Former Medtronic employee advocates for spinal cord injury research and job growth in Minnesota

In a heartfelt moment during the recent Conference Committee meeting, a former Medtronic employee shared his journey from advocating for spinal cord injury (SCI) research to seeking new opportunities in the medical field. The man, who had dedicated his career to developing innovative neuromodulation products, recounted his experience of testifying for the passage of the first SCI Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) grant in 2015. This initiative has since fostered significant advancements in treatment and research.

Reflecting on his time at Medtronic, he noted the challenges he faced in pushing for more research on spinal cord injuries. Despite the hurdles, he expressed gratitude for the connections he made through a neuromodulation symposium in Minnesota, which was made possible by state support. At this event, he encountered Onward Medical, a company making strides in restoring function to patients with spinal cord injuries.

As he shared his story, he highlighted the dual impact of the state program: not only is Onward Medical working to improve the lives of individuals like him, but it is also creating job opportunities in Minnesota. The former employee is currently in the interview process with Onward Medical, hopeful that he will soon regain function in his arms and transition back into the workforce, moving away from disability.

His testimony underscored the importance of state initiatives in fostering innovation and job creation, leaving the committee and attendees with a poignant reminder of the human impact behind legislative decisions. As the meeting concluded, the potential for future advancements in spinal cord injury treatment and the promise of new employment opportunities resonated strongly, hinting at a brighter future for many in similar situations.