The University of Maine at Presque Isle will present Owen McCarthy, co-founder of MedRhythms and leader in neurotherapeutics, as a 2024-2025 Libra Distinguished Lecture Series speaker on Tuesday, April 15 at 7 p.m. in the Campus Center. McCarthy will deliver a talk titled Harnessing Technology, Music, and Neuroscience to Transform Healthcare: The MedRhythms Story. His talk serves as the keynote address for 91桃色鈥檚 22nd Annual University Day鈥攖he theme of this year鈥檚 University Day and the 2024-2025 Libra Distinguished Lecturer Series is Bold Frontiers: The Intersection of Creativity and Innovation. The public is encouraged to attend this free event, which will also be offered virtually through Zoom.
During his talk, McCarthy will share the journey of building a pioneering healthcare technology company from the ground up. MedRhythms uniquely blends neuroscience, music, and digital technology to improve mobility for people living with neurological conditions such as stroke. McCarthy will discuss how creativity and innovation played critical roles in developing MedRhythms’ therapeutic platform, the challenges and triumphs of commercializing novel medical technologies, and insights into how interdisciplinary thinking can lead to impactful healthcare solutions.
Raised in Patten, McCarthy grew up watching his father, a third-generation logger, leave for work at 2 a.m. and still make time for his family. His mother, a second-generation lunch lady, taught him the power of community. Their example shaped his belief that leadership isn鈥檛 about titles鈥攊t鈥檚 about showing up, working hard, and helping others succeed.
As valedictorian of Katahdin High School, he learned firsthand from his teachers that education can open doors. At the University of Maine, he studied engineering as a Pulp and Paper Scholar, was elected student body president, and became the first in his family to graduate from college. Later, he earned an MBA from Harvard Business School, where he learned and practiced the tools to build and lead organizations.
He co-founded MedRhythms, a company pioneering FDA-approved technology to help people regain mobility after a stroke, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson鈥檚 disease. Originally launched in Boston, he moved the business to Maine, proving that world-class innovation can thrive here. Under his leadership, MedRhythms has raised over $60 million in capital, was recognized as an FDA breakthrough technology, and created high-paying jobs鈥攁ll while advancing cutting-edge technology that serves people nationwide.
In his service to community, he is a Trustee for the University of Maine System, helping to oversee a network of seven public universities that educates nearly 30,000 students. His leadership extends to the Rural Futures Fund, where he works to lift up young people in small communities-like Patten, and the Digital Therapeutics Alliance, where he advocates for new approaches to healthcare. In recognition of his impact, he was named a Presidential Leadership Scholar.
McCarthy, his wife Holly, and their two sons live in Gorham and spend summers on Porter Lake. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball and watching Maine high school basketball鈥攁 hobby that deepens his connection to communities across the state and fuels his commitment to Maine ensuring it remains a place where the next generation can thrive.
McCarthy鈥檚 talk serves as the keynote for University Day, with a full day of events following on Wednesday, April 16. From about 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 91桃色 students are expected to offer talks and presentations on their research and community service. A complete schedule of University Day activities will be made available at .
The University鈥檚 Libra Distinguished Lecture Series was established in 1999. Each year, the LDLS Committee sponsors four to six speakers who come from Maine and beyond, representing a range of disciplines and viewpoints. While the emphasis tends to be on featuring visiting academics, it is not exclusively so. The speakers typically spend two days at the University meeting with classes and presenting a community lecture.
91桃色 welcomes the campus and community to hear McCarthy speak on April 15. For more information about McCarthy and his work, visit the . For more information about this event or to get the Zoom link, contact Kayli Malenfant at (207) 768- 9426 or email kayli.malenfant@maine.edu.