Medical device and MedTech insights, news, tips and more

I love working in the medical industry, watching its evolution and emerging trends. Just as job titles have grown over the years to include Innovation Officers, VP People and Culture, Head of Digital Strategy and more there are terms coming into common parlance. Since we work with early-stage companies, I thought I would share a term we are seeing more and more. 

As healthcare evolves, I am starting to see the term TechMed used in certain circumstances as opposed to MedTech to refer to distinct aspects of healthcare innovation. While both focus on improving patient care, the technologies and approaches they use differ. As we are doing more work in the Digital Healthcare space, I thought I would research and write about my view of the two terms and how they complement each other in shaping the future of healthcare.  

What is MedTech? 

MedTech (medical technology) refers to the wide range of devices, tools, and systems used to diagnose, treat, and manage medical conditions. MedTech includes everything from simple diagnostic tools to advanced surgical devices. As defined by the European Commission (2021), MedTech products are “devices intended for medical purposes” that include software and hardware used in healthcare. 

Key categories in MedTech include: 

The MedTech sector is focused on physical products designed to directly intervene in patient care, improving outcomes through more precise diagnostics and treatments. These devices often require regulatory approval, such as FDA clearance in the U.S. or CE marking in Europe. 

What is TechMed? 

TechMed is centered around the use of digital technology—especially software, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics—to enhance healthcare delivery and clinical decision-making. As Dr. Eric Topol (2019) notes, TechMed leverages the power of AI, big data, and digital health tools to improve patient care while reducing costs and inefficiencies. 

TechMed includes: 

• Health Data Analytics: The use of big data to predict patient outcomes, detect patterns, and assist in decision-making. For example, IBM Watson Health uses AI to analyze clinical data for cancer diagnosis and treatment planning. 

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI algorithms used in areas like medical imaging, genomics, and predictive analytics. For example, AI-driven tools like iCad’s AI-assisted mammograms are already capable of detecting early-stage breast cancer from mammograms with greater accuracy than human radiologists. 

• Telemedicine and Remote Monitoring: Technologies for virtual consultations, mobile health apps, and remote patient monitoring. Platforms like biolinQ’s continuous glucose monitoring and the impressive Sequel Medtech enable virtual care, enabling patients to consult with doctors remotely, while wearable devices like Fitbit and Apple Watch monitor chronic conditions like heart disease. (I can’t sleep until I get my 10,000 steps in…) 

• Electronic Health Records (EHRs): Digital systems that centralize patient information and improve communication among healthcare providers. EHRs allow clinicians to access and update patient data in real time, improving care coordination and decision-making. 

TechMed primarily focuses on software and digital systems designed to improve healthcare operations, reduce costs, and offer better insights into patient care. 

Key Differences Between MedTech and TechMed 

Though both sectors aim to improve patient outcomes, they differ in key aspects: 

1. Core Focus: 

• MedTech is about physical devices that directly intervene in patient care (e.g., diagnostic devices, implants, surgical instruments). 

• TechMed centers on digital solutions, like software, AI, and data analytics that support healthcare practices and decision-making. 

2. Technology Type: 

• MedTech focuses on hardware—from robotic surgery, mapping, and navigation systems to implantable devices like pacemakers like total joints, implantable sensors and the like. 

• TechMed is built on software and data-driven technologies such as AI algorithms for diagnostics or mobile apps for chronic disease management. 

3. Impact on Patient Care: 

• MedTech products have a direct physical impact on patients, such as using a ventilator to assist breathing or a robotic surgery system to perform minimally invasive surgery. 

• TechMed tools, by contrast, improve care indirectly by enhancing decision-making, automating processes, and improving patient access to healthcare services. 

4. Examples: 

• MedTech: Pacemakers, insulin pumps, robotic surgery systems, MRI machines. 

• TechMed: AI diagnostic tools (e.g., Eko Health’s Digital Stethoscope, and dementia early detection companies like AiraMed and Cognivue) telehealth platforms (e.g., Teladoc), and mobile health apps (e.g., MySugr for diabetes management). 

How MedTech and TechMed Complement Each Other 

While MedTech and TechMed serve different functions, they increasingly work together – so the line, in my estimation, can be blurry. For example, a wearable health monitor (MedTech) can collect real-time data, which can then be analyzed by AI algorithms (TechMed) to detect early signs of a health issue. 

Similarly, robotic surgery systems (MedTech) are often paired with AI-driven decision support (TechMed) to guide surgeons in complex procedures, improving precision and reducing errors. According to Frost & Sullivan (2023), the integration of AI into surgical robotics enhances surgical accuracy and minimizes patient recovery times. 

The Future of MedTech and TechMed 

Key trends we are watching – and recruiting for on behalf of our clients include the rise of precision medicine companies, which use AI to tailor treatments based on individual genetic profiles, and the increasing use of robotic-assisted surgery. The combination of digital health tools (TechMed) and advanced MedTech devices will enable healthcare providers to deliver more personalized, efficient, and accessible care. 

I am old enough to remember carrying a pager and calling from a pay phone to respond to hospitals as a young rep – and selling a piece of surgical navigation equipment the size of a refrigerator. The ‘miniaturization and ‘speedification’ of our industry amazes – and for the most part – excites me. 

Written By: Paula Rutledge

Paula founded Legacy MedSearch in 2005 after a 22 year career as a prominent medical device sales executive within leading Medical Device companies as Johnson & Johnson, Synthes, Zimmer Spine, and GE Healthcare. Throughout the years, Paula has contributed over 120 works of Interview Prep, Resume Review, and Executive Hiring, How To literature to the industry. During her personal time, Paula advocates for Alzheimer’s research in her position on the Board of Directors of the Central Florida Chapter Committed to raising awareness, she wears hats in honor of her mom, Jean, who owned and wore 300 hats prior to succumbing to the disease in 2019. Should you, or a family member have interest or concerns about Alzheimer’s, now affecting one in three people over the age of 60- feel free to reach out to her.

Legacy MedSearch has more than 35 years of combined experience recruiting in the medical device industry. We pride ourselves on our professionalism and ability to communicate quickly and honestly with all parties in the hiring process. Our clients include both blue-chip companies and innovative startups within the MedTech space. Over the past 19 years, we have built one of the strongest networks of device professionals ranging from sales, marketing, research & , quality & regulatory, project management, field service, and clinical affairs.

We offer a variety of different solutions for hiring managers depending on the scope and scale of each individual search. We craft a personalized solution for each client and position with a focus on attracting the best possible talent in the shortest possible time frame.

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