Women in MedTech: Rona Gungon

Rona Gungon is a Product Development Engineering Supervisor with over 17 years of experience in the medical device packaging industry, including the designation of Certified Packaging Professional (CPP).

Rona’s career in the medical device packaging sector has been marked by a series of progressive roles, including Quality Assurance, Customer Quality Liaison, and Project Engineering. Her experience and insightful understanding of the industry’s complexities enable her to now lead a team of Product Development engineers.

Before transitioning to the medical device packaging industry, Rona spent over four years in the semiconductor industry as a Senior Failure Analysis Engineer. This role honed her problem-solving skills and provided a strong foundation for her subsequent career in packaging engineering.

Rona holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Saint Louis University, Baguio, Philippines.

What initially attracted you to the medtech industry? How has your perspective on the industry evolved over the course of your career?

When I moved to Minnesota, a major medtech hub, it was natural for me to look at changing careers. My mother, who was the recipient of a life-saving medical device, has also inspired me to continue working in this field.

I’ve found the medtech industry to be a hotbed of innovation and advancement. I’ve seen new technologies emerge that are saving lives, and improving the quality of life, for patients around the world.

As a seasoned professional in the industry, how do you envision the future of MedTech? What emerging technologies or trends do you believe will have the most significant impact?

I think the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into medtech will have the most significant impact. With the increasing use of robotic-assisted systems, there is significant potential for integrating AI into these technologies.

From your experience, what are some of the key challenges that medtech engineers are likely to face in the coming years? How can professionals in the industry prepare for and navigate these challenges effectively?

The direction of the industry is increased integration of AI and digital health solutions with existing medical devices and systems. The technical aspects of those changes alone present significant challenges for engineers. Additionally, these technologies will drive greater regulatory complexity.

Engineers must stay up to date with both the technology and the ever-evolving state of global regulations, to ensure that safety standards, patient privacy, and data security concerns are correctly addressed.

In your opinion, what areas or applications within MedTech have the greatest potential for growth and innovation? Why do you consider them promising?

Based on recent trends, robotic-assisted surgeries and minimally invasive techniques have the greatest growth potential. Innovations that offer greater precision, reduced recovery times and a lower risk of complications emerge and develop into the most promising solution to medical needs.

As technology continues to advance rapidly, how do you think medtech engineers can stay ahead of the curve and ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge?

I think continuous learning and professional development are crucial to staying ahead of the curve. This can be achieved by attending industry conferences and seminars to learn from experts and discover new technologies. While ensuring technical skills stay sharp, it is also very important to invest in soft skills, such as communication and adaptability. Being open to change is vital for success in our constantly evolving field.

From a broader perspective, how do you see the role of medtech engineering in shaping the future of healthcare? What impact do you anticipate it will have on patient care and outcomes?

Ultimately, everything we do is about patients. As engineers, we are privileged to use our technical skills and problem-solving abilities to drive innovations that deliver better, more efficient products that improve patient care and lower the risk of complications.

Considering the increasing importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, how do you think medtech engineers can effectively collaborate with professionals from other fields, such as medicine and computer science, to drive innovation in the industry?

• Joining professional groups that offer continuous learning opportunities, networking, and a collaborative environment.
• Attending workshops and seminars where professionals can share knowledge and spark ideas for innovation.
• Establishing and/or actively participating in feedback systems that facilitate the exchange of insights on the usability and effectiveness of MedTech solutions.

This article originally appeared in Medical Design & Outsourcing.