Dr Michael Watts, Co-founder and Managing Director of Blüm Health Ltd, is an NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme mentor, NHS Doctor and Associate Chief Clinical Informatics Officer.
Name: Michael Watts
Occupation: Blum Health
Founded by Clinicians and engineers, Blüm Health Ltd designs and builds NHS-ready digital health solutions to connect healthcare excellence with technological innovation, accelerating the transition to a world filled with digital health solutions.
Why did you choose to become a mentor on the NHS CEP, are you enjoying the experience and how have you supported your mentee/s so far?
‘’I became a mentor to give back to the programme, enable founders to turn their ideas into a reality, and to support CEs to avoid mistakes and barriers.
Having been a CE myself, I wanted to support others to mitigate and overcome the same barriers as I had encountered as an early co-founder. It’s also a great opportunity to meet new, like-minded people. Personally, I get the most satisfaction from working with a breadth of projects and I continue to work with CE’s that continue to grow from strength to strength.
I very much operate an open-door policy, allowing mentees to ask anything – but usually I focus on technical support, commercial advice, legal / regulatory tips.’’
What do you think makes a good mentor and can you see the impact that mentoring is having on your mentee?
‘’A good mentor is supportive, a clear communicator, authentic and open in sharing their own experiences and hardships so that the mentee does not have to.
I have seen the impact on mentees, particular when they find solutions to problems, they discuss with me.’’
What is the best piece of advice you have been given in your professional career?
‘‘Don’t go at it alone. Solo work will get you going, but collaboration will get you far.’’
What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a mentor with the NHS CEP?
‘’It’s a great opportunity for personal reflection, personal development but most importantly supporting and developing others.’’
Dr Michael Watts is one of over 300 professionals that volunteer there support to the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme and support our next generation of innovators. If you are interested in supporting the programme visit our mentor pages
TRANSFORMING HEALTHCARE THROUGH INNOVATION
