Leadership
CEO
Liam Burns, MBA
Liam is an experienced CEO who has led several early-stage companies driving product development of breakthrough technologies. He has a track record of successful product launches for major companies like Ethicon (JNJ) and Conmed (AirSeal). He has a deep clinical understanding of minimally invasive and endoluminal surgery with 25+ years experience enhancing surgical devices and techniques in GI disease, metabolic health, and cancer.
President
Lee Swanström, MD
Dr. Swanström is Clinical Professor of Surgery at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland Oregon, former Chief Innovations officer of the IHU-Strasbourg from its creation until 2023, past president of multiple surgical societies including SAGES. He is an internationally known expert and prolific innovator in minimally invasive and endoluminal surgery with 20 patents and 5 medical device startup companies, over 400 peer review publications, 90 book chapters and is the editor of 5 textbooks and the journal Surgical Innovation.
Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer
Eran Shlomovitz, MD
Dr. Shlomovitz is a minimally invasive surgeon, therapeutic endoscopist & interventional radiologist at the University Health Network in Toronto, Canada. Associate Prof. at the Department of Surgery and Medical Imaging at the University of Toronto. He is active in the development of hybrid therapeutic techniques with advanced image guidance, holds multiple patents related to minimally invasive surgical procedures and devices.
Chief Operating Officer
Yee Ying Douchamps, PhD, MBA
Yee Ying has a background in cognitive neuroscience and psychology, specializing in human electrophysiology. As the COO, she drives operational strategy, ensuring seamless execution and coordination across teams to accelerate Qaelon’s growth. She has successfully led multiple early-stage minimally invasive surgical device projects and companies for IHU, playing a pivotal role in building Qaelon from the ground up. Her extensive experience spans preclinical and clinical research, IP management, regulatory, and securing non-dilutive funding
Chief Financial Officer
Arthur T. Healey , former CPA, JD
Art is a seasoned CFO with 35 years’ experience overseeing the corporate finance, accounting, and legal functions of early-stage technology companies. Art’s experience includes 23 years’ experience as CFO and 12 years as CPA and Manager at Big Four public accounting firms. Art has helped clients raise $170M+ capital, commercialize 20+ innovative technologies, and execute five successful exits. Art brings financial leadership to Qaelon and leads a team that provides back-office support to accelerate growth, using best practices and state-of-the-art financial reporting systems.