As the Senior Director for Global Research, Coen Wijdicks’ job is to provide scientific evidence on the safety and efficacy of Arthrex’s products and techniques. This task is multifaceted with all the innovations at Arthrex. Read on to learn more about his role and how his team works to establish Arthrex as the global industry leader in orthopedic research by synching impactful scientific evidence with innovations that instill trust in surgeons and their patients.

How do you impact our mission of Helping Surgeons Treat Their Patients Better™ in your role?  

The primary purpose of our department is to provide timely scientific evidence of innovative technologies and novel approaches to surgical treatments. I have the privilege of leading a great global team in numerous strategic research initiatives that include supporting product management and engineering teams with testing various prototypes in our state-of-the-science laboratories, providing scientific literature to accompany the launch of products, and performing post-market surveillance of patient outcomes.

What inspires you the most at Arthrex?

I’m inspired by all of the global employees of Arthrex. Each department has a different purpose; however, the mission is the same, and the alignment toward that common goal is engrained in the Arthrex culture. I’m also inspired by the surgeons who use our products to treat their patients. They require that surgical instruments and techniques are safe and effective, and it’s our department's purpose to provide this quantitative support in the form of scientific evidence. 

What is your favorite success story at Arthrex? 

The successful launch of the TightRope® II device as the best-performing device on the market for ACL reconstruction. This was truly a global effort. The concept originated in 2016 in the Munich research laboratory and evolved into the technically advanced device it is today. The reason it is so successful is that the development with product management, engineering and research is focused on science-based principles.  

The reason it is so successful is that the development with product management, engineering and research is focused on science-based principles. 

How do you describe the Arthrex culture? 

In a word, it is quality. The culture can be seen in every qualitative detail, from the medical illustration on the walls to the reports required for regulatory submissions. The quality is so impressive that it motivates everyone to step up and continue towards continued optimizations.

Our core value is Making People Better. How has Arthrex made you better? 

Arthrex has made a significant and long-lasting impact on numerous aspects of my personal and professional life. One reason I chose to join Arthrex was due to its leadership. I have learned so much from these multi-disciplined global leaders whose advice echoes in my mind daily. My colleagues and mentors at Arthrex have taught me to test my assumptions, think globally, and predict internal and external pitfalls, all while enjoying the process.