My interview with OrthoWorld by Carolyn LaWell
COVID-19 has the potential to affect the work of orthopedic professionals profoundly—both how work is conducted and the end product that is created. The professionals who are acutely aware of the changes that will evolve can better position themselves and their teams for success.
For perspective on the topic, we turned to Tiger Buford, an orthopedic executive, thought leader and recruiter who has been writing extensively about COVID-19 and has himself made multiple professional transformations. He is an independent voice without a company-specific agenda.
Buford began his career in an internship at the testing lab of Richards Medical (now Smith+Nephew) while studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Memphis. After seven years of knee development at Smith+Nephew, he sought out smaller orthopedic environments and joined Intermedics (ultimately acquired by Zimmer Biomet). He then led R&D management at Wright Medical in knees, extremities and biologics. Next, he went really small and led product development inside three pure startups with one-of-a-kind technology concepts—NovaLign, Active Implants and Ellipse Technologies. Realizing that he loved the people side of the business, and with some motivation from his recruiter friends, he started full-time retained recruiting for early-stage orthopedic companies at TigerRecruiting.
We asked him questions about how technology and the roles of product development and sales and marketing will change post-COVID-19.
What technologies will be impacted the most by COVID-19?
Buford: I talk with orthopedic leaders every week, and I‘m surprised by how many think that we are going back to normal in a few months when elective cases are finally rescheduled. We are not…