Catalyst Capital Symposia
Transforming Stroke Diagnosis: The Journey of Thilo Hölscher and BURL Concepts
In the realm of medical devices, the intersection of technology and healthcare has the potential to save countless lives. One such innovator is Thilo Hölscher, MD, the co-founder and CEO of BURL Concepts, Inc. His journey from a neurologist to a business leader in stroke diagnostics is both inspiring and enlightening. This blog post delves into his experiences, motivations, and the vision behind the development of groundbreaking medical devices aimed at improving stroke diagnosis.
The Early Days: From Neurologist to Innovator
Thilo Hölscher's journey began in Germany, where he became a board-certified neurologist. His interest in stroke was ignited during his early professional years, culminating in his role as the director of Germany's first stroke unit in the early 90s. This pivotal experience allowed him to witness firsthand the devastating impact of strokes and the critical need for timely intervention.
Hölscher's passion for stroke diagnosis stemmed from the unique challenges it presents. Unlike other medical conditions, strokes are incredibly time-sensitive. He emphasizes that failure to act swiftly can lead to life-altering consequences, such as permanent disability or even death. The urgency of stroke care, coupled with personal experiences of family members affected by strokes, fueled his determination to innovate in this field.
Discovering Ultrasound Technology
After years of clinical practice, Hölscher transitioned to a new department of neurology in southern Germany, where he encountered groundbreaking research in ultrasound technology. Under the mentorship of a pioneer in the field, he became fascinated by the potential of using ultrasound to image brain vessels through the intact skull. This innovative approach could revolutionize stroke diagnostics, allowing for real-time assessment without the need for expensive and time-consuming CT or MRI scans.
Hölscher's research focused on demonstrating that it was indeed possible to visualize blood flow in the brain using ultrasound. Despite skepticism from the medical community, he was driven by the belief that this technology could provide a portable, easy-to-use solution for stroke assessment, much like the 12-lead EKG used in ambulances.
Bridging Research and Clinical Practice
With his growing expertise in ultrasound technology, Hölscher continued to expand his clinical knowledge in stroke care. He became increasingly aware of the significant investment in stroke therapies and diagnostics, all of which were primarily confined to hospital settings. This realization sparked the idea that a portable ultrasound device could be developed for use outside of hospitals, enabling timely diagnosis in rural areas and underserved populations.
Hölscher recognized that every minute lost during a stroke translates to the loss of millions of brain cells. This urgency highlighted the need for a solution that could be deployed quickly and effectively, particularly in areas lacking immediate access to specialized stroke care.
The Leap into Entrepreneurship
After a successful career in academia and research, Hölscher faced a pivotal moment. He was invited to work on a large NIH grant at UC San Diego, which allowed him to further his research in brain ultrasound. His time in academia provided him with valuable insights into the clinical and research aspects of neurology, but he soon realized that translating his research into a viable product would require a different approach.
In 2012, after filing a patent for his device, Hölscher's vision began to take shape. He was introduced to a business partner who had a personal connection to stroke, having lost his mother due to misdiagnosis. This shared passion for improving stroke care led them to co-found BURL Concepts. Hölscher took on the role of CEO, a significant shift from his previous work in clinical and academic settings.
Challenges of Transitioning to Business
Transitioning from a scientific and clinical background to a business-focused role presented numerous challenges for Hölscher. He found himself navigating unfamiliar territory, particularly in areas like finance and marketing. While he excelled in storytelling and communicating the vision of his device, the intricacies of raising capital and managing a company were daunting.
One of Hölscher's biggest challenges was establishing a network to connect with potential investors and stakeholders. He recognized that while he had expertise in medical research, he needed to cultivate relationships with individuals who could help bring his vision to fruition. The support of a strong board of directors and experienced investors became crucial in overcoming these obstacles.
Building the Team and Culture
As BURL Concepts began to take shape, Hölscher focused on assembling a small but highly skilled team. With only five employees, he emphasized the importance of bringing in external talent for specialized areas such as software programming and product development. This approach allowed the company to leverage expertise without the overhead of a large workforce.
Hölscher found immense satisfaction in collaborating with external partners, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. By outsourcing key functions, the team could concentrate on their strengths and accelerate the development of their portable ultrasound device.
The Breakthrough Moment
The turning point for BURL Concepts came in 2015 when the team successfully built their first prototype and applied the system in an in vivo animal model for stroke. This milestone validated their approach and demonstrated that their device could work effectively in real-world scenarios.
Hölscher recalls this moment as a significant achievement, providing the evidence needed to convince investors and stakeholders that their vision was indeed achievable. The prototype's success laid the groundwork for future developments and solidified the company's mission to transform stroke diagnosis.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Stroke Detection
As BURL Concepts continues to evolve, Hölscher is excited about the potential impact of their device on stroke care. He envisions a future where their portable ultrasound technology becomes a standard tool in medical institutions, enabling early detection and timely intervention for stroke patients.
Hölscher's ambition extends beyond stroke detection. He aims to develop the device for various brain-related diseases, making it a versatile tool for healthcare providers. The goal is to ensure that patients in both urban and rural settings have access to life-saving diagnostics, regardless of their geographic location.
The Vision for Global Impact
Hölscher is passionate about addressing healthcare disparities, particularly in underserved areas where access to specialized care is limited. He believes that innovations like their portable ultrasound device can bridge the gap in care, providing essential services to populations that need it most.
The potential for this technology to be deployed in emergency situations, such as natural disasters or in rural clinics, underscores its importance in modern healthcare. Hölscher's commitment to improving stroke diagnostics is not just about technology; it's about making a meaningful difference in patients' lives.
Conclusion: A Commitment to Innovation and Care
Thilo Hölscher's journey from neurologist to CEO exemplifies the power of innovation in healthcare. Through his work with BURL Concepts, he is dedicated to transforming stroke diagnosis and improving patient outcomes. His vision for a future where every patient has access to timely and accurate diagnostics is a testament to the impact that dedicated individuals can have on the world of medicine.