Our People

Introducing Ben Stungo, the Business Development Manager for the Getz Healthcare Neurology division. Ben completed Masters degrees in Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering in the UK and France. Working for Johnson & Johnson in the UK as a Bioengineer in 1995, he helped develop a hip implant from concept to market introduction. He was also involved in the very early stages of the orthopaedic robotics, navigation and minimally invasive surgical procedures that are now standard across the field. Ben moved into marketing roles within various medical disciplines and geographies, with responsibilities for the UK, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Asia-Pacific and Global territories. He moved to Australia in 2011 and, after a total 23 years with the company, he left Johnson & Johnson and become a home teacher to his children during Covid. Ben joined Getz Healthcare in 2021, about which he says:

“I was presented with the opportunity to work with an incredible, life-changing technology that was in its early stages in Australia. A very positive interview experience combined with research into the company’s history and future potential made it a very easy decision to join Getz Healthcare. I thrive on managing my own part of the business but I couldn’t be successful without the highly collaborative team at Getz Healthcare ANZ, as well as our business partners overseas. I have adopted the suggested alternative role title of ‘individual collaborator’ which I think describes the position perfectly.”

As the Business Development Manager for Neurology, Ben enjoys the diversity of working remotely and managing his responsibilities around his family life. He shares his current job priorities and reflects on how these have changed over time:

“Today, my main focus (no pun intended) is to drive the awareness, adoption and availability of Insightec’s MR guided focused ultrasound treatment – a non-invasive neurosurgical solution for various neurological disorders. I am also charged with scanning for additional technologies or treatments that can assist clinicians in effectively and efficiently improving the lives of patients with neurological conditions.

“Starting out in this role, I found it fascinating to learn about the technology and the market. With greater interaction among clinicians, business partners and the wider Getz Healthcare team, the role has allowed me to help significantly expand access to Insightec's technology. This has taken me from attending treatments in the OR & MR suite, through to senior clinician and C-suite meetings, all the way to Parliament House to meet with MPs and their advisors to discuss the importance of this technology and the need for government support to boost awareness and access. One of the outcomes has been the new set of MBS item numbers that provide greater access to the treatment via Medicare.” 

Asked what he likes most about his role, Ben adds:

“That's easy: watching a focused ultrasound treatment. With this novel, disruptive technology, you can watch the videos and animations, read the clinical papers, listen to the podium talks, read the posters – but ‘seeing is believing’. I have the great privilege to have witnessed first-hand the emotional impact on the patient, their family, their friends, and even the treating clinicians after each treatment. It is very moving. This is further heightened when I see the excitement and fascination in new clinician and patient groups as you help develop their understanding of what this technology can do today and might be able to do in the future – it’s a very rewarding experience. 

“Perhaps the most challenging aspect for me, although very interesting, is the time it takes to navigate each hospital and governmental department to find a route to success. We are definitely getting there and it's different in every state and with each opportunity, but I'm passionate about getting this technology out to as many clinicians and patients as possible!” 

For clinicians who are learning about the technology, introducing it into their workflows or looking for support to get the most from their investment, the customer service from Getz Healthcare is second-to-none. Ben considers what he feels is the key to ensuring an excellent experience for the individuals he engages with:

“Open and honest communication at an appropriate cadence is crucial. I aim to build my credibility with each individual I interact with by really trying to understand their personality, needs and priorities. Wherever possible, I will always be available and willing to help, no matter what the issue is.”

Having created a diverse and successful career for himself so far, Ben reflects on what he has learned:

“I would tell my younger self to get ready, because you're about to embark on an incredible and privileged journey. I have had the opportunity to interact and closely partner with global clinical thought-leaders. I have met international pioneers who enabled us to perform the treatments we have today, and I work with the next generation of professionals who will take medicine forwards. I think it’s important to share what you learn with your friends and family, while also supporting them as they find their own path.”