Expanding the Clinical Innovation Frontier: Strategies Beyond Major Hubs

What does it take to prepare the next generation of physicians and innovators? In this session, Matt from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), the nation’s second-largest medical school with four campuses, will share insights from both his entrepreneurial journey and his role in academic medicine. Drawing from his experience starting and leading a company, Matt will kick off the discussion with an honest look at the strengths and weaknesses of startups.

He will then highlight how VCOM is integrating its students into the regional innovation ecosystem, showcasing the unique programs and initiatives that are shaping future healthcare leaders. Attendees will gain a fresh perspective on how medical education, entrepreneurship, and ecosystem development intersect to drive “next generation medicine.”

As Chief Innovation Officer, Matt Gevaert, Ph.D. leads innovation at VCOM – the second-largest US medical school, with more than 2,400 students across campuses in four states. VCOM’s strengths are powered by its scale, a multi-state network across the Southeast, and a whole-person health framework that drives its patient-first approach to medical education, research and innovation. A biomedical engineer turned entrepreneur, Gevaert is co-founder of two companies delivering deep tech solutions in cancer and women’s health. As CEO of Kiyatec, he led the company through commercial launch of a pioneering cancer diagnostic that sets a new standard for predicting individualized drug response. Recognized for his thought leadership, he has delivered invited talks on Capitol Hill and at forums hosted by medical schools, investment banks, and the National Academy of Engineering, and has been featured on podcasts from the NIH and Cambridge Associates.