Derek Sakata is professor and vice chair in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Utah. Additionally, he serves as chief value officer and holds adjunct appointments of Bioengineering and Ophthalmology. He is also the founding and current chair for the Faculty Innovation Research Entrepreneur (FIRE) Scholars in the Center for Medical Innovation. On the hospital side, he is the executive medical director for Ambulatory Services and the medical director for Specialty Clinics for the University of Utah’s Southern Service Area. He has contributed to his field through co-inventing two medical devices that are currently on the market from two different startup companies. These devices are in use in approximately 1,000 healthcare facilities in the United States and approximately 23 countries. He enjoys spending time with his wife and two young sons.