Innovation Biodesign Training Program
The Montefiore Einstein Innovation Biodesign Training Program is a cutting-edge initiative designed to train the next generation of faculty innovators in health technology. This 1-year program offers participants a hands-on learning experience focused on the identification, invention, and implementation of innovative health technologies, such as medical devices, digital tools, and therapeutics. It is a longitudinal pathway available to our Internal Medicine residents during their PGY-2 year, with the option of extending their project into PGY-3 year.
Program Objectives
- Train the next generation of academic faculty innovators.
- Foster an innovation ecosystem through didactics, mentoring, and product development.
- Encourage presentations, publications, and intellectual property development.
Why Join the Program?
Health technologies have the potential to transform healthcare delivery and enable personalized medicine. This program equips participants with the knowledge and skills to design, validate, and implement these technologies, addressing the unique healthcare challenges faced in the Bronx, such as chronic diseases and access to care. By participating in this program, you’ll not only improve patient outcomes but also help shape the future of healthcare innovation.
Key Program Components
- Didactic Curriculum: A comprehensive series of seminars covering topics such as healthcare innovation, product development, digital health technologies, intellectual property, market assessment, and strategic partnerships.
- Team-Based Innovation Projects and Publications: Participants complete scholarly projects through a biodesign process (identification → invention → implementation) and present their innovations in a final pitch.
- Mentorship: Engage with experienced mentors from Montefiore Einstein’s vast network of clinical and technological experts.
How Does It Work?
Residents will participate in monthly seminars, complete a team-based innovation project, and receive mentorship from internal and external experts. Throughout the program, participants will develop a minimum viable product and explore strategic partnerships, funding, and sustainability options.
Time Commitment:
- Attend the Zoom-based monthly seminars and small group meetings. All sessions are recorded for those unable to attend them.
- Permitted to dedicate 1-2 elective blocks to the Program for focused project work.
- Catch up on missed sessions due to clinical duties (e.g. vacation, night shifts) by coordinating with mentors.
Evaluation Methods:
- Progress Evaluations: Participants are evaluated at the midpoint and end of the program based on the development and progress of their scholarly projects.
- Ongoing Feedback: Monthly surveys gather feedback on interactions with mentors, project progress, and suggestions for curriculum improvement.
- Exit Interview: At the end of the program, participants complete an exit interview to help refine future iterations of the training pathway.
Program Activities
- Didactic Curriculum: Participants attend monthly seminars, complete recommended readings, and work through topic-specific exercises.
- Mentorship: Regular one-on-one meetings (in-person or virtual) with mentors help guide participants through their scholarly projects.
- Small Group Meetings: Participants collaborate in small groups to provide project updates and discuss exercises and cases.
- Scholarly Project: Each participant is required to conduct a needs assessment and develop an innovation project, which culminates in abstract submissions, conference presentations, or publications.
- Final Pitch: At the end of the year, participants present their projects in a formal pitch session.
- Networking Opportunities: Participants can engage with regional innovation networks, including the NYC Healthcare Club, and participate in accelerator programs.
Application Process and Selection Criteria
The Montefiore Einstein Innovation Biodesign Training Program opens applications in the Fall. To apply, interested candidates must submit a CV and respond to brief questions related to health technology.
- Interest in Health Technology: Applicants should demonstrate a strong background and/or interest in digital health software and product development.
- Research Experience: Candidates with a focus on clinical research that leads to conference presentations, publications, grants, or spin-offs are highly preferred.
- Additional Skills: A background in entrepreneurial activities, bioengineering, or software programming is considered an asset.
Applications are carefully reviewed, and participants are selected based on their potential to contribute to the innovation ecosystem and the development of health technologies.