A critical gap exists in cancer care where cardiovascular risk factors are often ignored. As cancer treatments improve survival, patients are increasingly dying from preventable heart attacks and strokes, necessitating the specialized field of cardio-oncology.

Successful MedTech innovation starts by identifying a pressing, real-world clinical problem and then developing a solution. This 'problem-first' approach is more effective than creating a technology and searching for an application, a common pitfall for founders with academic backgrounds.

Of the 30+ million Americans with chronic kidney disease (CKD), most are unaware they have it. The greatest societal impact would come not from a new therapy, but from widespread screening and education, as existing drugs and lifestyle changes can help patients in the early stages before they need advanced care.

The Orphan Drug Act successfully incentivized R&D for rare diseases. A similar policy framework is needed for common, age-related diseases. Despite their massive potential markets, these indications suffer from extremely high failure rates and costs. A new incentive structure could de-risk development and align commercial goals with the enormous societal need for longevity.

While commercial conflicts of interest are heavily scrutinized, the pressure on academics to produce positive results to secure their next large institutional grant is often overlooked. This intense pressure to publish favorably creates a significant, less-acknowledged form of research bias.

A successful research program requires deep integration with the clinical environment. By spending time with oncologists and nurses and joining tumor boards, scientists gain the necessary context to ask the most meaningful questions, bridging the gap between theoretical lab work and the reality of patient care.

Chronic illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's typically develop over two decades before symptoms appear. This long "runway" is a massive, underutilized opportunity to identify high-risk individuals and intervene, yet medicine typically focuses on treatment only after a disease is established.

The most impactful medical advances come from 'clinical scientists' who both see patients and work in the lab. This dual perspective provides a deep understanding of disease mechanisms and how to translate research into treatments, a model that Dr. Abelson believes is now under threat due to economic pressures.

Funding and talent in healthcare innovation often prioritize life-threatening conditions like heart disease. Consequently, gastrointestinal health, where problems are often chronic and debilitating but not typically fatal, has received less attention and investment.