17. The Unlikely Journey from War Zone to World Health Revolution (Ep. 3 Clip)
Dr. Wisam Breegi with NiCi invention
Subscribe and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or your favorite platform!
Imagine having to create an infant incubator in the midst of a chilling hospital with nothing but a mere candle during the Gulf War. That's the reality that Dr. Wisam Breegi, founder and CEO of Breegi Scientific, faced in a compelling story that showcases survival, innovation, and sheer determination. His inspirational journey from fleeing Iraq to revolutionizing neonatal care across the globe is the spine of our conversation. With his innovative medical device described as a 'Ferrari that can drive in the desert', he's creating a new chapter in global healthcare, providing access to specialist care even in remote and electricity-free locations.
Our discussion navigates through the complex world of creating versatile medical devices that can operate in any environment – be it rural or war zones. Dr. Breegi sheds light on the challenges faced in building user-friendly, transportable, and high-functioning medical devices. His 'Ferrari' is not just a metaphor; it embodies the potential of advanced healthcare accessibility where it's needed the most. This episode is more than just a story of survival and innovation; it's a glimpse into a future where quality healthcare isn't confined by geographic boundaries.
Who is Wisam Breegi?
Dr. Breegi is founder and CEO of Breegi Scientific, Inc. He is an inventor, entrepreneur and human rights activist, with over 25 years of experience covering a wide range of medical fields and business. He served as director of preclinical research programs in several biotechnology companies, in addition to working and teaching in several academic institutions. He is a regular speaker and panelist in global health and medical device conferences. His career is built on innovation and social justice for the disadvantaged, stemming from his upbringing and education, with a unique perspective of certain medical issues and challenges. He is the inventor of several groundbreaking medical devices such as the neonatal intensive care incubator (NICI™) a platform technology that revolutionizes a century old infant incubator design; and with his son (Danny Breegi) they successfully led the efforts to obtain an EUA for his invention of negative pressure patient biocontainment device (NPS) for infectious diseases (such as COVID-19). He is a forward thinker and inventor. Dr. Breegi was a National Institute of Health postdoctoral fellow in Gastroenterology at Tufts University School of Medicine. He deeply understands the suffering of people, which reflects in the philosophy of Breegi Scientific, as well as his work. This is clearly represented in his involvement in many humanitarian projects around the world that touched directly thousands of people. Working with several governments and non-governmental agencies in the United States and UNHCR, he sponsored and settled over 2500 refugees from the Mandaean ethno-religious minority. His mission is equality and accessibility of healthcare for all.