168 - Audits, Audits, Audits: Why They Matter in Pharma, Medical Devices, and Personal Growth

Let's Combinate · 25 Dec 2024 · 13m

What this episode covers

Subhi Saadeh, host of Let's Combinate and Quality Professional, discusses the parallel between Peter Drucker’s book 'Managing Oneself' and the role of audits in pharma and medical device industries. He explains the three levels of audits—first-party (internal), second-party (supplier), and third-party (regulatory/certification)—and their specific purposes in ensuring compliance with regulations like ISO 13485 and 21 CFR Part 4. Saadeh emphasizes that audits are systematic, evidence-based appraisal activities designed to reveal system weaknesses and build trust with regulators and patients, rather than just catching mistakes.

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Global Medical Device Podcast · 41m

    Auditing the Auditor

    Sara Adams, a Medical Device Guru at Greenlight Guru, explains the nuances of conducting and receiving audits, distinguishing between internal, supplier, notified body, and FDA inspections. She shares her experience managing approximately 25 audits annually at a previous contract manufacturing role and details how to negotiate findings by asking auditors to cite specific regulations. Adams emphasizes building a culture of quality where audits are viewed as opportunities for improvement rather than punitive checks, warning against treating quality management systems as static 'checkbox' exercises.

  • Global Medical Device Podcast · 33m

    For the Love of Internal Auditing

    Jon Speer, founder of Greenlight Guru, interviews Sara Adams, a medical device guru at Greenlight Guru, about the strategic value of internal auditing in medical device quality systems. They discuss shifting from checkbox compliance to risk-based auditing, debunking misconceptions that every finding requires a CAPA or that all processes must be audited annually. The conversation highlights the importance of planning, cross-functional collaboration, and using electronic QMS platforms like Greenlight Guru to streamline audits and improve regulatory readiness.

  • Global Medical Device Podcast · 36m

    What are the Audit Etiquette Rules I Should be Following?

    Greenlight Guru founder Jon Speer interviews Taylor Brown, a certified ISO 13485 Lead Auditor and medical device guru at Greenlight Guru, on the rules of audit etiquette. Brown explains that maintaining a 'stay ready' culture, where the Quality Management System (QMS) is the daily way of life rather than a panic-driven response, is critical for passing audits. The conversation covers specific behaviors such as controlling information flow, leveraging internal audits, and using the Greenlight Guru software to facilitate efficient, evidence-based audits.

  • Being an Engineer · 41m

    Ajay Panwar | Statistical Control Processes, Regression Analysis, and Philanthropy

    Ajay Panwar, Senior Engineering Manager at Medtronic, discusses statistical process control, regression analysis, and inventory strategies like JIT. He explains the regulatory differences between Class 1 and Class 3 medical devices and shares insights on ISO 13485 auditing gaps. Panwar also covers his philanthropic work and angel investing in the healthcare startup ecosystem.

  • Global Medical Device Podcast · 30m

    What are the Top Compliance Issues Plaguing Medical Device Manufacturers?

    Tom Rynkiewicz, VP of RA/QA at Raland Compliance Partners, joins host John Spear to discuss the top compliance issues plaguing medical device manufacturers, specifically CAPA, complaints, and design controls. Rynkiewicz argues that these recurring FDA observations stem from flawed internal audit practices that audit isolated quality system components rather than the entire system holistically. He highlights how human behavior and corporate KPIs, such as tracking CAPA turnaround times instead of effectiveness, prevent companies from achieving a true quality culture with zero complaints. The conversation emphasizes the need for system-level auditing and transparency to prepare for potential FDA shifts toward stricter Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) inspections.

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