Originally Published MDT March/April 2009
THE INTERVIEW
MDT’s Five-Minute Interview
Medical Device Technology’s (MDT) series of interviews offers personal perspectives on the diverse and dynamic medical device technology industry. Here, we talk to Marcel can Kasteel.
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Marcel can Kasteel is General Manager, Handheld Immunoassays, Philips Healthcare Incubator, Eindhoven, The Netherlands |
Q If I wasn’t talking to you right now, what would you be doing?
A I would be working with my people on the development of a next generation point of care solution called Magnotech. This technology uses magnetic nanoparticles. It could bring complex in vitro diagnostic tests out of the laboratory and into decentralised settings, including the patient’s bedside and at home.
Q How did you get into the medical device industry?
A I worked at a central laboratory in Het Groene Hart Hospital in Gouda, The Netherlands. I was routine analyst and after two years of working I realised that I could not have a career there and decided to look for a commercial job. I started at Amersham as a sales representative promoting the Amerlite system, which at that time was one of the first nonradioactive immunoassay systems. This was my entry into the world of immunoassays.
Q What is the best thing about your work?
A Developing something new that will have a beneficial impact on people’s lives.
Q What do you think is the most important medical device invention ever?
A The Coulter principle, which is used to measure blood cells. The technique was invented by Wallace H. Coulter and when employed in the medical device industry it revolutionised the science of haematology. Today, every modern haematology analyser depends in some way on the Coulter principle.
Q What should people give attention to?
A We need to make sure that next generation point of care systems are developed in a way that allows nontrained people to use them. Ease of use and connectivity will be crucial for the success of these systems.
Q What is the most exciting development on the horizon?
A In my view, next generation point of care systems. Then we can monitor chronically ill patients at home, reduce health care costs and improve quality of life. If chronic patients can monitor themselves and predict and prevent crises, it will allow them an improved perspective on life.
Q What do you want from your suppliers?
A We require them to act as partners not merely suppliers.
Marcel can Kasteel is General Manager, Handheld Immunoassays, Philips Healthcare Incubator, High Tech Campus 48, NL-5656 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands, tel. +31 40 27 48 396, e-mail: marcel.van.kasteel@philips.com www.philips.com
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