▸ Find a competent patent attorney. This is essential. “Just because you're a doctor doesn't mean you're going to be a good lawyer,” Dr. Levine said.
▸ Prepare to be labeled as an outlier. Innovation “by its very nature makes you an outlier because you are violating standards of practice,” Dr. Fogarty said. “You're subject to ridicule and criticism. Be prepared for that; it's part of the process.”
▸ Don't be wed to it. “When you get to the point where you have a product, let somebody who is skilled in marketing do it for you,” Dr. Osterweil advised. “Don't micromanage it.”
For more advice, visit the Web site run by Dr. Levine and Dr. Wardlaw,