Piyush Mahapatra is a trauma and orthopaedic surgeon, Chief Innovation Officer at Open Medical, and mentor on the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme.
Name: Piyush Mahapatra
Occupation: Trauma and orthopaedic surgeon & Chief Innovation Officer at Open Medical
“I have a passion for fixing things that are broken. It is what drove me to pursue a career in medicine and become a trauma and orthopaedic surgeon; helping to fix broken bones, restore mobility, and livelihoods.
I strongly believe that technology has the power to bring progress and revolutionise healthcare. That is why I took the leap and founded a specialist education company aimed at training the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons. I wanted to share my knowledge and expertise to make a difference in this field.
Throughout my career, I have been fascinated by the potential of digital technology and robotics in healthcare delivery and orthopaedic surgery. It is incredible how these advancements can transform the way we provide care. I have been fortunate enough to present and publish my findings on this topic, earning recognition within the community for my contributions.
Currently, I am part of the team at Open Medical as the Chief Innovation Officer, where I am involved in driving sustainable digital transformation across various global healthcare systems. Leading this effort has been both challenging and rewarding. As well as leadership responsibilities, I am still actively engaged in product development to ensure we are addressing problems brought forward by the system, our colleagues, and patients.
In 2023/2024, I am honoured to have been selected as an NHS Innovation Accelerator Fellow for Pathpoint eDerma, a cloud-based system that provides a secure and centralised platform for dermatology services to be coordinated across multiple locations, bridging treatment provided across primary and secondary care sites for skin cancer.
In the end, it is all about making a lasting impact and improving lives. Fixing broken bones was just the beginning, and now, through technology and education, I strive to make an even greater difference in the world of medicine.”
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 chose to become an NHS CEP mentor for the incredible opportunity to learn and serve others by helping them innovate and build better healthcare solutions. My positive experience founding a specialist education company and co-founding a digital health start-up has motivated me to become a permanent mentor.
My main goal is to support the growth of future healthcare innovators who play a crucial role in advancing the healthcare sector. I am committed to fostering a collaborative environment for clinical innovation that has a meaningful and positive impact on society, ultimately benefiting everyone
I find mentoring rewarding and enjoy providing support to mentees. Offering time, advice, and guidance to entrepreneurs is a valuable investment, and their appreciation makes it worthwhile. Supporting mentees brings inherent rewards, and the ever-changing nature of each situation keeps me engaged and eager to adapt.
I have supported my mentees with 1:1 sessions on branding, pricing, product strategy. Information governance and regulatory support.”
What do you think makes a good mentor and can you see the impact that mentoring is having on your mentee?
“A skilled mentor combines patience and empathy with candid insights, all centred around empowering and motivating the mentee. As a mentor, I am eager to support clinical entrepreneurs, engage in impactful conversations, and bring my relevant founder experience to the table. Encouraging mentees to think broadly by raising questions and offering guidance without driving their decisions is essential. The impact of mentoring lies in whether the mentee has thoughtfully considered my advice, regardless of their ultimate choice.
One of the impacts I have seen of my mentoring is significant change in product direction and company focus. The mentee transformed their idea to a more sustainable model for both professional and personal benefit.
I encourage founders to consider joining the NHS CEP. This platform offers invaluable chances to learn from others, inspire fellow entrepreneurs, and cultivate the next wave of innovative ideas.”
What is the best piece of advice you have been given in your professional career?
“Be patient, persistent and keep adding value – rest assured it will be recognised!”
Piyush Mahapatra 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
