One in four heart failure (HF) patients admitted to hospitals die within one year. Patients are instructed to monitor their condition at home after returning home from the hospital, but this strategy has been marginally successful due to patients not keeping up with the frequency of the measurements and interpreting the results. Self-monitoring efficacy is further reduced because one in three older HF patients has cognitive impairment as a comorbidity. Balliscor’s solution, SmartTile, is an unobtrusive and autonomous care solution that monitors the patient during sleep without a wearable or any contact with the body (www.balliscor.com). The system consists of tiles placed under the patient’s bed, a weight scale, and a mobile app that alerts clinicians or caregivers when there is an impending adverse event. The user requires no effort to take the measurements, thus freeing the patient from the burden of self-management. We are currently investigating the potential for early detection that is comparable to an implantable solution. As an early start-up company based on research at the Mount Sinai Hospital and Toronto Rehab Institute, we plan to provide an accessible solution to seniors with heart failure.
As the project transitions from research to a start-up company, a market entry strategy should be established. Key strategies include revenue projection, cost/benefit analysis, hospital procurement, regulatory approval, and medical data structure and management. The duties of the volunteer include working with the incubators at the University of Toronto to connect and acquire information on the above topics followed by independent research and review of plausible strategies. The result of the work will be directly reflected in the business pitch of the project.
Depending on their involvement with the company, the student will understand healthcare economics, namely medical device manufacturing and business model development, or health data management and requirements such as HIPAA. Through their involvement, the volunteer will establish key networks with the mentors supporting the company, including advisors linked through the university’s incubators.
A resume with the applicant’s GPA should be submitted. Due to a large number of applications, only the selected candidates will be contacted. The application will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled, after which the posting will be removed. The hours are flexible, but a minimum of 10 hours per week is required.
Supervisor: Dr. Isaac S Chang
Position Responsibilities:
- Assist the primary project lead, Dr. Isaac Chang, in conducting market research related to the medical device domain
- Develop and revise pitch slides
- Attend seminars and workshops to collect relevant information
- Conduct cost/benefit analysis, revenue projection, and business model development
- Research and connect with incubators and find information on pitch competitions
- Assist in pitch competitions if needed
- Participate in a weekly meeting with the supervisor
- Prepare reports and presentations based on the work done
Minimum skill sets
- Ability to do market research
- Ability to work with spreadsheets
- Ability to work with mentors and leverage networks provided
- Ability to work independently
- Experience in clinical or biomedical engineering research
- Interest in an early start-up enterprise
- Business model, cost/benefit analysis, revenue projections
Nice-to-have
- Working with a medical start-up and/or participating in pitch competitions
- Understanding of healthcare economics (e.g., reimbursement, billing codes)
- Experience in cardiology-related research or clinical practice
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $1.00 per year
Flexible language requirement:
- French not required
Work Location: Remote
