Breakthrough Builders Health Tech, Human Touch: Justin Barad
While practicing as an orthopedic surgeon, Justin Barad asked himself: With 1.1 million surgeons around the world, doing 310 million procedures a year—what if every single one of them was able to improve their performance by 200 or 300%?
In his talk with Jesse, Justin describes how his love of video games and his medical expertise led him to develop Osso VR, which combines virtual reality technology and training to give surgeons a faster, more accessible route to mastering some of the world’s most complex procedures. You’ll hear about the transformative impact that Osso VR is having on the world of medicine today. Justin also shares his thoughts on how art can and should influence science, why we need to rethink how we educate doctors in order to address a growing skills gap, and, for lighter fare—he reveals his favorite slice of pizza in the US.
(4:01) How Justin got hooked on video gaming
(7:23) Discovering that not all physicians take a single-minded approach to their work
(12:32) How Justin’s pathways into medicine and tech converged with the development of Osso VR
(20:28) Measuring the impact and improving the experience of Osso VR technology and training
(27:49) Why we might see more MBA + MDs in the near future
(30:59) How to pursue what you’re passionate about
(32:04) Exploring life journeys, and the search for the perfect pizza slice
Guest Bio
Justin is a board-eligible orthopedic surgeon with a Bioengineering degree from UC Berkeley, and an MD from UCLA. Originally interning to become a game developer at Activision-Blizzard, he co-founded Osso VR with a mission to improve patient safety and democratize access to modern surgical techniques.
Justin has spoken at multiple conferences including TEDMED, CES, Exponential Medicine, and Health 2.0. He also currently serves as a member of the Consumer Technology Association’s Health Technology Division Board of Directors. He currently resides in sunny Northern California with his two Great Danes. In his free time, you can find him enthusiastically singing karaoke and searching for the perfect slice of pizza.
Helpful Links
The Slice podcast
Justin’s TED appearance
Read about The Hospital for Sick Kids, where Justin received some life-changing advice
Justin’s favorite pizza spot: Rosie’s