The 30-year-old is the CEO of the Med-Tech World Summit which has a threefold mission. 

Firstly, it strives to promote Malta as an emerging hub for med-tech innovation. Second, it focuses on connecting startups with potential investors to facilitate their growth. Third and finally, it is dedicated to helping build sustainable med-tech companies while also assisting these businesses in selling their solutions to hospitals and clinics.

He explained that the switch from working in surgery to leading the global summit has been a “transformative journey.” Nonetheless, Attard did admit to missing the fast lifestyle of a doctor.

“Surgery was my passion and I miss the adrenaline rush of it all, from waking up in the middle of the night and having to assist in a six-hour major operation to doing outpatient clinics post a 24-hour hospital shift.”

“However, Med-Tech World Summit has allowed me to broaden my horizons and impact healthcare on a global level. It’s a different kind of fulfilment, knowing that I can contribute to healthcare in a different way,” he continued.

Attard has big aspirations for the summit, saying that over the next five years, he hopes to see it achieve “several milestones.”

He envisions a larger and more robust local med-tech industry, ensuring its sustainability and growth. He also hopes to expand Med-Tech’s global reach by organising more roadshow events across the world to further connect startups with a broader network of investors and partners.

And finally, the team plans to launch its own fund exclusively dedicated to supporting med-tech innovation, “further accelerating the growth of this sector.”

Speaking about career change, Attard advises those dreaming about another professional life to “take the plunge and don’t look back.”

“Career changes can be daunting, but they can also be incredibly rewarding. It’s essential to assess the risks carefully and be prepared to make mistakes along the way. Mistakes are valuable learning experiences that can help you grow and adapt to your new path.”

“I’m a first-generation medical doctor within my family and no one could understand why I chose to pause my training after years of studying and working hard but essentially you need to focus on what makes you tick,” he said”

Despite being substantially different, Attard explained that his background in medicine gave him skills that have been invaluable in his current role leading the summit. He explained that being a doctor involves a significant amount of patient contact, which honed his ability to understand and connect with people on a deep level.

It taught him to navigate the intricacies of human psychology and emotions, which is another integral tool within medicine. These skills have seamlessly translated into his current role, where building relationships, understanding stakeholders, and empathising with the challenges they face are crucial for success.

“In both medicine and business, the capacity to comprehend and address human emotions and motivations is indispensable in problem-solving and decision-making.”

The next Med-Tech World Summit is being held on the 19th and 20th October, and in it Attard will share his insights while talking about what he and his team have been up to.

This year’s summit will host a plethora of guest speakers, including Chris Fearne, the Minister for Health at Government of Malta, Hon. Dr. Jo-Etienne Abela, the Minister for Active Ageing & Malta Medicines Authority and Malta Enterprise.

The summit will include a forum for CEOs to discuss their personal experiences, as well as two days when the main event will take place, held at the Malta Mediterranean Conference Centre.

This event has pulled in renowned investors from all over the world with the total pot of assets under management valued at over one billion dollars.

Multiple main stages and workshops will run simultaneously, providing valuable knowledge-sharing opportunities. Meanwhile, the bustling exhibition floor will host a diverse range of companies showcasing their innovative solutions and products.

Have you ever considered changing your career path?