The Inspiring Story of Jonathan Kaplan: From ER Doctor to Global Health Innovator

Introduction:

Jonathan Kaplan, a former emergency room physician, is now a leader in global health innovation. He founded D-Rev, a non-profit social enterprise that designs affordable medical devices for people living in poverty. Kaplan is proof that one person can make a difference in the world.

Childhood and Education:

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Kaplan’s parents were both doctors. He grew up surrounded by medicine, but it wasn’t his first choice of career. Kaplan majored in anthropology at the University of Michigan before he pursued a medical degree from the University of Chicago.

ER Work and Observations:

After medical school, Kaplan worked in emergency rooms in impoverished areas of California and Nepal. Through his work, Kaplan witnessed the devastating effects of poverty on healthcare. He observed many patients who would have benefited from treatments that were available in wealthier countries but that were unavailable in their areas. These experiences inspired him to start D-Rev.

Starting D-Rev:

In 2007, Kaplan founded D-Rev, which stands for Design Revolution. The organization creates low-cost, high-quality medical devices for people in developing countries. The goal was to create medical devices that would focus on improving health outcomes at an affordable rate.

Designs:

D-Rev has created two flagship medical devices: Brilliance, a neonatal phototherapy device that treats jaundice in newborns, and ReMotion Prosthetics, a low-cost prosthetic knee joint designed for amputees in developing countries. Brilliance has treated over 190,000 newborns, and ReMotion has helped over 5,000 amputees.

Funding:

D-Rev’s unique funding structure is impressive. The organization works with investors and philanthropists who fund the research, design, and production of the medical devices, rather than relying on donations. This allows D-Rev to produce medical devices for a lower cost, which increases accessibility to those who need them.

Awards:

D-Rev’s work has not gone unnoticed. The organization has won numerous awards, including the 2013 Social entrepreneurship Award from The World Technology Network, the 2014 Fast Company Innovation by Design Award, and the 2020 Edison Award.

Impact:

D-Rev’s work has had a significant impact on global health. Both of their flagship devices have improved the lives of countless people living in poverty. By creating affordable medical devices, D-Rev has helped to bridge the gap in healthcare between wealthy and impoverished countries.

Future Plans:

Jonathan Kaplan and D-Rev’s work are not done. The organization is actively seeking investors to fund new medical devices that address issues like maternal health and newborn care. By continuing to create affordable medical devices that focus on improving health outcomes, Jonathan Kaplan and D-Rev are ensuring that everyone has access to quality healthcare.

Conclusion:

Jonathan Kaplan’s journey from emergency room doctor to global health innovator is a testament to what can be accomplished through hard work and a desire to make a difference. Through D-Rev, he has provided affordable medical devices to those who need them the most. Jonathan Kaplan’s story is not only inspiring but also an excellent example of how innovation can improve lives.

FAQs

Q1. What is D-Rev?
D-Rev is a non-profit social enterprise that designs affordable medical devices for people living in poverty.

Q2. What is the goal of D-Rev?
The goal of D-Rev is to create medical devices that focus on improving health outcomes at an affordable rate.

Q3. How many flagship devices has D-Rev created?
D-Rev has created two flagship medical devices: Brilliance and ReMotion Prosthetics.

Q4. What makes D-Rev’s funding structure unique?
D-Rev works with investors and philanthropists who fund the research, design, and production of the medical devices, rather than relying on donations.

Q5. What are D-Rev’s plans for the future?
D-Rev is actively seeking investors to fund new medical devices that address issues like maternal health and newborn care.