Michael Bevilacqua

Class of 2025

Boston College, 2024
Biological Sciences

Why did you choose ESTEEM? 

As a student on the Pre-Health track and aiming to attend dental school, a large portion of my free time was spent shadowing dentists and witnessing their daily successes and challenges within the field. Throughout these experiences, I was often told that dentistry in itself is a business that needs to be grown and tended to. ESTEEM gives me an opportunity to learn how to do so, and apply it to my own passions. Furthermore, my experiences in shadowing showed me that there is immense room for innovation in dentistry, as every doctor complained about the tools and equipment they used on a daily basis. I believe that this program instills the skills and knowledge to see these problems, and fix them. ESTEEM is an amazing opportunity to open one’s horizons, and show students that anything is possible if you take the right chances with the right education.

What is your Capstone Project?

SymPhysis Medical is a startup medical device company located in Galway, Ireland whose mission is to enhance the lives of patients suffering from the symptoms of pleural effusions (fluid build up in the chest cavity). Their objective is to encourage increased patient independence and comfort through innovation. SymPhysis is currently in the late stages of development of the releaze Drainage System, an emergent technology to treat pleural effusion caused by life-limiting conditions, such as end-stage cancer and congestive heart failure. The releaze System includes a long-term indwelling catheter that is secured in place by a novel anchoring mechanism creating convenient access for patients and caregivers. To perform drainage the system utilizes disposable supplies together with a drainage “HUB,” which is an electronic pump allowing patients and healthcare professionals to easily conduct drainage procedures with the touch of a button. Accessing, paying and utilizing the supplies required to conduct these drainage procedures can be complicated, frustrating and costly for patients. This project will be working on the creation of a Patient Experience Program that aims to ensure anxiety free continuity of care once a patient is discharged from the hospital (after the catheter has been placed). The Program is expected to achieve this through the integration of required physician prescription forms with durable medical equipment suppliers, home health & hospice agencies and SymPhysis patient navigators into a cohesive, centralized “Ecosystem”. The releaze Drainage System, together with the Patient Experience Program will provide patients the opportunity to take control of their symptoms, remain at home with their loved ones and make the most of the time they have. 

What do you hope to do after ESTEEM?

After ESTEEM, I hope to attend dental school, however, I am open to any opportunities that arise in the field of biotechnology and medical innovations.

What do you like to do in your free time?

When I’m not working, I love to be outdoors – fishing and golfing during the summer time and skiing during the winters.