Background
University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, Class of 2021
Project
FUS Partners | Darden Internship
Project Overview
I worked closely with the FUS Partners team on projects that drive focused ultrasound technology commercialization and accelerate its mainstream adoption as a standard of care for various disease indications. The three main projects I contributed to were: the United Healthcare Group matrix, the Industry Revenue Models presentation for the 7th International Symposium on Focused Ultrasound commercialization day and the updated FUS Partners Pitchbook.
Project Outcomes
For the United Healthcare Group matrix, I focused on mapping their ambulatory surgery centers. In both the Revenue Models presentation and the updated FUS Partners Pitchbook, I provided strategic insights leaning on my prior medical device sales experience.
Why were you initially interested in working with the Focused Ultrasound Foundation?
In 2006, I started working as an orthopedic device sales representative for a market-leading manufacturer that developed technologies that drove the transition from open shoulder repairs to more minimally invasive arthroscopic repairs. I enjoyed watching this technology change the way that orthopedic surgeons customers treated their patients over time. As I learned more about focused ultrasound technology, I became interested in working with the Foundation because I believe the technology will revolutionize how many physicians treat their patients moving forward.
Share some thoughts on your experience as an intern at the Foundation.
It has been a pleasure working with and learning from Patrick Edelmann, James Franco, and the whole FUS Partners team. I also thoroughly enjoyed and learned a great deal from the technical training coordinated by Matt Eames.
I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to work with the Foundation. I have learned about the technology, the evolution of the industry, and the technology’s potential for the future. It has been an honor to work for an organization with the noble focus of improving “the lives of millions of people worldwide by accelerating the development of focused ultrasound, an early-stage noninvasive therapeutic technology with the potential to transform the treatment of many medical disorders.”
What was the most important learning point of your internship experience?
Between the vast number of focused ultrasound indications in clinical trials and the relatively small number of indications approved for reimbursement thus far, the industry’s potential is huge. The growth of the industry will accelerate as more indications become approved for reimbursement.
Has your internship affected your career plans? If so, how?
Yes. I am definitely interested in building on my experience this summer and hope to find a role that will help accelerate the commercialization and adoption of focused ultrasound.
What is one tip that you would give 2021 summer interns?
For both technical and non-technical interns, listen closely to the weekly technical training and ask as many questions of John Snell and Matt Eames as you can. Their experience and knowledge are deep, and the opportunity to learn from them is truly unique.