Exploring Leadership, Coaching, and Innovation in Medical Devices
In this episode of Life Sciences – In Focus, we had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Juan Daccach, a leader in global product safety, a certified health and life coach, and a former orthopedic surgeon. His career journey spans continents, disciplines, and industries. From his early days in Colombia to leading global safety initiatives at Merz Aesthetics, Dr. Daccach has embraced transformation, risk-taking, and personal growth at every stage.
This episode explores his unique career trajectory, passion for coaching, and insights into the future of medical devices, including the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in safety and regulatory processes.
From Orthopedic Surgery to Global Product Safety
Dr. Daccach’s career path was anything but conventional. Trained as an orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint reconstruction, he was well on his way to a successful clinical career when an unexpected opportunity shifted his trajectory.
In 2012, a multinational company approached him with an offer to join their medical affairs division in the joint reconstruction business. It was a leap of faith—one that required him to step outside of the operating room and into the corporate world. He embraced the challenge, driven by a belief that opportunities rarely come twice.
Four years later, his interest in risk management and patient safety led him to transition into medical safety, where he spent another six years refining his expertise. Eventually, his career took yet another turn when he was recruited to lead global product safety at Merz Aesthetics, a role he initially questioned due to his orthopedic background. However, he soon realized that his experience in risk assessment, cross-functional collaboration, and leadership were highly transferable.
For Dr. Daccach, professional growth has always been about embracing the unknown, challenging the status quo, and finding ways to add value in new spaces.
Coaching, Ikigai, and the Whole-Person Approach
Beyond his leadership in medical safety, Dr. Daccach is also a Certified Health, Life, and Ikigai Coach. His interest in coaching began early in his medical career, initially as a tool to support patient rehabilitation. He envisioned a more holistic approach to post-surgical recovery—one that went beyond prescribed exercises and incorporated movement, purpose, and emotional resilience.
His passion deepened when a close friend was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. This experience reinforced his commitment to helping people navigate life-changing events, whether it be a medical diagnosis, career transition, or personal loss.
Today, Dr. Daccach integrates coaching into all aspects of his professional and personal life. His philosophy is grounded in emotional intelligence, purpose-driven leadership, and resilience. He believes that coaching is not just about providing answers but about guiding individuals to discover their own paths—a lesson he applies both in the corporate world and in personal development.
The Role of AI in Medical Devices and Safety
A topic of discussion in this episode was the impact of artificial intelligence on the medical device industry. Dr. Daccach emphasized that AI is no longer a futuristic concept—it is a reality that professionals must adapt to now.
While AI has the potential to improve efficiency, data analysis, and risk assessment in medical safety, it also presents challenges. Regulations struggle to keep pace with AI’s rapid evolution, and there are ethical considerations surrounding its implementation.
His perspective is clear: AI should complement human expertise, not replace it. He encourages professionals in the life sciences industry to embrace AI as a tool for better decision-making while maintaining a strong foundation in critical thinking, human empathy, and ethical considerations.
Leading with Gratitude and Purpose
Throughout the conversation, one theme stood out: Dr. Daccach leads with gratitude. Whether discussing his career, his coaching philosophy, or the future of medical safety, his approach is rooted in optimism, resilience, and a deep commitment to helping others succeed.
His final message to listeners was a powerful one:
“Opportunities don’t always come twice. Take risks, embrace change, and always lead with purpose. The greatest impact we can have is in helping others find their path.”
About Life Sciences – In Focus
Life Sciences – In Focus Podcast by Visatatec, a fascinating conversation with global life sciences experts. The show has multiple hosts and topics. Follow Life Sciences – In Focus on Spotify for all the latest episodes, or subscribe to the show on YouTube and Apple podcasts. Life Sciences – In Focus is available on many other podcast platforms. To learn more about the podcast, please visit https://vistatec.com/life-sciences-division.
About Vistatec
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