Suture-less Trigeminal Nerve Repair Device

Robby Lane, MBA | Co-Founder & CEO, Amend Surgical

How did you get into/ what drew you to this field/ role?

For my current role it was somewhat serendipitous. I completed an expat assignment in 2014 and was asked during my transition back to the US by a former colleague to review a business plan for a start-up he was wanting to get off the ground. Several months later we jointly started Amend Surgical. My interest in the life sciences started in my undergraduate studies when a freshman advisor suggested that I should major in a course of study that I love. I selected Zoology and later combined that with a business degree. As a result of that advice and my continued interest I have worked in life sciences and medical devices for my entire career.

What excites you about your work?

I love product development. The challenge, the necessity for teamwork and the complexity makes product development unlike any other corporate discipline. In a start-up environment the development work is even more exciting as the risk-reward of so many critical decisions can have enormous consequences on the organization.

What advice would you give to those who are considering getting involved in translational research/ product development?

Translational research as a part of a small start-up company is a tremendous cross-functional learning opportunity. Small companies usually employ human resources that out of necessity work across most corporate functions. Our engineers work in R&D, QA and will periodically assist in the manufacturing of finished product. Additionally, at a start-up you will get visibility into a business operation and administration that is simply not available to new employees at larger companies. Small companies certainly bring risk but what better time to take on risk then at the start of your career.

If you weren’t in your current career, what other profession would you like to try?

I enjoy the creative process and if I could try another profession I would like to work as a Creative Director for a large, high profile advertising agency. I also enjoy training and teaching especially where the potential for life or career -changing influence is present. So, if could have a second choice I would also like to try to be a high school biology teacher.

Jessica Boelhein, BS | Prod Dev Engineer, Amend Surgical & Robby Lane, MBA | C-Founder & CEO, Amend Surgical