Georgetown Hosts Fireside Chat on the Present and Future of MedTech Innovation

Georgetown University’s Medical Center and the Business of Health Initiative at the McDonough School of Business hosted a fireside chat featuring Omar Ishrak, former chairman and CEO of Medtronic. Held at the Robert and Bernice Wagner Alumni House, the event attracted a standing-room-only audience of students, faculty, and industry leaders eager to explore the future of medtech innovation.

Moderated by Sandeep Dahiya, Akkaway Professor of Entrepreneurship and director of the Business of Health Initiative, the discussion centered on the evolving strategies driving innovation in medical technology. Ishrak articulated a compelling framework for innovation, emphasizing the need to balance efforts across three strategic approaches:

1. Creating new markets
2. Incremental improvements in existing markets
3. Disrupting established markets

“What truly drives success in healthcare is a relentless focus on patient outcomes,” said Ishrak. “Ask how to improve the lives of patients and the financial success will follow. Start with the patients — not the money.”

The conversation also highlighted the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including regulators, payers, and providers, to foster sustainable progress in the medtech industry. Alex Azar, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, contributed his perspective on the transformative potential of value-based healthcare models, further enriching the discussion.

The event was made possible through the support of alumni Kevin Ban (C’90, M’96), John de Csepel (B’86, M’95), and Mark Antonucci. Notable attendees included Maria Ghazal, CEO of the Healthcare Leadership Council, along with many students and professionals at the intersection of business and healthcare.

“This event exemplifies the power of collaboration and thought leadership at Georgetown,” said Dahiya. “Bringing together visionaries like Omar Ishrak and fostering dialogue about the future of healthcare innovation is central to our mission.”

The fireside chat was preceded by a vibrant networking reception, furthering connections among attendees and cementing Georgetown’s reputation as a hub for advancing healthcare and business integration.