New Interim Leader for Innovation Ventures: Todd Ponsky

Cincinnati Children’s has named an interim vice president for Innovation Ventures. 

Effective Oct. 9, Todd Ponsky, MD, a pediatric surgeon, professor of surgery and innovator, has joined the Innovation Ventures team from the Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, where he served as director of Clinical Growth and Transformation. In his new role, Todd will continue to teach but also provide direction and oversight of a team of experienced portfolio managers, patent experts and staff.  

"Todd brings a collaborative approach, an insatiable intellectual curiosity, and connections to a broad entrepreneurial ecosystem,” says Oliver Rhine, senior vice president and chief strategy officer. "He will empower, accelerate and expand innovation across the organization in support of our vision to be the leader in improving child health. Ultimately, the goal is to unleash and elevate the exceptional talent and ingenuity that lies within our walls to improve outcomes for children and families through innovation."

Todd earned his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1999, completed his surgical residency at George Washington University in 2005, and his pediatric surgical training at Children’s National Hospital in 2007.  

Before joining Cincinnati Children’s in 2018, Todd launched and served as chief executive officer of a groundbreaking startup, GlobalcastMD. Its innovative platform, StayCurrentMD, has revolutionized the way medical knowledge is shared. He went on to become recognized as a pioneer in developing and popularizing many of the groundbreaking techniques in minimally invasive pediatric surgery, such as needlescopic surgery in newborns, single-incision surgery, and the pediatric laparoscopic hernia repair.  

Todd has published more than 140 manuscripts, authored three textbooks and more than 30 book chapters, led over 50 national and international courses and given over 230 invited lectureships on innovative surgical techniques and the evolution of medical education.  

Reflecting his commitment to innovative thought leadership, he served as the recent past president of International Pediatric Endosurgical Group, the premier international pediatric surgical society, advocating for breakthrough techniques. As a board member of the International Society for Pediatric Innovation, he continues to be a beacon in the pediatric innovation ecosystem, ushering in new avenues and envisioning a brighter, more imaginative future. 

Innovation Ventures is a dedicated resource that helps Cincinnati Children’s employees navigate the journey of getting their ideas and innovations to the commercial market so they can make a difference for patients.