JULY 31– We were proud to interview MedTechVet Academy Mentor, Greg Lisi. Greg is currently the Executive Vice President of Operations for PrepMD LLC where he develops team goals and achieves success.
PrepMD was founded in 2009 with the original mission to identify, teach, inspire and connect talented individuals with the medical device community. While they initially focused on the cardiac rhythm management space of the industry, they have expanded into the fields of electrophysiology, interventional cardiology and structural heart.
Their core competencies continue to revolve around training. They prepare and help talented candidates launch a successful and rewarding career working in one the cardiac specialties of the MedTech space.
“As I went through my transition process and weighed the types of careers I wanted to pursue, the idea of aligning myself with an industry whose success depended on driving positive outcomes for patients seemed like it would offer the excitement and inherent fulfillment I was seeking”
What led you to obtain a role within the MedTech space?
Like many veterans transitioning from the military I feared ending up in a role that would lack the sense of mission and higher purpose that I knew I had as an active duty Army Officer. As I went through my transition process and weighed the types of careers I wanted to pursue, the idea of aligning myself with an industry whose success depended on driving positive outcomes for patients seemed like it would offer the excitement and inherent fulfillment I was seeking.
I was fortunate to start out in a clinical facing role serving as the intermediary between cutting edge medical technology, the patient and the caregiver team and fell in love with it. Eventually, I progressed from a clinical role to sales and sales management before joining PrepMD in 2010.
What led you to become a mentor for MedTechVets?
In my current role at PrepMD I have the pleasure of working on many of our corporate training initiatives. One such initiative is training former military officers who are currently employed by Abiomed, Inc in the company’s commercial leadership program (CLP). The Abiomed CLP is an exciting program that the company has deployed to take talented former officers and prepare them as future leaders in their organization.
The first part of the program is completing a 5 week hybrid training program at PrepMD. This is designed to help to close their clinical gap and prepare them to enter their highly technical product training with Abiomed. During one of these sessions I was able to meet Donnie Bowers who was a graduate of the MedTechVets program. Donnie spoke glowingly of the program and how it was integral to his success in landing the role with Abiomed. Donnie also shared that there was a need for more mentors and encouraged me to reach out.
“I would just like to encourage others to look inward to find the time to connect with MedTechVets and explore ways in which they can become involved. Giving back to the military community and our fellow veterans has so many rewards. We have all had people who have helped guide or mentor us at one point or another in our careers. It feels great when you can return the favor. ”
What has your mentorship journey with MedTechVets been like?
I inquired in the summer of 2022 to learn ways in which I might become involved with MedTechVets. Immediately, I was overwhelmed by how responsive the MedTech Vets team was to my outreach. I was equally impressed with the number of ways in which one can become involved.
I have worked with three different groups of academy fellows since starting to volunteer. Twice Iserved as a mentor paired with transitioning veterans. The one academy session where my schedule did not allow me to mentor, I volunteered to serve on the mock interview panel. This panel helps the academy fellows prepare for their actual interviews.
I am so impressed with the quality of the Academy Events and the openness with which the staff embraces its volunteers. We are always welcome to attend any of the virtual training events. I love to join them when my schedule permits. I have been fortunate to join a few of the networking events that MedTechVets has hosted for its volunteers which has allowed me to expand my professional network.
Most recently, I am exploring the idea of PrepMD’s being able to provide Academy Fellows with scholarships to our online learning resources and hands-on workshops. I am so excited to see where that project may go.
“There is a light at the end of the tunnel and a professional life after you complete your service. Stay true to yourself and the qualities that made you a success in the military. At the same time don’t be afraid to embrace what the civilian sector has to offer. Learn from your civilian colleagues and find good mentors. “
Any advice for veterans?
There is a light at the end of the tunnel and a professional life after you complete your service. Stay true to yourself and the qualities that made you a success in the military. At the same time don’t be afraid to embrace what the civilian sector has to offer. Learn from your civilian colleagues and find good mentors.
As you begin your job search, you will encounter “No’s” along the way. I know I did and that’s ok. What is important is taking the time to explore what it is you truly need to be professionally happy in this next chapter of your life. Be patient and look to find a place where you truly fit. Once you find that fit, focus on building your own personal brand as a professional. Your ability to build and cultivate that brand will be what sustains you as you move forward in your professional journey.
What are your key takeaways from being a mentor?
MedTechVets provides so many ways for someone to become involved. The mentor program is like a white canvas. Mentors have the opportunity to be creative within the program and make it a rewarding experience for themselves a well as their mentee.
What does the future look like for you? Do you have any exciting trips planned?
I am excited for the warm weather. I will be traveling to New Orleans for the annual Heart Rhythm Society meeting next week. I’m look forward to reconnecting with many customers, former colleagues and PrepMD alumni who will be at the meeting.
Beyond that I have some travel planned with my son. He will be playing some tournament baseball on the Alabama gulf coast in July. Summers are short here in New England so I am hoping to maximize the season as much as possible.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I would just like to encourage others to look inward to find the time to connect with MedTechVets. Explore ways they can become involved. Giving back to the military community and our fellow veterans has so many rewards. We have all had people who have helped guide or mentor us at one point or another in our careers. It feels great when you can return the favor.
Interested in connecting with Greg?
Connect with him on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-lisi-ccds-ceps-6874119/
About MedTechVets
MedTechVets is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Veterans during career transition and beyond. Our Vision is to build a bridge to help Veterans find meaningful employment in the Medical Technology Industry.
We bridge the gap for Veterans by providing personalized career transition services, mentorship, and career development guidance. We serve Veterans who plan to enter the MedTech, Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical, or Medical Device industries.
MedTechVets is proud to have the endorsement of Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed).
When a Veteran’s military skills and experiences are translated to civilian language, recruiting managers see the benefits of hiring a qualified Veteran. Veterans are able to see the roles within the MedTech, Medical Device, Life Sciences, and Pharmaceutical industries that would best suit their skill set and career aspirations.
MedTechVets Academy is a specialized program that provides more than generic advice about transitioning into medical-related career fields.
If you would like to learn more information about MedTechVets, please go to our page https://mvpvets2014dev.wpengine.com/contact-us/.
