Leadership has a major role in the technological and innovation capabilities of the MedTech industry. The healthcare sector needs creative leaders who can question established practices in light of the expanding population, the rise in chronic illnesses, and easier access to care. These executives support the development of technology while also encouraging teamwork, which eventually leads to better patient care.
ZetrOZ Systems, LLC’s President and CEO, Dr. George Lewis, is an illustration of a transformational leader. Under his direction, ZetrOZ Systems seeks to change the way chronic pain and soft tissue damage are managed by encouraging patients, healthcare providers, and societal involvement. George is positioned as a leader in this movement because of his knowledge of both engineering and medicine.
From a young age, George was immersed in the realms of engineering and medical technology, shaped by a family deeply connected to these fields. “I was fortunate to have a front-row seat to how technology could directly impact health outcomes,” George reflects. This early exposure ignited a passion for life sciences, compelling him to dedicate his career to improving lives through medical technology.
As the head of ZetrOZ Systems, George is currently spearheading a revolution in non-invasive, non-surgical treatment solutions that are revolutionizing the way soft-tissue injuries and chronic pain are treated. His foresight and constant quest for innovation are improving many patients’ lives in addition to expanding MedTech’s capabilities.
Let’s delve into the details to understand how George is leading a revolution in non-invasive, non-surgical treatment options for soft-tissue injuries and chronic pain management!
The Early Foundations
George’s journey into the world of medical technology began at an unusually early age. Growing up in a family of engineers and medical professionals, he was exposed to the intersection of these two worlds from the start. His fascination with medical technology blossomed while conducting ultrasound experiments with his father during his school years, experiences that would eventually shape his career trajectory. “I started ultrasound testing in elementary school,” George shares with a hint of nostalgia. “My father’s work in the field inspired me to see the potential of life sciences and engineering coming together.”
This early passion led George to pursue formal education in biomedical engineering, earning both undergraduate and graduate degrees in the field. During his studies, he became fascinated with the long-term bioeffects of ultrasound technology on tissues and physiological processes—a key area that would become central to his future work. The culmination of his academic journey was the founding of ZetrOZ Systems, where George leveraged his expertise to miniaturize ultrasound technology, creating more accessible and practical medical solutions for treating soft-tissue injuries and chronic conditions.
“The idea of taking something as traditionally large and complex as ultrasound machines and making them smaller, more effective, and more patient-friendly was a challenge that excited me,” George explains. “It wasn’t just about creating something new—it was about changing how we treat some of the most common and debilitating conditions patients face today.”
Innovation in Mechanobiology and Soft-Tissue Healing
ZetrOZ Systems stands as a hope of innovation within the MedTech landscape, addressing the needs of underserved populations and tackling high-impact diseases that often leave patients struggling with invasive surgical procedures or heavy reliance on medication. George has been a driving force behind the company’s focus on non-invasive treatment options, particularly in the areas of rheumatic diseases like osteoarthritis and soft-tissue injuries, including tendinopathy and herniated discs.
“At ZetrOZ, we’re addressing conditions that traditionally are either treated surgically or managed with medication that masks the symptoms rather than treating the root cause,” George emphasizes. “We’re changing that approach by focusing on the healing process itself—reducing inflammation, regenerating tissue, and ultimately improving quality of life.”
The company’s core innovation lies in its work with mechanobiology, a field that involves using mechanical forces to modulate cellular and tissue behavior in ways that promote healing. ZetrOZ’s Sustained Acoustic Medicine (SAM) technology, a first-in-class device in this space, has been developed to treat soft-tissue injuries and chronic joint pain over long periods without surgery or medications. This technology is particularly transformative for patients who may not have access to regular healthcare, such as those living in rural areas or individuals in physically demanding professions like military personnel and athletes.
“Our SAM technology is available for a wide range of healthcare providers—from sports and military medicine to geriatric care. The fact that it’s non-surgical and self-applied makes it a game-changer for so many patients,” George explains. “For injured workers, active military, and the aging population, it provides a means of healing that doesn’t interrupt their lives with invasive procedures or long recovery times.”
Facing Challenges in a Rapidly Changing Industry
Leading a MedTech company in a constantly evolving industry presents its unique set of challenges, especially when bringing next-generation technologies to market. For George, navigating these hurdles has required not only a focus on innovation but also an ability to scale production and secure regulatory approvals—both critical factors in the success of ZetrOZ Systems.
“We are constantly innovating with next-generation and first-in-class technologies, but that also means we are continually facing new challenges—whether it’s regulatory approvals or scaling up manufacturing,” George admits. “Physician adoption and interest have been amazing, which has allowed us to deliver our technologies to a diverse range of patients, but the complexity of our devices means they take time to build, calibrate, and manufacture in high volumes.”
Despite these challenges, ZetrOZ Systems has maintained a forward momentum, with its technologies now FDA-approved for treating knee osteoarthritis and various soft-tissue injuries, including those of the shoulder, elbow, and ankle. The company is also focusing on further expanding its regulatory approvals to broaden its reach and impact in the healthcare industry.
Collaboration Driving Innovation
Collaboration has been a cornerstone of ZetrOZ Systems’ success, with strategic partnerships playing a vital role in the company’s growth and development. Over the years, George has cultivated relationships with clinical healthcare societies, academic institutions, and federal institutes that have helped propel the company’s innovative technologies forward.
“We have some incredible partnerships with organizations like PFATS, PBATS, NATA, and TOBI, to name a few,” he says. “These collaborations have been instrumental in driving new healthcare innovations, and they help us stay at the forefront of MedTech.”
In addition to these partnerships, ZetrOZ has secured funding and support from prestigious institutions like NASA, the Department of Defense (DOD), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the National Science Foundation (NSF). These relationships have been pivotal in advancing the development of the company’s technologies, ensuring that ZetrOZ remains at the cutting edge of medical innovation.
“Our collaboration with research institutions like the James A. Haley VA Hospital and other clinical partners has allowed us to conduct groundbreaking studies that back the efficacy of our technologies,” George points out. “It’s these partnerships that allow us to continuously innovate and improve patient outcomes.”
Fostering a Culture of Innovation
Within ZetrOZ Systems, fostering a culture of innovation is not just a goal—it is a necessity. As a leader, George is committed to creating an environment where creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving thrive. This culture of innovation is continually evolving, driven by a team of scientists, engineers, regulatory experts, and sales professionals who all share a common goal: to bring the next level of medical technology to patients in need.
“We listen to our customers and take on big challenges,” George explains. “That’s the foundation of how we drive innovation. Whether it’s from feedback from healthcare providers, patients, or trends in the market, we’re always looking to push the boundaries of what’s possible.”
At the core of ZetrOZ’s approach to innovation is its focus on patient safety and regulatory compliance, a critical aspect of developing medical devices. “Our technologies all focus on standardizing treatment and automating the process,” George says. “This not only improves patient safety but also ensures we remain compliant with the strict regulations governing medical technology. Our devices are designed to be self-regulating and self-treating, which allows for daily, long-duration treatment that aligns with the body’s natural healing process.”
Aspiring to Transform the Future of MedTech
Looking ahead, George has ambitious goals for ZetrOZ Systems and the broader MedTech industry. As the company continues to expand its offerings and reach new markets, he remains focused on the mission that has driven him since the company’s inception: to improve the lives of millions of patients through innovative, non-invasive medical technologies.
“We are actively bringing new innovations to market on a regular basis,” George shares. “Our goal is to help 100 million patients with our SAM technology, whether they’re dealing with a soft-tissue injury or chronic joint arthritis.”
With a growing patent portfolio, a robust pipeline of clinical research, and a commitment to non-surgical, non-narcotic treatments, ZetrOZ Systems is poised to make a significant impact on the healthcare landscape. “We’re excited about the future,” he concludes. “The innovations we’re working on today will make medical treatment easier, faster, and more effective for millions of patients. And that’s what it’s all about—helping people heal faster and recover stronger.”
Advice for Emerging Leaders
As someone who has navigated the complexities of the MedTech industry from an early age, George has a wealth of experience and insight to offer emerging leaders in the field. His advice is both practical and profound: be patient, persistent, and above all, dedicated to making a real impact.
“The healthcare industry is slow to adapt, and it requires persistence and patience,” he advises. “But if you’re passionate about improving healthcare and helping people, the journey is incredibly rewarding.”
He also emphasizes the importance of clinical education and research in driving change. “It’s critical to garner the support of providers, patients, and societal groups,” he says. “That’s how you drive real change in the industry.”
Looking to the future, George sees the most critical skills for MedTech leaders evolving, but some remain constant: listening, delegation, and problem-solving. “Listening to customer needs, team challenges, and market trends is invaluable,” he notes. “Delegation is essential, especially in a MedTech company where there are so many moving parts. And problem-solving is a team effort—it’s about finding multiple paths forward and facilitating quick solutions.”
