In this episode of Drug Diaries, host Kaushik Trivedi discusses the challenges of diagnosing and managing gastrointestinal disorders with Dr. Steve Axelrod, CEO of G-Tech Medical. They explore the innovative wearable technology developed by G-Tech that allows for real-time monitoring of gut health, providing valuable data to both patients and physicians. Dr. Axelrod shares his personal motivations for entering this field, the journey of G-Tech Medical, and the future of gastrointestinal health technology. In this conversation, Steve Axelrod discusses the journey of GTAC Medical, focusing on the development and implementation of innovative medical devices for gastrointestinal health. He highlights the importance of FDA clearance, the challenges of reimbursement, and the future of wearable technology in healthcare. The discussion also touches on the role of AI in analyzing patient data, the difficulties faced by startups in attracting capital, and the potential for collaboration with larger pharmaceutical companies. Steve shares insights on the cost of medical testing, the overlooked areas in digital health, and the personal fulfillment he derives from his work, especially in relation to his daughter. He concludes with advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the medical device industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Gastrointestinal Disorders 02:57 The Journey of Dr. Steve Axelrod 05:56 Personal Motivation Behind G-Tech Medical 08:54 Innovative Variable Technology Explained 11:58 How the Wearable Device Works 15:01 Data Collection and Patient Experience 17:56 Challenges and Innovations in Data Interpretation 20:59 The Future of Gastrointestinal Health Technology 34:42 Milestones in Medical Device Development 35:12 Access and Prescription of Medical Devices 36:38 Reimbursement Challenges in Healthcare 39:19 Cost and Value of Medical Testing 41:16 Future of Wearable Technology in Healthcare 42:59 AI and Data Utilization in Patient Care 48:41 Challenges in Startup Development 50:37 Overlooked Areas in Digital Health 53:26 Collaborations with Pharmaceutical Companies 55:17 Future Developments at GTAC Medical 56:54 Advice for Aspiring Medical Entrepreneurs 59:29 Competition in the Medical Device Sector 01:01:23 Global Expansion Plans 01:02:06 Personal Fulfillment in Medical Innovation 01:06:35 Work-Life Balance in Startups