Drew Kugler is the Chief Scientist of Healthcare Technology Management & New Offerings at SABIC's Global Healthcare Segment. He works with device manufacturers to identify how new materials and manufacturing processes can advance medical device development. Kugler is passionate about healthcare due to spending his career on healthcare solutions and enjoying the challenges of bringing devices to market that improve lives. Personally, he was amazed watching his own ACL surgery in real time, and is excited that his two children have become healthcare providers using some of the devices he helped develop.

1. PERSONNEL SPOTLIGHT
THE FACES BEHIND THE INNOVATION
DREW KUGLER
Chief Scientist, Healthcare Technology Management & New Offerings
Global Healthcare Segment, SABIC
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE ON THE SABIC HEALTHCARE TEAM?
At SABIC, I work with my colleagues and device manufacturers to identify opportunities
where new materials and manufacturing processes can help advance the development of
innovative medical devices.
WHY ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT WORKING IN HEALTHCARE?
I have spent my entire career working on healthcare-related solutions. I get excited about
the variety of projects I have been lucky enough to be a part of and the challenges our teams
regularly face and overcome. I especially enjoy the opportunity I have, to work with many
talented people who together help bring to market devices that can play an important role in
improving the health and lives of people around the world.
HOW HAS THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY IMPACTED YOUR LIFE PERSONALLY?
There are too many examples to mention of family members and friends who have been
brought back to health using procedures and devices that would have been considered
“science fiction” not so long ago. Personally, it was amazing to watch (in real time) the entire
procedure to surgically replace my torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Our two children
have chosen to become healthcare providers, and it is exciting to see them using devices
that I had a role in developing.
WHERE DO YOU THINK THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY WILL EXPERIENCE THE GREATEST
GROWTH IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS?
In the next few years, I believe the promise of big data will start to be realized, improving the
information used to more accurately diagnose and precisely treat conditions. I also
anticipate that minimally invasive surgery will continue to progress, with a greater number of
medical conditions becoming more easily treatable with improved outcomes.
“Our two children have chosen to
become healthcare providers, and it
is exciting to see them using devices
that I had a role in developing.”

2. WHAT DO YOU DO TO STAY HEALTHY?
I try to make healthier food choices, which for me means more veggies and fewer
carbohydrates. I also like to go for an occasional run, go downhill skiing and play ultimate
frisbee.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WOULD WANT OUR CUSTOMERS TO KNOW ABOUT SABIC’s
HEALTHCARE TEAM AND SOLUTIONS?
It’s actually quite simple: when SABIC works closely with customers starting early in the
research and development cycle, the collaboration can lead to improved devices for better
clinical and economic outcomes.