David Ferrera Shares Candid Insights on Innovation, Leadership, and Problem-Solving

David Ferrara, Lake Forest California

David Ferrera, a veteran engineer, inventor, and leader in the medical device industry, is being featured for his decades of work bringing practical, life-improving technologies to the field of interventional radiology and neurovascular medicine. With nearly 30 years of experience and more than 80 patents, Ferrera offers a grounded, inside look at how meaningful innovation happens—and the mindset behind it.

In the feature, Ferrera reflects on his daily approach to problem-solving, his engineering roots, and the lessons he learned from observing physicians in real procedures. “Ideas don’t start in conference rooms. They start when someone in the operating suite says, ‘I wish I had a tool that could do this,’” he explains. This observation-focused method has guided him through founding companies, developing thrombectomy systems, and leading global innovation teams.

Ferrera also opens up about the habits that keep him productive, including starting each day by writing down one question he wants to answer. “A question forces clarity,” he notes. “It points your curiosity in a direction instead of just listing tasks.”

He also shares personal stories, including early failures that shaped his philosophy. “I once pushed a design that solved the wrong problem. It taught me that usefulness always beats elegance,” Ferrera says.

Beyond engineering, Ferrera discusses the importance of stepping away when overwhelmed. Quiet walks, travel, golf, and ice hockey help him reset and stay mentally sharp. “Some of my clearest thinking happens when I’m not at a desk,” he says.

Ferrera currently serves as CEO of RC Medical, a venture studio that partners with physician-entrepreneurs, and CEO/Chairman of Sonorous Neuro. His career includes founding and leading multiple medical device companies and serving in global leadership roles within neurovascular innovation.

This new feature provides a close look at how Ferrera approaches creativity, leadership, resilience, and collaboration—elements that continue to influence his work in advancing stroke and vascular care.

About David Ferrera

David Ferrera is an engineer, inventor, entrepreneur, and advisor with nearly 30 years of experience in the medical device industry. He has founded multiple companies, led global engineering teams, and helped bring groundbreaking technologies to market in interventional radiology and neurovascular medicine. Ferrera holds a degree in Plastics Engineering from UMass Lowell and is active in nonprofit and cardiovascular health initiatives.