Inside AECs: Where ‘Skin in the Game’ Meets Innovation, Access, and the Ability to Adapt
See how ambulatory endoscopy centers (AECs) are reshaping GI care—combining independent physicians’ personal investment with “nimble” innovation and improved patient access.
In this episode, Olympus’ Director of Strategic Marketing for GI Diane Locher, joins Dr. Nalini Guda of GI Associates and Dr. Neil Parikh of CTGI & GI Alliance to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of AECs. Learn how these centers streamline procedures, foster team-based care, and rapidly adopt new technologies, all while tackling access deserts and supporting physician well-being.
Chapter 1: Meet the Guests
Diane Locher shares her journey to Olympus and her focus on supporting AECs.
Dr. Nalini Guda and Dr. Neil Parikh introduce their backgrounds, independent practice models, and what drew them to GI.
Chapter 2: Defining AECs
What sets AECs apart from traditional ASCs and hospitals?
How “skin in the game” or independence drives efficiency, ownership, and patient-centered care.
The importance of nimbleness and adaptability in adopting new technologies.
Chapter 3: Access, Innovation, and Teamwork
Tackling “colonoscopy deserts” and improving patient access.
The team approach: physicians, nurses, anesthesiologists, and staff working toward a single goal.
How AECs serve as “innovation playgrounds” for piloting new GI technologies.
Chapter 4: Burnout, Well-being, and Technology
Physician burnout and how independent models help mitigate it.
The role of ambient listening and AI-powered documentation in streamlining workflow.
Training, onboarding, and staff support as critical components of AEC success.
Chapter 5: The Future of GI in AECs
Expanding the menu of procedures: from colorectal screening to endobariatrics and pancreaticobiliary care.
The evolving partnership between industry, physicians, and healthcare systems.
Advocacy and support to enable broader access.
For more episodes by OlympusTalks, please visit olympusamerica.com/podcasts. This podcast has been paid for by Olympus Corporation of the Americas. The views and experiences shared are those of Dr. Nalini Guda and Dr. Neil Parikh, paid consultants of Olympus Corporation and its affiliates. Olympus makes no representations regarding the accuracy or applicability of the content and disclaims all liability arising from its use. Product performance may vary, and techniques, instruments, and clinical decisions are unique to each facility and practitioner. Always refer to the Instructions for Use (IFU) and applicable labeling for guidance, risks, and cautions.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Take your AEC to the next level—partner with Olympus. Visit our site for training, resources, and portfolio solutions tailored to your needs. Visit, Ambulatory Surg...
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Can Mickelsen’s Sequel - Field Medical - Be Superior to the Original? Talking about a Revolution
In this episode of DeviceTalks Weekly, Dr. Steven Mickelsen shares his unique journey to becoming a leading figure in the MedTech industry.
He discusses the evolution of pulse field ablation technology, the challenges faced in the field of electrophysiology, and his decision to start Field Medical, a follow up story to the historically successful Farapulse. Host Tom Salemi conducts the interview.
This episode is sponsored by Viant. Managing Editor Kayleen Brown interviews Anthony Misener, GM, design and development, Viant. To learn more about Viant, visit https://viantmedical.com/.
Sarah Matt, MD, a practicing physician, former tech exec, and now author sits in the virtual FOMO studio to give a sense of where Connected Health is headed. Dr. Matt will sit on a panel at DeviceTalks West exploring how deeply connected technologies have penetrated MedTech and the clinical setting.
See Drs. Matt and Mickelsen at DeviceTalks West. Go to West.DeviceTalks.com to see the agenda.
Thank you for listening to DeviceTalks Weekly.
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Enjoy the show? Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode. Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe
Chapters
(00:01:35) - Women in MedTech Breakfast Update(00:08:11) - Details Steven Mickelsen, MD’s talk at DeviceTalks West(00:13:00) - FOMO with Physician, Tech Guru and Author Sarah Matt, MD(00:25:26) - Anthony Misener, general manager, design and development, Viant(00:28:14) - Keynote Interview - Steven Mickelsen, MD, CEO of Field Medical
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Understanding Cognito Therapeutics’ mission to bring hope to people, families enduring dementia
In this episode of DeviceTalks Weekly, Cognito Therapeutics’ Christian Howell conveys a deep sense of service that brought him to the MedTech industry. Host Tom Salemi talks with Howell about his Navy service, including a mission targeting pirates in the Persian Gulf on Sept. 11, 2001. From there, Howell gained a unique—and faraway—view of the tragic events that changed the world. He carried those lessons into roles at Covidien and Medtronic, where he helped drive Medtronic’s move into value-based healthcare.
Howell is now leaning into that same call of service at Cognito Therapeutics, an MIT-launched startup working to prove that lights and sounds can stimulate the brain to slow the onset of dementia. The technology could become a platform for new brain therapeutics.
You can learn more about Cognito’s technology at DeviceTalks West, where Chief Medical and Scientific Officer Ralph Kern will sit on a panel. Visit West.DeviceTalks.com for more information and to register.
This week’s FOMO interview spotlights ivWatch, a new device for monitoring intravenous lines.
MassDevice Editor Chris Newmarker delivers this week’s Newmarker’s Newsmakers, featuring CorWave, Medtronic, Olympus, Siemens Healthineers, and Zimmer Biomet.
Thank you for listening to DeviceTalks Weekly.
***
Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode.
Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe
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Why surgeons and hospitals – not robotics industry – should drive telesurgery’s future adoption
In this episode of IntuitiveTalks, Host Tom Salemi visits Intuitive’s Atlanta hub to sit down with Brian Miller, executive vice president and chief digital officer.
Miller, who witnessed the first telesurgery procedure in 2001, shares his perspective on how surgical robotics has advanced beyond many early barriers to long-distance surgery. He emphasizes that adoption must be driven by user needs, not hype, with success hinging on meeting the daily realities of surgeons, patients, and health systems. This practical, patient-centered conversation explores what’s next for telesurgery.
This conversation comes to you courtesy of Blue Goat Cyber. To learn more, visit: https://bluegoatcyber.com/
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Enjoy this podcast? Follow the DeviceTalks Podcast Network, home of IntuitiveTalks, on all major podcast players: https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an future episode.
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GE HealthCare’s Gera focuses on heart and CV disease – new device delivery tech and MTI finalists
In this episode of DeviceTalks Weekly, Managing Editor Kayleen Brown talks with Jyoti Gera, CEO of CardioVascular and Interventional Solutions for GE HealthCare, about her journey into the MedTech industry, the significance of cardiovascular health, the challenges faced in patient care, and the innovative solutions GE HealthCare is implementing to improve outcomes.
Jyoti emphasizes the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing early detection and personalizing treatment, while also outlining the future of cardiology care as more connected and efficient. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration in the healthcare ecosystem to address the growing burden of cardiovascular disease.
This week’s FOMO guest Chris Steadham, vice president of technology at Aptyx, unpacks the evolution of implants and delivery systems. He emphasizes the importance of co-developing delivery systems alongside implants to ensure optimal performance and physician satisfaction. The discussion also touches on the impact of emerging technologies like AI and robotics in reshaping interventional procedures. For more information, go to https://aptyx.com/
Paul Grand, CEO of MedTech Innovator, commandeers the Newmarker’s Newsmakers to reveal the Finalists for MedTech Innovator’s finalists for its early-stage and execution awards. Read them here at MassDevice.https://www.massdevice.com/medtech-innovator-names-2025-grand-prize-finalists/
Thank you for listening to DeviceTalks Weekly!
***
Enjoy the show? Follow DeviceTalks Weekly on all major podcast players + Follow us on YouTube.com/@DeviceTalks to ensure you never miss an episode.
Want access to the complete DeviceTalks Podcast Network (DTPN)? Follow us today at https://devicetalks.castos.com/subscribe
Chapters
(00:00:04) - Keynote Interview with Jyoti Gera, CEO, CardioVascular & Interventional Solutions, GE HealthCare(00:02:45) - Welcome Paul Grand of MedTech Innovator(00:05:15) - MTI’s Execution Award Finalists(00:16:15) - MTI’s Early-stage Award Finalists(00:35:05) - FOMO with Chris Steadham, vice president, technology, Aptyx
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Each episode dives deep into critical areas like business strategy, market trends, surgical robotics, orthopedics, structural heart, neurology, and beyond. You’ll hear from leading voices at top companies—ranging from major OEMs to innovative startups—sharing their solutions, stories, and strategies for tackling the industry’s biggest challenges.
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