Fun and productive: Strategies in Biophotonics 2014

Keynote speaker Gary Tearney, MD, Ph.D., captivated the audience at the inaugural Strategies in Biophotonics (Boston, Sept. 9-11, 2014) by describing an injectable optical coherence tomography (OCT) microbot able to move through the body and beam back images—a future development that would help physicians assess health parameters when concerning symptoms arise.

Then, leading a panel of medical practitioners, Fabian D'Souza, MD, MBA, of Boston Strategic Partners injected a dose of understanding of the hurdles developers face when introducing new tech to healthcare. Another revealing discussion by funding experts was led by >John Dexheimer of Lightwave Advisors, and the conference ended with an inspiring look to the future with mobile health innovator Aydogan Ozcan, Ph.D., and a lively discussion led by Dan Gareau, Ph.D., that captured the struggle of differing takes on healthcare needs and emerging potential.

Those are just a few of the fascinating, inspiring, and sobering talks presented this week—and perhaps an indication of why attendees reported finding this new conference, with its unique emphasis, so compelling. I welcomed the feedback, and was pleased to hear that attendees also enjoyed the 40+ exhibits, posters, and new-tech demos, along with the networking opportunities facilitated by a development-focused event in the eastern U.S. The venue—the beautiful and historic Boston Park Plaza—and the excellent food did not hurt, either!

I'm enjoying the memories of a fun week and look forward to next year, when we'll be back at the Park Plaza October 6-8, 2015. I hope you'll join us then!