Dean’s Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by Dr. Jason Hanft, the founder of Defender Operations. Insightful discussions on physician entrepreneurship, product development, patents, intellectual property, exit strategies, risk, and reward. Dr. Hanft, from Miami, has long been a leader in podiatric medicine as an educator, researcher, residency director, and a clinical trial expert in the wound care space. He’s one of the best minds in the profession!
Dr. Jensen describes Dr. Hanft as a leader, innovator, inventor, entrepreneur, researcher, and educator. Dr. Jensen and Dr. Hanft discuss Dr. Hanft's background, including his education at the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine and his surgical residency training at Larkin General Hospital. Dr. Hanft shares his experiences in the podiatry field and the opportunities it has provided him. He also mentions that he is married to a podiatrist who runs a clinical research business. Tune in to learn more about Dr. Hanft's journey and his contributions to the podiatric medicine industry!
Dr. Jensen and Dr. Hanft delve into the topic of risk tolerance behavior in entrepreneurship. They both agree that while some individuals may naturally possess the ability to tolerate risk, a significant portion of risk tolerance behavior is acquired through training and experience. They emphasize that individuals who can effectively compartmentalize and tolerate risk are more likely to see their entrepreneurial endeavors through to success. They explain that although everyone experiences some level of risk, those who can effectively deal with it are the ones who are able to complete their projects.
They discuss how physicians and surgeons, in particular, are inclined towards entrepreneurship due to their training, which equips them with the necessary tools to handle risk. They learn to focus solely on addressing the current challenge at hand and solving problems before moving on to the next step. Dr. Jensen and Dr. Hanft suggest that this mindset is very similar to the mentality required in entrepreneurship.
Dr. Jensen and Dr. Hanft draw parallels between the medical field and entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of collaboration and learning from mentors. They use examples from the medical field, such as the need for teamwork in the operating room or wound care center, to emphasize the importance of seeking help from those with specific skill sets. They suggest that the same principle applies in entrepreneurship, where surrounding oneself with the right people and seeking guidance from mentors can greatly contribute to success.
