From the Lab to the Clinic: NRT Trainees Explore Medical Device Applications at Mayo Clinic

As part of the NSF NRT program’s commitment to interdisciplinary training in medical device innovation, NRT trainees Mason Paddie and Vi Ho recently completed a clinical residency experience with Dr. David Lott and his team at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona.

Over the course of the residency, Mason and Vi observed both outpatient clinical procedures and surgical operations within the field of otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat medicine). The experience provided a unique opportunity to see firsthand how medical devices and technologies are used to diagnose, monitor, and treat patients with complex airway, vocal cord, and swallowing disorders.

A key takeaway from the residency was the importance of understanding the real-world needs of clinicians and patients when developing new healthcare technologies. By observing patient care environments and discussing device limitations and opportunities for improvement with healthcare providers, the trainees gained a deeper appreciation for the role engineers play in advancing medical care.

Experiences such as this Mayo Clinic residency help bridge the gap between engineering research and clinical practice, providing NRT trainees with valuable exposure to the environments where future medical technologies are ultimately used.

🌟 The NRT program extends its sincere gratitude to Dr. David Lott and the Mayo Clinic team for their continued support and for providing our students with this exceptional learning opportunity 🌟