Shig Tanaka is the Vice President of Research & Development at Providence Medical Technology. He was the Co-founder of Prospect+Health and lead engineer of Kolum, Inc (acquired).
Shig graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Product Design. His interests in mathematics, problem solving, and mechanical engineering were an ideal fit for the emerging field at a time when Computer Aided Design (CAD) was enabling rapid advancements in product development. Shig developed products for 15 years before leading Speck Design’s Medical Device practice.
On this episode, Shig shares advice with aspiring entrepreneurs and product designers on how to advance from the idea stage to building physical prototype and ultimately commercializing healthcare innovations. As an added bonus, Shig explains how his “selfish” philosophy of working with people and selecting projects that make him happy provide the much needed motivation to overcome obstacles and persevere in the competitive healthcare field.