Medical Innovation & Technology Program
Medical Innovation & Technology Program: Primer on Physician Entrepreneurship
Advances in medical technologies, devices, and machine learning are propelling an era of healthcare innovation. As such, there are opportunities for business growth across all areas of medical practice and an increasing recognition of the opportunities for physicians to drive impactful change through entrepreneurship. The Medical Innovation and Technology (MIT) program, developed by the Temerty Medicine MD Program, is an exciting opportunity to equip aspiring doctors with essential business skills and an entrepreneurial mindset.
The MIT program is designed for MD Program learners who are interested in exploring the intersection of medicine and entrepreneurship and looking to develop skills in creating and managing healthcare ventures. Upon completion of the program, students will have gained the skills to:
- conceptualize a framework for building a solution to a specific healthcare problem.
- better understand the basic components of building a healthcare venture.
- have access to resources needed to support the growth of an idea into an early-stage venture.
Those who successfully complete the program will receive a Letter of Completion for the Medical Innovation and Technology (MIT) program and gain access to a large network of Temerty Faculty of Medicine alumni entrepreneurs.
Scholarships & Awards of Interest
The Temerty Faculty of Medicine offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships in each year of study, based on a number of different criteria. Highlighted below are a selection of awards and scholarships that may be applicable to students interested in participating in the MIT program.
Visit the University of Toronto Awards Explorer for more information.
- Alisa Abrahams Memorial Award for Entrepreneurship in Medicine
- Mr. Robert & Ms. Francine Ruggles Innovation Award
- FDC Foundation MD/PhD Graduate Ankle Innovation Award
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine-MD (plus) Program Innovation and Commercialization Enhancement
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine-Student Innovation Prize Fund
Learn from the Experts
Dr. Brett Belchetz
CEO & Co-Founder, Maple
Isi Caulder
Smart & Biggar LP
Julie Coles
Associate, iGan Partners
Liam Kaufman
VP Corporate Business Development, Cambridge Cognition
(Previously CEO & Co-Founder of WinterLight Labs)
Dr. Chris O’Connor
CEO, FirstHx
Dr. Nardin Samuel
Program Lead
FAQ
Who is eligible to participate in the program?
All students in Foundations and Clerkship are eligible to participate in the program.
What is the length and format of the program?
The program consists of 12 modules that participants will work through over 24 weeks. The modules will be presented in a hybrid format, combining asynchronous pre-recorded videos of one hour in length with a synchronous panel discussion, and an in-person networking event.
Students can access the virtual components of the program through the university’s online learning platform. Details for in-person sessions and the networking event will be provided upon registration.
When does the program begin?
The MIT program will begin December 1, 2024.
Is there a fee to participate in the MIT program?
No, there is no fee to apply to or participate in the MIT Program. This opportunity is available to all Foundations and Clerkship students free of charge.
What topics will be covered in the MIT program?
The program syllabus is as follows:
- Session 1: Introduction to Healthcare Entrepreneurship
- Session 2: Defining the Problem
- Session 3: Developing Your Idea
- Session 4: Understanding Your Market
- Session 5: Intellectual Property
- Session 6: Team Building
- Session 7: The Business Plan
- Session 8: Raising Capital
- Session 9: The Pitch
- Session 10: Sales and Marketing
- Session 11: Common Pitfalls
- Session 12: Networking Event (In-person)
How can I register for the program?
Please fill out the online application form by November 1, 2024 to express your interest in participating.
Is there a class size limit?
No, there is no limit to the class size.
What other resources for entrepreneurship are available at the University?
If you are interested in learning more about the vibrant entrepreneurship community at U of T and seeking resources for furthering your ideas we recommend you explore the following websites:
Ready to apply?
Fill out the online application form by November 1, 2024.
Additional Questions?
For more information about the program or to find answers to a question that has not been addressed please contact Nardin Samuel at nardin.samuel@mail.utoronto.ca.