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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On this episode of The Medical Alley Podcast, we’re spotlighting a powerful, community-driven event that’s redefining what healthcare access can look like—Live Your Healthy Lyfe. 

Joining the conversation are two of the event’s driving forces: Teto Wilson (Founder of Live Your Healthy Lyfe and owner of Wilson’s Image Barbers & Stylists) and Adriene Thornton (Director of Health Equity at Children’s Minnesota). Together, they share how this annual event goes beyond traditional health fairs by blending screenings, mental health resources, music, art, and local vendors to foster trust and connection outside the clinical setting.

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On this episode of The Medical Alley Podcast, we welcome Jessica Mogilka, Executive Vice President at JLL. The conversation explores the intersection of real estate and innovation with Jessica sharing her insight and expertise into how the spaces we build drive care, research, and technology. 

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