Deborah Kilpatrick, PhD
About Deborah Kilpatrick, PhD
Deborah Kilpatrick, PhD, is a co-founder and director of Medtech Women and the Medtech Vision Conference, with extensive experience in leadership roles across various organizations in the medtech sector. She has contributed significantly to the development and commercialization of healthcare technologies and has a strong academic background in engineering and bioengineering.
Work at MedtechWOMEN
Deborah Kilpatrick, PhD, serves as the Co-Founder and Director of MedtechWomen, a platform dedicated to advancing women's leadership in the medical technology sector. Since its inception in 2010, she has played a pivotal role in organizing the Medtech Vision Conference, which focuses on empowering women business leaders, investors, and clinicians within the medtech industry. The conference has become an annual event in Silicon Valley, fostering discussions on innovation and collaboration among women in the field.
Education and Expertise
Deborah Kilpatrick holds a PhD in Bioengineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she also earned a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Science & Mechanics with High Honor. Her academic background includes a focus on mechanical engineering and bioengineering, complemented by an applied math minor. This educational foundation has equipped her with extensive knowledge and expertise in both the science and business aspects of the medical device and diagnostics industries.
Background
Deborah Kilpatrick has a diverse professional background spanning over three decades. She began her career as a Structures and Aeroelasticity Engineer at Pratt & Whitney and later transitioned into the medical technology sector. Her roles have included Director of New Ventures & Therapy Development at Boston Scientific and co-CEO at Evidation. She has also served on various boards, including Sleep Number Corporation and Sutter Health, and has been involved in advisory roles at institutions such as the Georgia Institute of Technology and the Fogarty Institute for Innovation.
Achievements
Deborah Kilpatrick has co-founded the first conference specifically targeting women in the medtech industry, highlighting her commitment to enhancing gender representation in the field. She has contributed to discussions on gender disparities in the medtech sector and has played a significant role in the commercialization of healthcare technologies. Her leadership positions in various organizations reflect her influence in shaping the future of medical technology and her dedication to fostering innovation and collaboration.
Leadership Roles and Contributions
Throughout her career, Deborah Kilpatrick has held numerous leadership roles that emphasize her expertise in research and development, technology incubation, and commercialization. She has served on the Board of Directors for multiple organizations, including Sleep Number Corporation and Sutter Health, and has been an Innovation Team Coach at Stanford University’s Biodesign Fellows Program. Her involvement in these roles underscores her commitment to advancing healthcare solutions and supporting the next generation of innovators in the medtech industry.