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Innovating MedTech: Larkin Lowrey’s Vision as Orthogonal CTO
At Orthogonal, we believe in celebrating the unique journeys and contributions of our team members. This month, we’re excited to spotlight Melissa Gill, our Vice President of Delivery, whose unconventional path into the tech world exemplifies perseverance, adaptability, and innovation.
Melissa took an unconventional route into the tech world, starting with no formal degree but plenty of curiosity and drive. Early stints included providing tech support and even helping open the first Apple store in California, where she had the chance to meet Steve Jobs. From there, she moved into software QA, project management, and agile practices—teaching herself the ropes and quickly adapting to new methods when employers offered no formal training. At Orthogonal, Melissa’s blend of hands-on experience and self-guided learning has positioned her to thrive in regulated, high-stakes environments like MedTech.
For Melissa, AI is the big game-changer in MedTech – especially when applied thoughtfully to improve patient screening, streamline treatments, and provide more efficient care. She keeps current by tapping into industry news and updates, especially regulatory shifts from bodies like the FDA. Recognizing that too much or too little regulation can slow innovation or introduce risks, she believes in striking a balance that keeps patients safe while still pushing the industry forward.
Away from the screen, Melissa’s life revolves around simpler pleasures. She knits cozy sweaters and nurtures her garden’s raised beds, growing fresh produce to enjoy and share. Knitting in particular gives her a calming space to think creatively and solve work challenges quietly in the background. This down-to-earth approach helps her recharge and stay connected to the real-world perspectives that matter when creating user-friendly software solutions.
Melissa is driven by the people she works with and the positive impact her team can have on patients’ lives. She’s proud to align with Orthogonal’s mission of improving patient outcomes, believing everyone deserves access to quality healthcare. Rather than planning her next big career move, she’s focused on helping Orthogonal scale its delivery practices, foster knowledge-sharing, and continue creating technology that truly makes a difference. Her ultimate goal: is to ensure that the “cool things” her team builds don’t just work well—they help real people live better.
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