In this DaVinci Innovators+ episode Maxwell Cooper, M.D. interviews Gary Michelson, M.D. about his career as a physician-inventor and the invention process. Dr. Michelson practiced spine surgery for over 25 years while at the same time inventing numerous spine surgery devices, resulting in over 900 patents worldwide. In 2005 he sold his portfolio of patents to Medtronic for $1.4 billion. He went on to start a number of philanthropic organizations grouped under Michelson Philanthropies that focus on medical research, education, animal rights, and intellectual property. Dr. Michelson tells the listeners about his invention process, how he balanced being a full-time practicing surgeon and a prolific inventor, and how he commercialized his inventions. Dr. Michelson provides advice for aspiring inventors and how physicians can utilize their clinical experience to identify clinical needs and develop innovative solutions. Lastly, Dr. Michelson discusses his current philanthropic work, including how his foundations are funding young scientific investigators and a new center for immunology research in California.

+DaVinci Innovators is a series of episodes of The DaVinci Hour Podcast that feature physicians, inventors, and entrepreneurs working on innovative medical technology. Guests discuss developing new medical technology, building medtech companies, and advice for anyone going through the process of medical innovation.

*Views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals, not their respective institutions

Michelson Philanthropies
Website: https://www.michelsonphilanthropies.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichelsonPhils
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelsonphilanthropies/ 

Michelson Medical Research Foundation
Website: https://www.michelsonmedicalresearch.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichelsonMedRF
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garymichelsonmmrf/

Gary Michelson, M.D.
Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon
Medical Device Inventor
Founder & Co-Chair, Michelson Philanthropies

Education/Training
Spine Surgery Fellowship, St. Luke's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine & University of Texas
Orthopaedic Surgery Residency, Hahnemann Medical Hospital
M.D., Drexel University College of Medicine
B.S., Temple University