When a physician-inventor needs a friend…CFI!

Few people need somebody they can relate to and trust more than a physician-inventor does. The early process is expensive, time-consuming, confusing, ever-changing, and statistically likely to fail. The waters are shark-ridden, and it’s not always clear whether the hand that shakes yours plans to let go after achieving a hidden goal. But if one perseveres and finds a good team, it can become one of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of their professional career.

After a lot of looking, I found the company I wasn’t sure existed. CFI Medical did everything that could be hoped for by somebody in my shoes. They started with total respect for confidentiality of Intellectual Property, an understanding of the role of the outside inventor, and a rapid willingness to adopt technology that “wasn’t invented here.” My coarse prototype was studied with zeal and very quickly morphed by CFI into a series of refined devices, each more polished than the prior. Like inventors must learn to do, CFI overcame obstacles and pushed through challenges until the desired results were achieved while never losing site of the prize. And despite the high stakes for all involved, CFI did it all with aplomb. Most importantly for me, they managed a balance of technical and business sophistication with a pleasant Midwestern manner and forthright honesty throughout all interactions. It’s been a great journey with a good partner, and it’s not over yet.

	Chet R. Rees, MD FSIR Clinical Professor, TAMHSC-BUMC Dallas, TX
Editorial note: Dr. Rees is the inventor of the Zero-Gravity Suspended Radiation Protection System which was first launched in the USA in 2010 and now comprises a rapidly-growing installed base of over 250 systems worldwide.