NASS Releases eBook on Innovation

The North American Spine Society (NASS) is releasing its first ebook on medical device development.

“Roadmap to Innovation” by NASS CEO Eric J. Muehlbauer details the steps medtech developers must take to bring a new product to market. With three decades of experience leading NASS, Muehlbauer uses his understanding to ensure readers are equipped with the necessary information to navigate the complexities of taking innovative medical devices from conception to market success.

“Roadmap to Innovation” is a comprehensive guide for all medical professionals—from startup entrepreneurs to seasoned executives. It is available exclusively in the NASS store.

“In discussing the challenges with a colleague, it became evident that the medical device sector lacked a step-by-step guide to support new entrants and existing companies alike,” said Muehlbauer. “This book describes one method to bridge that gap, offering a roadmap for those who want to innovate responsibly and effectively.”

In Roadmap to Innovation, Muehlbauer covers:

• Understanding the Medical Device Market – Key insights into the market landscape, competitive positioning, and emerging trends.
• Protecting Intellectual Property – Ways to develop pitches that keep work protected, and understanding the ideal time and exactly what to divulge.
• Regulatory Navigation – Strategies to effectively work within the regulatory frameworks to accelerate the path from idea to market.
• Challenges in Innovation – Analysis of common obstacles and methods to overcome them, with insights into the roles of coding, reimbursement, and product adoption.
• Future Directions – An exploration of artificial intelligence and machine learning’s role in the future of medical devices.

Muehlbauer’s tenure at NASS has positioned him at the forefront of spine and health policy, giving him unique insight into both regulatory and clinical needs in the field. He shares this knowledge in his book to support a growing need for innovation across the medical device landscape.

Muehlbauer has led NASS since 1994, driving it to become a respected voice in health policy and medical education. He earned his master of Jurisprudence degree in health law and policy from Loyola University Chicago Law School, a bachelor of arts degree from Knox College, and he holds the Certified Association Executive designation. Muehlbauer is also a member of the American Society of Law, Medicine, and Ethics (ASLME).

NASS is a global multidisciplinary medical organization dedicated to fostering the highest quality, ethical, evidenced-based and value-based spine care by promoting education, research and advocacy. NASS is comprised of nearly 8,000 members from several disciplines, including orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, physiatry, radiology, anesthesiology, research, and physical therapy.