2024 5th Annual Joint DOCTRC Retreat

October 21 – 22, 2024 | Bethesda, MD

We brought together the project teams from C-DOCTOR and MPWRM Resource Center, along with experts in the field, to share insights and lessons learned from the frontlines of medical  technology development. Our sessions covered critical challenges facing researchers and developers: navigating FDA interactions, securing preclinical funding, and designing robust preclinical studies. Attendees participated in interactive breakout discussions to dive deeper into these topics, followed by report-outs that allowed everyone to benefit from the collective wisdom and experiences shared across all groups. Participants gained practical strategies from those who’ve successfully overcome these hurdles, learning what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid common pitfalls on the path from laboratory to patient impact.

Event agenda:

October 21, 2024 (Day 1)

• Welcome Remarks: Yang Chai, DDS, PhD | David Kohn, PhD – DOCTRC leadership
• Opening Remarks: Jennifer Webster-Cyriaque, DDS, PhD, Acting Director – NIDCR and NIDCR Deputy Director
• Session A1: Lessons Learned in Interacting with the FDA
• Session A2: Lessons Learned in Obtaining Funding for Preclinical Product Development
• Session B: Lessons Learned in Preclinical Models & Study Design

October 22, 2024 (Day 2)

• DOCTRC Resource Center updates: Yang Chai, DDS, PhD | David Kohn, PhD – DOCTRC leadership
• ITP Progress Updates (C-DOCTOR & MPWRM Resource Center)
• Closed door session: DOCTRC business