VitaTalk Ep. 10

elliebecker35
Jun 25
4 min read

The Power of the Pod

In this episode of the VitaTalk podcast, Patrick Hodgdon, VP of Marketing, caught up with Mohamed Mohamed, AKA “Momo”, to talk about how things get done inside VitaTek’s R&D engine. Momo currently leads three to four active projects, and his pod is involved with 10 to 12 total at any given time.

The pod structure at VitaTek is designed to be highly collaborative. Each pod consists of multidisciplinary members: typically a mechanical engineer, an electrical engineer, and an industrial designer, with occasional support from a biomedical or additional engineering resource. While each team member leads their own projects, they also jump in to support others in meetings, problem-solving, and creative execution.

Momo’s group, named “Teal Team Six”, takes pride in operating with speed and precision. They’re known for their rapid response, tight collaboration, and efficient handoffs, embodying the agile engineering spirit VitaTek is known for.

From Concept to Commercialization

As the lead on several projects, Momo is responsible for guiding products from early concept all the way through to commercialization. His process begins with defining the product and documentation requirements, then dividing tasks among his team members. As the product nears the manufacturing stage, Momo facilitates time with clients, problem-solving across functions, and helping finalize every detail.

When commercialization begins, the complexity increases. Beyond building the product, Momo and his team are working with vendors, managing supply chains, and dealing with the realities of operator schedules and material sourcing. These variables often introduce shifting timelines, so having in-house capabilities becomes critical to staying on track.

The Paperwork Nobody Warns You About

One of the most overlooked but essential components of getting a product to market is documentation. Every detail must be documented for traceability. This is especially important when a device is being prepared for regulatory submission.

As Momo explained, once a supplier or material is chosen and goes through biocompatibility testing, switching sources later means starting that testing all over again. That’s expensive, time-consuming, and entirely avoidable with proper foresight. Careful selection and planning early in the process prevents setbacks later.

Avoiding the Perfection Trap

Early-phase projects (phase 0 or 1) have an entirely different set of challenges. At this stage, Momo’s job includes managing client expectations. It’s easy to fall into the trap of endless iteration, tinkering with designs in pursuit of perfection.

But VitaTek’s approach is different. The goal is to create the best version of a product for its current stage, launch it, and then gather insights from the real world to improve future iterations. The Brea product line is a great example of this mindset. Now on version 8, soon to be version 9, every new version reflects real feedback from the field.

The Final Push: Design Verification and Quality

As several of Momo’s projects move toward launch, the current focus is on documentation and design verification (DV) testing. At this stage, the team checks that the product still meets its original requirements and user needs. DV units are tested extensively to ensure functionality, safety, and consistency before commercialization begins.

Momo shared his excitement about seeing molded parts come off the line, evolving from 3D prints to final production components. He also noted his recent learning around cosmetic quality standards. Some parts will have minor specks or discolorations, perfectly normal, but understanding when and where these are acceptable is key to maintaining both quality and production efficiency.

Regulatory at Arm’s Length

One of VitaTek’s biggest advantages, according to Momo, is its in-house regulatory team. Unlike companies that rely on external consultants, VitaTek’s engineers can walk across the room and get immediate answers to critical compliance questions.

This proximity eliminates delays, simplifies decision-making, and enhances collaboration. Momo described it as one of the most powerful aspects of VitaTek’s vertical integration, and he’s not above bribing the team with candy to keep the knowledge flowing.

What’s Next for Teal Team Six

With three products approaching launch, Momo and Teal Team Six are busier than ever. They’re juggling DV testing, documentation, mold validations, and working with regulatory to get submission-ready. It’s a high-stakes period, but one filled with excitement and momentum.

As Momo put it, everything they do is part of a learning loop, from design and manufacturing to customer feedback. Each product released feeds into the next, helping the team grow sharper, faster, and more capable with every project.

Wrapping Up

Teal Team Six, led by Momo, is a model of cross-functional excellence, delivering real results while learning and adapting at every turn. Their work is a testament to what small, agile, and collaborative teams can accomplish when backed by strong systems and in-house expertise.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights from inside VitaTek’s pods. As Momo and the team prove every day, this is where ideas turn into impact.

Stay tuned for more episodes and updates—because the best ideas in healthcare are just getting started.