Restoring Lives Beyond the Operating Room

The following is an excerpt from a Q&A with Malachy Asuku, MD, FACS, MBA. From his background as a reconstructive surgeon in the operating room to his current role as medical director for Integra's Wound Reconstruction & Care portfolio, he is innovating for outcomes through science, strategy and a deep commitment to transforming patient care.

Can you please confirm your title? What does your role entail?
I serve as Medical Director for Wound Reconstruction and Care (WR&C) within Medical Affairs, focusing on evidence generation and dissemination for our WR&C product portfolio. My role spans data planning, scientific review, clinician engagement, and cross-functional collaboration-work that is dynamic, purpose-driven, and intellectually stimulating. I build strategic partnerships with clinicians, provide fair-balanced scientific communication, and collaborate closely with commercial, marketing, regulatory, and R&D teams to advance divisional and enterprise priorities.

Can you tell us more about your educational background and career journey?
I earned my medical degree from Ahmadu Bello University, one of Nigeria's leading medical schools, and am board-certified in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. My advanced training includes a research fellowship in pediatric burn reconstruction at the University of Texas Medical Branch and a clinical burn fellowship at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institute. I am a fellow of the West African College of Surgeons, the International College of Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons. I began my clinical and academic career at my alma mater, rising to full professor in 2012, serving as Chief of Plastic Surgery and establishing the first regional integrated training program. My clinical focus has been pediatric burn reconstruction, where I pioneered techniques that improved care for vulnerable patients and authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications. In 2020, I broadened my expertise with an executive MBA from Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

What sparked your interest in moving from clinical practice to the medical device industry?
My transition to the medical device industry began during a fellowship at Johns Hopkins, where I helped develop a first-in-class mobile app to guide burn care in peripheral hospitals prior to referral to regional burn centers. That experience sparked my passion for technology and innovation. I later joined a U.S. pharmaceutical company in the burn space before joining Integra in 2024-driven by the realization that a surgeon can impact patient lives far beyond one procedure at a time.

What inspired you to join Integra?
I joined Integra for its strong legacy in wound reconstruction and commitment to science-driven innovation. After two decades of clinical practice using Integra products, this role offered the chance to shape technologies that transform patient care. It perfectly aligned with my surgical background, growing expertise in Medical Affairs, and passion for evidence generation-making it a natural and fulfilling next step.

What would you like people to know about you on a personal level?
Family time is my priority - whether traveling, sharing meals, or relaxing at home. I love exploring new places and cultures, enjoy documentaries, and follow sports, especially soccer, which was my backup plan if medicine hadn't worked out.

What do you enjoy most about being part of the Medical Affairs team?
I enjoy being at the intersection of clinical practice, science, and strategy, but it's the people in Medical Affairs that make it truly rewarding. Our diverse team of clinicians and scientists work collaboratively - all aimed at delivering impactful innovation and restoring lives.

How does your surgical experience influence the way you approach product development and clinical strategy?
My 20-year career as a surgeon is central to how I think and operate in Medical Affairs. Having performed the procedures our products support, I instinctively evaluate technologies through the lens of:
• Clinical relevance: Does this address real-world challenges surgeons face in the operating room?
• Workflow integration: Will this simplify steps or increase procedural reliability?
• Outcome impact: Will this improve healing, reduce morbidity, or strengthen reconstructive options?

Because I have treated the clinical problems we aim to solve, I bring a strong patient-centered and surgeon-informed perspective to product development, evidence strategy, and clinician engagement.

What are some of the most rewarding aspects of the work that you do?
The most rewarding part is knowing that the work we do developing clinical insights, shaping publication plans, or supporting education directly influences patient outcomes on a global scale. It is profound to help clinicians make informed decisions, support innovation that enhances care, and contribute to solutions.

How do you collaborate with cross-functional teams to keep surgeon, and patient needs front and center?
My approach centers on elevating real-world clinical insight in every discussion. I partner closely with regulatory, R&D, clinical development, marketing, market access, sales and medical communications to ensure our strategies reflect surgeon perspectives and address patient needs.
My experience leading multidisciplinary surgical teams has made cross-functional collaboration intuitive. I translate clinical challenges into actionable strategy and ensure scientific credibility anchors every decision.

What does Integra's new purpose and vision mean to you?
Purpose - Restoring Lives
Vision - Advancing transformational care, delivering impactful innovation, enriching life moments

As a Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon and Medical Affairs professional, these statements deeply resonate with me. 'Restoring lives' reflects the essence of reconstructive surgery - restoring form, function, dignity, and hope.

'Advancing transformational care' means striving for breakthrough innovations that truly change patient outcomes and clinician experience.
'Enriching life moments' reminds us that healing goes beyond recovery; it is about enabling patients to return to the lives and relationships that define who they are.

What does our new value, 'Innovate for Outcomes' , mean to you?
For me, 'Innovate for Outcomes' means thinking boldly and acting with purpose-ensuring every solution is grounded in measurable, meaningful improvements in patient outcomes. As someone who has treated complex wounds and burn injuries, outcomes are the ultimate proof of value. Innovation only matters when it translates into better healing, safer care, and solutions that empower clinicians to deliver excellence.