In this conversation, Dr. David Morgenroth discusses his career at the VA, emphasizing the importance of giving back to veterans and the unique opportunities for thorough clinical practice and research within the VA system. He highlights the significance of collaboration between government and industry in advancing prosthetic technologies and the challenges of translating innovations from the VA to the civilian sector. The discussion also covers the role of implementation science in ensuring that innovations are effectively integrated into clinical practice. Dr. Morgenroth shares insights on the AMPREDICT Decision Support Tool, designed to aid decision-making in amputation levels, and emphasizes the importance of mentorship in fostering career development. He concludes with a call to action for innovators to focus on team science and relationship building to enhance their impact on clinical care.

Intro and outro music by the Flatbush Cowboys (a band that David Morgenroth played in from Brooklyn, NY).

Takeaways

• Dr. Morgenroth's career has been shaped by serendipity and mentorship.
• The VA allows for a thorough practice of medicine.
• Collaboration between government, academia, and industry is crucial for innovation in prosthetics.
• Implementation science is essential for translating research into clinical practice.
• The AMPREDICT Decision Support Tool aids in shared decision-making for amputation levels.
• Prosthetic selection can be augmented by allowing users to trial different options.
• Data-driven and shared decision-making are growing areas in healthcare innovation.
• Mentorship plays a vital role in career satisfaction and success.
• Building relationships is key to effective collaboration in research.
• Innovators should prioritize team science and cultivate relationships for impactful solutions.

Sound Bites

• "This is the future of healthcare in action."
• "Mentorship is the secret sauce."
• "Take a walk in the woods and just think."

Chapters

00:15

Introduction to Dr. David Morgenroth

01:46

The Value of Working at the VA

07:13

Collaboration Between VA and Private Sector

11:26

Challenges in Translating Innovations

17:34

The Importance of Implementation Science

22:54

Shared Decision-Making in Amputation

28:50

Future of Prosthetics and Data Utilization

35:36

Shared Decision Making in Prosthetic Selection

40:24

The Role of Data in Clinical Decision Making

46:08

Collaboration and Innovation in Prosthetic Research

50:46

The Importance of Team Science

58:48

The Power of Mentorship

01:07:05

Call to Action for Innovators