#434: ICYMI (In Case You Missed It!) Project Management In Medtech

This episode of the Global Medical Device Podcast features a compelling conversation with Perry Parendo, a seasoned expert in product development and project management within the MedTech sector. Host Etienne Nichols and Perry delve into the challenges and opportunities facing medical device development, emphasizing the critical role of agile practices, risk management, and the necessity for a patient-focused approach. The discussion sheds light on how companies can navigate regulatory landscapes, manage project risks, and drive innovation to enhance patient care.

Key Timestamps:

• 00:00:15 - Introduction of Perry Parendo and the episode's focus
• 00:03:50 - Discussing the challenges of MedTech product development and regulatory hurdles
• 00:12:20 - Agile methodologies vs. traditional project management in MedTech
• 00:22:35 - The importance of risk management and Monte Carlo simulation in project planning
• 00:34:10 - Perry's perspective on innovation, compliance, and balancing project priorities
• 00:45:55 - Strategies for efficient and effective product development processes

Quotes:

• "We're so focused from a compliance point of view on patient and health risk, we're not focused on project risk. And when I worked in the defense industry, we were hugely focused on project risk," Perry Parendo
• "There's waterfall, there's agile, there's Toyota, there's set based design, and there's APQP in the automotive industry. They're all a blend. There's no organization that's doing purely the theoretical of any one of those processes," Perry Parendo

Takeaways

Insights on MedTech Trends:

1. The convergence of agile and traditional methodologies tailored to MedTech's unique demands.
2. The rising importance of advanced risk management techniques, like Monte Carlo simulations, in navigating project uncertainties.
3. A call for innovation that transcends regulatory compliance to genuinely benefit patient care.

Practical Tips for Listeners:

1. Adopt a flexible approach to project management by integrating various methodologies based on project needs.
2. Prioritize risk management early in the development process to foresee and mitigate potential challenges.
3. Always align product development objectives with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes.

Questions for Future Developments:

1. How will evolving regulatory standards shape the next generation of medical devices?
2. What role will patient feedback play in the design and development of future MedTech innovations?
3. Can MedTech sustain its pace of innovation while ensuring safety and compliance?

References:

• Perry Parendo on LinkedIn
• Etienne Nichols on LinkedIn
• Behavioral Grooves podcast with Annie Duke - Thinking in Bets
• Book - Someday is Today, Ron Richard
• Youtube video - the Heartbeat of New Product Development
• Quality Culture for Product Design Success
• Design News Columns