time these days. As one of three young scholars chosen as part of the recently launched Western Medical Innovation Fellowship program, his focus has been streamlined.

“As a researcher working in the medical device domain, I am at risk of wasting a great deal of time, effort and resources on research ideas and projects that may never translate to the clinic,” Tavallaei said.

“However, with what I have been learning throughout this program, I will become significantly more efficient at identifying true clinical needs and developing solutions based on practical clinical industry requirements. Hopefully, this will ensure my efforts make a true positive impact in the clinic, as well as in the academic community.”

Launched in August, the Western Medical Innovation Fellowship immerses talented young scientists, engineers and clinicians in a training and research environment to drive the development of novel medical technologies.

First developed at Stanford University in 2001, the program has since grown to the University of Minnesota, Northwestern University and, now, Western. Co-directed by Lisa Cechetto, Executive Director of WORLDiscoveries, and Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry professor (Medical Biophysics and Surgery) Matt Teeter, the almost one-year fellowship involves a classroom component on business and technology commercialization, followed by a clinical immersion in the area studied.

Working with researchers, clinicians and a technology transfer office, fellows then generate new intellectual property.