Seeking next generation of clinical entrepreneurs

Next generation of Clinical Entrepreneurs sought to accelerate healthcare innovation: The Australian Clinical Entrepreneur Program (AUSCEP) – the only workforce development program designed to drive clinician-led innovation in Australia – is opening applications for the second time to clinicians and allied health professionals. for its two-year pilot program.

AUSCEP aims to accelerate ideas that have the potential to change healthcare for the benefit of patients, staff and the broader health system in any area such as digital health, medical devices, service delivery improvements, new ground-breaking treatments or diagnostics.

By developing the commercial skills, knowledge and networks of clinicians not often taught in medical training, it is hoped the program will remove the barriers associated with developing and scaling innovation in Australia’s healthcare system.

Dr Brandon Carp, National Entrepreneurial Lead said: “This program will upskill clinicians through an eight pit stop program that includes defining the problem, refining the solution, identifying the customer and raising capital”.

Dr Mark Lin, current AUSCEP participant said: “The ideas that I’ve been exposed to are vastly different from clinical training. It is a life-changing program and I would really encourage anyone who has the desire to improve and innovate in healthcare to apply”.

Co-designed and delivered by established clinical entrepreneurs, the Clinical Leadership team have extensive experience building businesses in healthcare which is a huge value add to the program because they understand how the system works. This provides participants and their innovations with the best chance of success as they progress through the course.

“Clinicians are uniquely placed to identify problems, see opportunities and understand how best to navigate the health landscape to create solutions – but introducing solutions is difficult without first having the knowledge, networks and experience. That is where the program can have the most impact” Dr Carp said.

Ongoing coaching and mentoring with experienced clinical entrepreneurs is part of the 12 month program as well as access to extensive hospital and industry networks across Australia and the world.

New South Wales-based AUSCEP Clinical Co-Lead Dr Amandeep Hansra, said: “We are thrilled with the diversity of innovations and ideas that have emerged from the program so far. It demonstrates there are ideas and innovations out there, but there are still real barriers hindering development and adoption. We are changing that by boosting the skills of the healthcare workforce to make lasting impact”.

The pilot is available to clinicians and allied health professionals in VIC, NSW & WA and it is hoped the program will be available to the whole country in the future.

Applications are now open, and close at 11.59pm 16th April AEST.

Western Australia-based AUSCEP Clinical Co-Lead Dr Carlo Bellini, said: “The quality of participants is testament to the talent we have in Australia – healthcare professionals who are passionate about innovating healthcare and improving patient outcomes. We strongly encourage everyone interested to connect with the AUSCEP ecosystem and apply for the second cohort.”

AUSCEP is administered in partnership by the University of Melbourne and The University of Western Australia and powered by MTPConnect as part of the REDI initiative.

Further information: www.auscep.com.au