Agile Mind

The progress of biotechnology, medical instruments, and applied sciences contributes to a rapidly expanding space for the advancement of the medical field. Surgeons experience first-hand the limitations of current medical devices and thus have unique insight into problems that could be solved with new products. The process of turning an idea into a product capable of success in the marketplace, however, is often unfamiliar to surgeons. The authors seek to illuminate this process and provide an ordered list of tasks that can make bringing ideas to market more achievable for surgeons. The first step in this process is the generation and protection of a new idea. Next, the process of making an idea into a product is outlined. This phase involves team assembly, business planning, and product development. Market research and valuation are key to understanding how a product can be applied in the market, and meticulous research during this phase allows for informed decision-making that will help secure funding down the road. Finally, various options for financing are discussed and compared to help surgeon-entrepreneurs find an option that best fits their project, and steps to maximize leverage are described. The development of new products can be a complicated process for surgeons. Organized into four phases, with ordered instructional steps to advance through each phase, the process of bringing an idea to the market is clarified. Facilitating this process will possibly contribute to the continual improvement of medical and surgical abilities through the introduction of new devices and technologies.

Female offenders are showing a dramatic increase and presenting with several challenges to emotional stability. Current research literature notes the disadvantaged state of these women and psychological profiles reflecting depression, anxiety, trauma, shame, low self-worth, and substance abuse. The instillation of hope has been identified as a therapeutic factor and motivating energy that promotes goal development, reduction of negative emotions, and coping ability. This investigation assessed the impact of hope on female prisoners through the use of a psychoeducational group based on Christian spirituality. Data from the Herth Hope Index were analyzed using a series of t tests to measure group differences. Analysis of the data indicated positive change in the therapy group but did not support statistical significance for every factor analyzed, yet it does provide several implications for practice and future research.