Medical Design Briefs - October 2024 - 20

Rising Stars Awards
MEDICAL
RISING STAR
AWARDS
WINNER
2024
Asha Parekh
CEO and Cofounder
Front Line Medical Technologies
Ontario, Canada
EDUCATION: PhD, Biomedical Engineering
EXPERIENCE: Dr. Asha Parekh is a PhD biomedical engineer
and the cofounder and chief executive officer of Front Line
Medical Technologies Inc., a leader in innovative medical devices
for bleeding control and resuscitation. Her career began
with the distinct desire to improve the lives of those in need,
which drove her to explore engineering and medical device
innovation, with the ultimate goal of translating new technologies
into the real world to create impact.
What's the most exciting part of your work?
The most exciting part of my work is the true realization of
the impact that we make. That is my passion, and it's what
keeps me motivated to keep doing what we're doing with the
team. Hearing patient and family stories is always so meaningful,
and it's quite breathtaking to be a part of those stories. The
more we advance, the more patients we help save, so it's truly a
compounding effect - that is super exciting to me!
What is one major challenge you've faced in your career, and
how did you overcome it?
I've had a lot of tremendous support along my journey, but not
from everyone and not always. Being doubted for the ability to
successfully start and run a medtech company was a major challenge,
and I'm not sure a male counterpart would have faced the
same scrutiny. I overcame it by standing up for myself and rising
to the challenge. Our reaction is everything - and actions scream
over words, so I did what I had to do and continue to do so.
What advice do you have for young women engineers aspiring
to be leaders?
1. Be passionate about what you do and be disgustingly true to
yourself while doing it. By doing so you'll shine your true
light so bright that it will attract the right people with the
same values as you, and that will catapult your growth.
2. Find good partners that you work well with and a couple of
reliable advisors who have been where you are.
3. Every experience may not be positive but turn it into a positive
and keep going on your path!
How do you stay motivated and continue to grow in the
medtech field?
By keeping the impact at the top of my mind. With every
task, even the little ones that may seem unimportant or tedious,
they all move us forward and allow us to help save lives
20
and make that impact on patients, their family, and society.
That's what keeps me driven.
Can you describe a pivotal moment in your career that significantly
impacted your trajectory?
When we started Front Line Medical Technologies, it was pivotal
for my career trajectory in terms of embarking on an unexpected
entrepreneurial journey, and it was also a leap of faith. We didn't
know how far this would really go, as the risks with medtech are high
with high investments of time and money. Thankfully, I didn't have
to look back on that leap of faith. High risk, high-reward situation.
How do you balance technical expertise with leadership responsibilities
in your role?
As we are still in fairly early-stage, I can't focus only on one
aspect; e.g., technical. It's really a balance of every aspect, including
technical, and leadership is an overarching role. We
have a great team, and I wear whatever hat is needed at any
given point in time to keep us going.
What role has mentorship played in your career, and how do you
pay it forward?
It has played a very big role. I've had amazing mentors, including
two who are now on our board of directors. I'm a strong believer
in learning, and I've never been afraid to ask for help or advice.
People who can mentor and advise us (properly) are so valuable.
Because I know how valuable it can be and to pay forward, I give
talks and give my time to whoever may need it. It's rare that I turn
down an event - only if I have a scheduling conflict. I also do 1:1
mentoring with students, virtually and in-person for people who
are local. One of my mentors said to me once that all we can do is
share our stories; people will take what they want or need from it.
You'll serve a different purpose to different people with the same
information. So that's what I do. I share as much as possible!
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Medical Design Briefs, October 2024
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Medical Design Briefs - October 2024

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