Michael Stinfer

I was born and raised in Warsaw, Indiana—proudly known as the “Orthopedic Capital of the World” (yes, they really call it that). I come from a fifth-generation military family, serving first as a U.S. Marine and later as a Recondo leader in the Army. As a breacher during the 2003 invasion of Iraq with Task Force Tarawa, I MEF, I led a small team supporting Regimental Combat Teams 1, 3, and 5. Notable missions included marking the path for the main breach into Iraq, securing key southern airfields and oil facilities, safeguarding the ancient city of Babylon, and eliminating enemy weapons depots and minefields. I also had the privilege of working alongside the Royal Marines and the British Army.

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After my service, I traveled the world independently, living in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and Manchester, England. I worked construction during the week and spent weekends hiking across Europe. Along the way, I built lifelong friendships. Being a history buff, it was surreal to meet political members of Sinn Féin who took me to Bobby Sands’ grave, and to befriend the heir to Germany's equivalent of John Deere on a random night out in Cologne. I highly recommend exploring the Eastern European landscape.

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Since 2013, I have worked in the medical device industry. I began in manufacturing, learning CNC machining while working full-time in the finance industry. After my 9–5, I took second-shift jobs to learn the craft of making instruments and implantable devices. In 2015, after completing my graduate studies, I transitioned to the clinical side. Over the years, I advanced into medical writing—authoring clinical evaluations and post-market surveillance literature reviews—and today I drive full-scale clinical programs. My expertise spans primarily EU MDR compliance, global clinical strategies, and program execution. I hold a graduate degree in Orthopaedic Regulatory and Clinical Affairs from Grace College and have also studied economics at Harvard University and San Diego College, where I competed as a collegiate athlete.

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My greatest title is not Marine, Ranger, or any other title—it’s Dad. I am the proud father of four amazing, courageous girls. There is never a dull moment in my week. My oldest, Emma, is a captain on her rugby team and placed 6th in state during her first year of wrestling. My middle daughters, Hannah and Ellie, play rugby and golf, respectively. And finally, my youngest, Leah, plays basketball, runs track, and recently made the volleyball team.

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Lastly, I am deeply committed to patient safety and serving my community. As a former clinical trial participant, homeless veteran, and now veterans’ advocate, I consider it my duty to support those in need. My research and advocacy have contributed to changes in laws and policies within the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense, improving care and quality of life for those who served. I am profoundly grateful to the medical device industry, my family, friends, and mentors, all of whom have enabled me to create an impact for those who have protected—and will continue to protect—our nation.