Meet Erik Kulstad, M.D.:

Erik Kulstad, M.D. is the Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Attune Medical and Advanced Cooling Therapy Inc. He is also a practicing emergency medicine physician and an Associate Professor at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Kulstad was previously the Research Director at Advocate Christ Medical Center. He received a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering from the University of Maryland, a Master’s in Chemical Engineering from the University of Houston, and an M.D. from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

Key Insights:

Dr. Kulstad’s breakthrough technology provides lessons in patient care and entrepreneurship. 

• The Science of Cooling. Dr. Kulstad invented a tube that circulates water in a closed loop system in the esophagus to manage the temperature of a patient. Having more control over temperature can improve patient outcomes for different procedures, both planned and emergency.
• Local Incubator. Ideas are abundant, the hard part is all the steps after the idea. Dr. Kulstad recommends that entrepreneurs connect with local incubators for investors, training, and most importantly, mentorship.
• Dealing With Rejection. When fundraising, the nos far outnumber yeses. Most people are not prepared for that frequency of rejection. It’s important to have reliable mentors that remind you to keep going. 

This episode is hosted by Rishi Sikka, M.D. He is a guest host for Day Zero and is a Venture Partner at Lifeforce Capital and Professor at Brown University School of Public Health.

Relevant Links:

• Learn more about the Esophageal Temperature Management technology
• Read “Significant Milestones in Clinical Development and Continued Fundraising Support Attune Medical’s Aggressive Growth Strategy”