For the past 13 years, program manager Gretchen Berstler has had a front-row seat to Fogarty Innovation’s evolution—from its humble beginnings in a hospital basement to a thriving innovation hub in a sparkling new building on the El Camino Health campus. While the setting has changed, the model remains the same; a tight-knit, veteran team providing hands-on coaching to entrepreneurs and promising startup companies. The other constant is Berstler, who has been a steady presence both inside and outside the organization throughout its progression.
Among her many responsibilities, Berstler is integrally involved in one of Fogarty’s most impactful initiatives, the Lefteroff Internship, an immersive eight-week program designed to introduce the next generation to the dynamic world of medtech. The program was established to honor former board member and avid supporter of Fogarty Innovation, the late Tracy Lefteroff.
Since its inception, Berstler has helped shape nearly every aspect of the experience, from managing the application and matching process to coordinating shadowing opportunities and supporting students throughout the summer.
A focus on creating connections
For Berstler, the internship program is about much more than logistics as she assumes the role of confidante, helping students discover new possibilities and gain confidence in themselves.
She considers it the best part of her job. “The eight weeks they’re here are just so memorable. Even though it’s a very busy time, trying to keep up with regular work as well, I just thrive.”
One of the most rewarding parts, she says, is watching students flourish over the course of the summer, especially some who may arrive more reserved or uncertain.
That transformation is fueled by a shared passion for medtech innovation, even among students pursuing different career paths like finance or marketing. “I don’t think we’ve ever had a class that didn’t bond well,” she said.
Many interns stay in touch long after their summer ends, stopping by to say hello or returning to work with Fogarty companies.
Thoughtful process yields meaningful opportunities.
The work of building a successful cohort begins long before the internship. The matching process alone is a months-long undertaking, where Berstler works alongside colleagues Marga Ortigas-Wedekind, chief commercial strategy officer; Zach Edmonds, MD, chief medical officer; longtime Fogarty leader Fred St Goar; and a former intern, Sean Rothenberger, who is particularly helpful in assessing engineering skills. This year’s class had 120 applicants, all of whom went through a multi-stage evaluation process that included a deep dive into submitted materials and, for select candidates, in-person interviews.
Meanwhile, Berstler gathers input from Fogarty companies and team members about the skills they need, to ensure both sides are well-served when the students are matched.
This year offers a new dimension through a track with El Camino Health where three interns will work on the hospital’s business and operations sides. Berstler emphasizes they will work onsite at Fogarty as well as downstairs at the hospital in order to fully participate in the broader intern experience, including shadowing, education sessions, peer activities and mentorship.
The program has also expanded its shadowing opportunities over the years, including a nursing track that Berstler helped arrange three years ago. “It’s been a huge success,” she said. “I think it’s because of the patient interaction, as they’re observing the nurses in a clinical setting and seeing firsthand what they do.”
Last summer Berstler and Lizbeth Villalobos, a former Lefteroff intern and now Fogarty’s communication and education associate, launched the Lefteroff Alumni Group, a network designed to help former interns connect to one another and stay connected with Fogarty long after the summer ends. “Once you’re in the Fogarty family, you’re always in the Fogarty family,” Berstler said.
That sense of connection is something Berstler sees reinforced every summer through mentors like Fogarty CEO Andrew Cleeland, whose commitment to spend extra time with interns leaves a lasting impression.
A heart for caregiving
Outside of Fogarty, Berstler devotes time to another passion: volunteering with the Marine Mammal Center in Marin, which rehabilitates injured and ill seals, sea lions and otters.
Her work includes preparing diets, cleaning pens and helping care for rescued pups that are separated from their mothers. “Some of the sea lion and seal pups come in at maybe 75 pounds, and by the time they leave us, they’re about 300 pounds,” she said.
In many ways, her work with marine mammals mirrors the role she plays at Fogarty, with her nurturing spirit leaving a lasting mark on the people and programs she touches.