Venkhata Prabha Varadharajan
Please tell us why you want to be a Finch Fellow
I currently work as a Principal Software Product Owner at Medtronic. In this role, I have been instrumental in developing software applications that support insertable cardiac monitoring devices. Contributing to medical device innovation and improving lives through these solutions has been incredibly rewarding. My experience at the MILI Val Lab in Stockholm further solidified my passion for evaluating medical technologies. During my time there, I collaborated with diverse inventors and analyzed technologies, taking into consideration competitive landscapes, reimbursement, regulations, and intellectual property. This experience broadened my skillset and ignited my desire to further contribute to impactful medical device development. The Finch Fellowship's focus on evaluating technical, business, and legal aspects of medical technology aligns perfectly with my goals. I am particularly interested in understanding if medical technology aligns with the needs of customers and brings value to the company in terms of return on investment. Being a Finch Fellow would allow me to combine my evaluation expertise with practical development experience, ultimately leading to a more well-rounded understanding of bringing life-saving medical technology to market. I am excited about the prospect of collaborating with like-minded individuals and accessing the program's diverse resources. I believe that by bringing to the table my knowledge and unique perspectives gained from working with Medtronic, I can foster a culture of continuous improvement and shared success within the Finch Fellow community.
Where do you see yourself five years after graduation? How will your participation as a Fellow impact that plan?
I started my career as a software developer and later transitioned into software product management because I was keen on strategically planning and prioritizing new feature development. For the past seven years, I have been working in software with a focus on medical device products. In the next five years, my goal is to expand my product knowledge base and work towards becoming a Director of Product Management. I aim to lead a team in developing innovative medical devices that enhance patient outcomes. Over the next couple of years, I plan to further develop my skillset in managing a complex portfolio of products and leading multiple cross-functional teams. I believe that participating in the Finch Fellow program will provide an exciting opportunity to work on real-world, hands-on projects outside of Medtronic. This experience will allow me to broaden my perspective and apply my existing knowledge of the medical device industry to new challenges, particularly by leading cross-functional teams through complex projects. The program's distinguished network of mentors and like-minded fellows will also be invaluable in building strong professional relationships that can propel my career forward. I am confident that the skills and experiences gained through the Finch Fellow program will equip me to excel as a leader in the medical device industry.