The Medical Alley Podcast (Presented by Gamut One Studios)

What will it take to make healthcare financing and care delivery sustainable, and how might technology and policy help shape what comes next?

On this episode of the Medical Alley Podcast, we sit down with James Hereford, CEO of Fairview, to discuss the financial pressures facing hospitals, including reimbursement gaps, rising costs, and patients delaying care.

James shares how AI could help clinicians keep pace with rapidly growing medical knowledge, why healthcare organizations need to help shape future financing models, and how Minnesota could take a leading role in testing new approaches to healthcare delivery.

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As medical devices become smaller and more complex, cleaning and surface treatment become increasingly challenging and more important to get right.

On this episode of the Medical Alley Podcast, Sean Gallimore, Chief Operating Officer at Microcare, explains why manufacturers should consider cleanability early in the design process. He shares how precision cleaning, coatings and lubricants can help address issues with complex geometries, sensitive materials and device performance.

The conversation also explores how collaboration between manufacturers and chemistry experts can solve unique challenges, and how miniaturization, new materials and sustainability are shaping the future of medical device manufacturing.

We’re continuing the conversation at MD&M Midwest! Join Sean Gallimore, Juan De Paz-Lavelle and Matt Lingenfelter of MicroCare Medical for:

“Designing for Cleanability: The Hidden Key to Faster Launches and More Reliable Medical Devices”

📅 October 29 | 12:45–1:30 CT
📍 MedTech Theater (3921) | Minneapolis Convention Center

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Bringing a healthcare innovation to market takes more than a great idea. It takes navigating a complex and constantly changing regulatory landscape.

On this episode of the Medical Alley Podcast, we sit down with Mark Gardner, Nate Downing, and Amanda Johnston from Gardner Law to discuss the FDA and CMS issues facing medical technology and healthcare companies.

This conversation explores CMS’s Rapid program and changes to NTAP, FDA leadership and review priorities, and how AI may shape regulatory submissions. Learn practical perspectives on advertising, compliance, privacy risks and look ahead to emerging technologies such as wearables and brain-computer interfaces. Whether you’re building a healthcare company or following the future of medical innovation, this episode offers insight into the challenges and opportunities on the path from idea to patient.

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Hospice is not about giving up; it’s about living the best life possible with the time you have left.

On this episode of the Medical Alley Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Andrew Mayo, Chief Medical Officer at St. Croix Hospice, where he sheds light on the often misunderstood world of hospice care.

This conversation explores what hospice truly means, how it integrates into the healthcare journey, and why improving hospice literacy matters. Discover how hospice focuses on quality of life, symptom management, and personal goals rather than simply end-of-life. Whether facing these choices yourself or seeking to support a loved one, this conversation offers compassionate clarity and actionable insights.

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What does it take to build a workplace where people feel valued, and what can healthcare leaders learn from an industry outside their own?

On this episode of the Medical Alley Podcast, we sit down with Barry Stoffel, President of Gardner Builders, to explore how a people-first culture can shape everything from employee experience and retention, to the spaces where we work and receive care.

Barry shares how Gardner Builders has challenged long-standing practices in the construction industry, why hospitality and empathy are central to the company's approach, and how seemingly small changes can have an outsized impact on people.

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On this episode of the Medical Alley Podcast, we sit down with Paula Norbom, founder and CEO of Talencio, to unpack what's happening in today's health and life sciences job market and how professionals can position themselves for what comes next.

Paula shares practical advice for approaching your career as a "company of one," defining the value you bring, strengthening your LinkedIn presence, networking more effectively, and using AI as a tool in your job search. She also explains why hiring timelines have stretched, and what job seekers can do to stay focused when a search takes longer than expected.

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On this episode of the Medical Alley Podcast, host Ben Wagner sits down with the leaders of Mobius Medical — co-founder Stefan Czyniewski and VP of clinical operations David Pomfret — for a behind-the-scenes look at the regulatory and clinical strategies shaping the future of medtech innovation.

From early feasibility studies in Australia, to scaling operating in the United States, the conversation explores the realities of clinical research, the biggest mistakes founders make when building regulatory strategies, and why bringing medical technology to market is "not just hard — it's really, really, hard."

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In this episode of the Medical Alley Podcast, host Bobbie Dressen sits down with National Geographic photographer and filmmaker David McLain for a powerful conversation ahead of his keynote at the 2026 Medical Alley Annual Celebration on May 21st.

Drawing from his decades of work — from documenting the world's longest-living populations in the Blue Zones, to capturing the realities of underserved communities across the U.S. — David shares what he's learned about prevention, environment, and the role of access in shaping health outcomes.

As David puts it, "We all deserve a fair shot at living a life in full health." This episode is a reminder of what's at stake, and what's possible when we see the world through someone else's eyes.

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What does it take to bring a medical device from idea to reality — faster, smarter, and with less risk?

In this episode of the Medical Alley Podcast, Ben Wagner sits down with Jeff Kelly, Chief Commercial Officer at Forj Medical, a newly formed CDMO built from the combination of Intricon and Minnetronix.

Jeff shares how the medtech landscape is shifting, from fragmented supply chains to fully integrated partners, and why OEMs are demanding more from their manufacturing relationships. They also dig into what this means for the Medical Alley ecosystem, the importance of building a strong talent pipeline, and where the CDMO model is headed next.

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In this episode of the Medical Alley Podcast, host Ben Wagner speaks with Dr. Connie Delaney, dean of the University of Minnesota School of Nursing, about the science, compassion, and leadership at the heart of nursing.

Together, they discuss Dr. Delaney’s path into nursing and academia, the growing workforce challenges facing the profession, and how innovation—including artificial intelligence—can better support both clinicians and patients. They also explore the themes of her book, Leading with Love, and what it means to lead with empathy, presence, and purpose in today’s healthcare environment.

This is a thoughtful conversation about the future of nursing—and the human connection that must remain at the center of healthcare.

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MedTech companies are navigating a new reality: more data, more tools, and more pressure to engage customers and teams in smarter, more efficient ways. But with no clear playbook, many are struggling to keep up.

In this episode of the Medical Alley Podcast, Ben Wagner sits down with Salesforce’s Larry Davis to unpack how engagement is evolving across the industry, and where AI is beginning to make a real impact.

From the rise of agentic AI to the challenges of scaling innovation in highly regulated environments, Larry shares practical insights on how organizations can cut through complexity, reduce administrative burden, and empower teams to focus on what matters most.

They explore:

• Why only 28% of a sales rep’s time is spent actually selling—and how to fix it
• What “agentic AI” really means (and why it matters now)
• The biggest mistakes companies make when adopting AI
• How to move from pilots to enterprise-scale transformation
• What the future of personalized, patient-centered engagement could look like

Whether you’re leading commercial teams, building digital strategy, or simply trying to make sense of the AI wave, this conversation offers a clear, grounded look at where MedTech is heading, and how to keep up.

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What does it mean to lead a health system where every decision shapes the future of a child and their family?

In this episode of the Medical Alley Podcast, Medical Alley President and CEO Roberta Dressen sits down with Dr. Emily Chapman, President and CEO of Children’s Minnesota, to explore leadership in a moment of profound change for healthcare.

Dr. Chapman shares her journey from child life specialist to pediatrician to CEO, and reflects on the responsibility of guiding one of the nation’s largest independent pediatric health systems. The conversation explores how Children’s Minnesota is navigating workforce challenges, strengthening partnerships across the care continuum, and advancing innovation in a field where both science and compassion are essential.

From responding to community crises to reimagining what “value” means in healthcare, this episode offers a powerful look at how pediatric systems are evolving, and why investing in children’s health is foundational to the future of care.

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On this episode of The Medical Alley Podcast, we dive into one of the most urgent challenges facing our industry — our workforce. From shortages across clinical roles to the growing demand for skilled digital and technical talent, the strength of our future healthcare system truly depends on the people who power it.

To help us unpack the issue, we welcome Dr. Sally Saba, president of the Medtronic Foundation and Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer at Medtronic.

Dr. Saba is leading one of the most ambitious workforce initiatives in the country — Medtronic Spark, a 10-year, $100 million commitment designed to expand opportunity, strengthen the STEM talent pipeline, and ensure that the next generation of innovators reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.

Applications for the Medtronic Spark Scholarship are officially open. To learn more about how to apply, click here.

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On this episode of The Medical Alley Podcast, we’re recognizing Alzheimer’s Awareness Month with three special guests: Dr. Brandy Matthews (VP, Global & US Medical Affairs, Alzheimer's Disease at Eli Lilly and Company), Dr. Ronald Petersen (Neurologist, Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center), and Robert Freeman (VP, Public Policy, Alzheimer’s Association, MN-ND Chapter).

In the discussion, we break down what Alzheimer’s Disease is, how it’s diagnosed, the latest innovations in research and treatments, and what the future of Alzheimer’s care could look like.

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On September 30, Medical Alley hosted Women in Health Leadership, bringing together an extraordinary group of leaders for connection, reflection, and growth. The featured speaker was Sheri Dodd, CEO of Tactile Medical.

Sheri is a seasoned executive with vast experience in the pharmaceutical, medical device, and digital health sectors. She is widely respected for her insight, integrity, and perspectives on healthcare transformation and leadership and offered lessons in leadership and inspiration to pursue bold ideas and meaningful change in your work.

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On this episode of The Medical Alley Podcast, we welcome Informa Markets Senior Editor Amanda Pedersen. Amanda has been covering the medical device industry since 2006, examining trends and innovations with a deep understanding of the medtech landscape.

We also discuss MD&M Midwest 2025 taking place in Minneapolis on October 21 and 22. If you're planning to attend, register with the promo code MED to receive a complimentary expo pass.

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On this episode of The Medical Alley Podcast, we're joined by two leaders from Sonex Health, a company that's pioneering minimally invasive ultrasound-guided procedures that really are changing the landscape of orthopedic care—Bob Paulson (President and CEO) and Dr. Darryl Barnes (Founder and Chief Technology Officer). We talk about the inspiration behind Sonex Health, the innovations shaping patient outcomes, and the leadership lessons from scaling a medtech company and the opportunities ahead for minimally invasive orthopedic care.

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On this episode of The Medical Alley Podcast, Dr. Cornelius Thiels (Associate Chair of Innovation) and Dr. Kyle Ettinger (Director of Innovation) from the Mayo Clinic Department of Surgery preview the upcoming Beahrs Surgical Innovation Summit.

Gain behind-the-scenes insight into the department’s pioneering work, including how they're leveraging AI, robotics, data-driven decision-making, and immersive simulation to transform surgical care.

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On this episode of The Medical Alley Podcast, we're diving into the rapidly evolving world of contract manufacturing with Jesse Jensen, VP of Operations at Switchback Medical.

Switchback Medical is pushing the boundaries of innovation and growth in medtech. From trends in vertical integration and process innovation to global expansion strategies, including a recent expansion into Costa Rica, the company is navigating some of the most dynamic shifts in the industry.

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On this episode of The Medical Alley Podcast, we go beyond logos and taglines to explore what brand strategy really means in today’s healthcare landscape. From building trust in an oversaturated market to defending your message in the age of AI-driven misinformation, this conversation gets to the heart of what it takes to create a brand that lasts.

Joining us is Kathleen Hustad, founder of Bloom44 and a seasoned strategist with deep experience across some of the most innovative healthcare organizations. Kathleen shares actionable insights and practical advice on how healthcare leaders can build brands that are not just differentiated, but defensible.

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