Edward Chekan

About Edward Chekan

I am passionate about improving the quality of patient care, whether in my clinical practice as a minimally invasive surgeon or as a Medical Affairs executive. With expertise in research, product innovation, clinical education, and patient safety, delivering a patient-first approach with the goal of improved clinical outcomes is always at the top of mind. Since 2007 I have used my surgical experience to become a subject matter expert in medical device R&D and education for practitioners, sales teams, and marketing departments. As a creative collaborator, I have made significant contributions to multiple product development teams along the entire spectrum of product development – from scribbles on the back of the napkin to the final packaging on shelves. I consistently rise to the challenge, to not only improve medical device design but to create technical advancements that improve clinical outcomes. More recently, I have served as a consultant for multiple healthcare companies on medical affairs, KOL, MSL, and regulatory strategies, both in the Americas and globally. I truly enjoy working with executive teams to understand their needs and provide guidance to support growth while improving healthcare outcomes. I offer a track record of aligning business and clinical goals through strategic planning and building partnerships.Specialties: Leading the development of medical affairs and scientific strategies KOL relationship development Medical device product research and innovation with numerous patents Deep expertise on EU medical device regulations and CE Mark Education needs assessment and developing provider/internal training on products Patient safety, quality, and surveillance University and public relations Minimally invasive procedures (specialty in endo-surgical procedures) Multiple publications in medical journals

Experience

1. Vice President of Medical Affairs & Professional Education

   Asensus Surgical

   May 2022 — Present · Durham, NC, US

   Established a full-service medical affairs department for this surgical robotics company that leverages artificial intelligence for real-time clinical decision support. Hired and grew the medical affairs team, including extensive training and development of six direct reports on the robotic platform. Designed a learning platform using AI and VR to provide simulated situations for practice. Supported product development efforts by identifying user needs and conducting clinical studies. Partnered with the marketing team on KOL development, market development, and risk management. Spearheaded and led an initiative to define strategy and vision for the pediatric surgical offering.

Education

• Drexel University

  Doctor of Medicine (MD), Medicine

  1988 — 1992

• Duke University

  Clincal Fellowship, Minimally Invasive Surgery

  1998 — 1999

• East Carolina University

  Resident, General Surgery

  1993 — 1994

• Allegheny General Hospital

  Resident, Chief Resident , General Surgery

  1994 — 1997

• Duke University

  Research Fellowship, Minimally Invasive Surgery

  1997 — 1998

• Penn State University

  Bachelor of Science (BS), Biology

  1983 — 1987

• Allegheny General Hospital

  Resident, General Surgery

  1992 — 1993

Skills

• Medical Education
• Medical Devices
• Clinical Research
• Endoscopy
• Curriculum Development
• General Surgery
• Product Innovation
• Medicine
• Cardiology
• Bariatric Surgery
• Future Trends
• Problem Solving
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Health
• Clinical Trials
• R&D
• Teaching
• Minimally Invasive Procedures
• Interventional Radiology
• Working with Physicians
• Working with Surgeons
• Physicians
• Healthcare
• Biotechnology
• Surgery
• Laparoscopic Surgery
• Research and Development (R&D)
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Hospitals
• Public Speaking
• Human Anatomy
• Strategic Thinking
• Research and Development
• Strategic Partnerships
• Medical Directors
• Capital Equipment
• Product Development
• Technology Transfer
• Surgeons
• Surgical Instruments