How to Talk About a Technology No One’s Seen Before: Interview with Asensus Surgical CEO Anthony Fernando

Medsider: Learn from Medtech and Healthtech Founders and CEOs

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we sat down with Anthony Fernando, President and CEO of Asensus Surgical.

Asensus is expanding the role of robotics in the OR with its performance-guided surgery platform — a digital-first, AI-enabled system designed to enhance precision and real-time decision-making.

A mechanical engineer by training, Anthony has more than two decades of experience spanning medtech, robotics, and global operations. He joined Asensus in 2015 and previously served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer. Earlier in his career, Anthony held leadership roles at Stryker, Becton Dickinson, PerkinElmer, and Varian, where he focused on advancing automation and medical device innovation across international markets.

In this interview, Anthony shares how the Durham, NC–based Asensus navigated uncharted regulatory territory for a first-of-its-kind technology and proactively made the case for acquisition — well before KARL STORZ came to the table.

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Lastly, if you'd rather read than listen, here's a link to the full interview with Anthony Fernando.