Sign In

Christopher Howard

Senior Product Manager at FUJIFILM Sonosite, Inc.

Professional Background

Christopher Howard is a highly accomplished expert in the field of medical devices and healthcare product commercialization, with significant experience navigating the complexities of development and implementation. He has established a reputation for creating user-friendly medical products that not only enhance patient care but also reduce costs and risks for healthcare providers. With an extensive background working in diverse hospital and research environments, Christopher excels at connecting various stakeholders—ranging from clinical teams to engineers and regulatory bodies—to effectively transform innovative concepts into practical, market-ready solutions.

His extensive knowledge of the medical device development lifecycle encompasses the essential phases of concept development, controlled design, development, production transfer, quality management systems, as well as conducting preclinical and clinical studies. Christopher's role in medical device commercialization doesn’t end there; he is adept at formulating strategic responses to intellectual property concerns and regulatory requirements, ensuring that new healthcare solutions meet all guidelines and market needs.

Education and Achievements

Christopher's academic background underpins his success in the healthcare sector. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Design and Technology from Brunel University in the UK, where he developed a robust foundation in design principles and the technical aspects of product development. Following this, he pursued an MBA at the University of Washington, emphasizing Business Administration with a focus on Marketing and Entrepreneurship. This dual pathway of education enables Christopher to approach product development not just from a technical standpoint but also from a strategic business perspective, critical for succeeding in today’s competitive healthcare landscape.

In addition to his formal education, Christopher has taken part in various prestigious programs that have refined his skill set, including an ITHS Commercialization Fellowship at the University of Washington Center for Commercialization. This program provided him with a unique insight into the intersection of healthcare innovation and business practices.

Professional Experience

Christopher has built a noteworthy career characterized by strategic roles within healthcare innovation. Currently serving as a Senior Product Manager at FUJIFILM Sonosite, Inc., he leads efforts to develop and deliver high-quality medical products that meet customer needs. His prior experience as the Founder of Medical Sensor Systems showcases his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to addressing gaps in the healthcare market. At Seattle Children's Hospital, he held multiple roles, including Imagination Lab Director and Manager of Technology Commercialization, which involved overseeing the translation of research ideas into viable commercial pathways.

Christopher has also made significant contributions as a Product Manager at Whirlwind Wheelchair International and has been involved with projects at San Francisco State University. His work spans multiple international healthcare settings, allowing him to share best practices and insights from diverse healthcare systems, including initiatives in Colombia, Mexico, Vietnam, and Zambia. This broad international perspective is invaluable in today’s globalized approach to healthcare, enabling a comprehensive understanding of diverse patient needs and institutional capabilities.

In each role, Christopher has demonstrated a distinct ability to manage complex projects and foster collaborative relationships between scientists, clinicians, and business leaders. His leadership has not only advanced the products he has developed but has also positively impacted patient outcomes—signifying his commitment to improving healthcare through innovative design and strategic planning.

Achievements

  • Successfully led the development and commercialization of several medical device products, significantly improving patient care processes.
  • Developed and implemented strategic IP and regulatory frameworks that supported successful product launches.
  • Cultivated partnerships across various healthcare sectors, promoting collaborative projects that resulted in innovative solutions.
  • Played a pivotal role in transforming research ideas at Seattle Children's into commercially successful products, bridging the gap between pediatric healthcare needs and technological advancements.

Related Questions

How did Christopher Howard's education at Brunel University and University of Washington shape his career in healthcare innovation?
What are some specific examples of successful medical devices developed under Christopher Howard's leadership?
How has Christopher Howard's international work in countries like Colombia and Vietnam influenced his approach to product development in healthcare?
What strategies has Christopher Howard implemented to ensure regulatory compliance in medical device commercialization?
In what ways has Christopher Howard contributed to fostering collaboration among stakeholders in healthcare and technology sectors?
Christopher Howard
Add to my network

Location

Seattle, Washington, United States