In our latest #OurEntrepreneurs profile we meet cohort 7 Clinical Entrepreneur Kirti Moholkar, Orthopaedic Surgeon.
Tell us a bit about yourself
As an Orthopaedic Surgeon, I have served as a consultant at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust for the past 19 years.
Name: Kirti Moholkar, NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Cohort 7
Occupation: Orthopaedic Surgeon
During my tenure at the hospital, I held the position of Clinical Director for the Arthroscopy department until 2013, and subsequently, I served as the Clinical Outcomes Lead until 2023. Currently, I am working on creating and implementing the Clinical Wellness and Burnout Prevention program at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital.
Why did you apply to the programme and what are you looking forward to?
I first learned about the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme by browsing the internet. Through the NHS CEP, I aim to enhance my expertise and knowledge of innovation and its practical applications. I feel honoured to be able to network with accomplished and well-connected professionals in the healthcare industry.
My goal is to make a meaningful impact in the field of healthcare, and I am confident that I possess most of the qualities required to achieve this objective. However, I recognize that there are still areas where I can improve my skills. The NHS CEP offers a valuable opportunity for me to fill those gaps and become a more well-rounded professional.
Tell us about your innovation
I possess an innate entrepreneurial spirit and have been working on various projects aimed at supporting the NHS and advancing healthcare. One of my primary focuses is the Knee Balancer, which I intend to develop further with the support of the NHS CEP. I am eager to explore different strategies that will help me achieve success with this project. The Knee Balancer has been a passion project for me over the past seven years, and I am hopeful that I can find an industry partner to help bring it to market.
The Elite Balancer, a ligament balancing tool, is a key component of the Knee Balancer project. It has been designed to enhance the outcomes of knee surgery and provides results similar to those of robotic surgery but at a much lower cost. I have conducted extensive tests on the tool, including cadaveric lab experiments, and the results are consistent with the technique that I use in clinical practice. Currently, the tool is available only in prototype format and cannot be used in clinical settings.
What motivates you?
As a clinician at heart, I am passionate about finding solutions to problems that I encounter. I am particularly driven by innovation and technology, which have the potential to enhance patient care and improve outcomes. This motivation keeps me engaged in clinical practice, and I strive to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field.
What are your ambitions for the next year?
By the end of 2023, my goal is to have a well-defined plan for the development of the Knee Balancer, which will include exploring international patents and fees. I have several other projects in the works as well, including initiatives focused on preventing burnout in healthcare settings. One of these projects is the Fulfilled Careers Institute, which I founded to provide coaching services to fellow clinicians who are struggling with stress, overwhelm, and burnout. As I recently completed a coaching degree during the COVID-19 pandemic, I am looking to scale this project and expand its reach to help more individuals in need.
Why do you think innovation is important in healthcare?
Even in 2023, there is still much to learn about the human body, including the significant variations between individuals and the varying outcomes of medical treatments. While innovation and research have led to significant advancements in healthcare, such as reducing infections and finding cures for deadly conditions, we cannot become complacent. There is still much more to discover and innovate in order to improve clinical outcomes for patients.
In order to achieve this, it is important for clinicians and industry partners to remain focused on what is best for the patient. If we can work towards this common goal, it will be a major breakthrough for healthcare innovation.
How can we find out more?
Please visit my LinkedIn profile for more information.
TRANSFORMING HEALTHCARE THROUGH INNOVATION
