In an inspiring conversation with Lisa F. Crites, a Patented inventor of The SHOWER SHIRT and a seasoned medical journalist, we delve into her journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a trailblazer in both healthcare innovation and media strategy. Lisa’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of others. After a personal battle with breast cancer, Lisa turned her experience into a solution that has since impacted thousands. From her groundbreaking invention to her work in medical journalism, Lisa continues to empower patients and healthcare professionals alike.
Exploring Lisa’s Background: Early Life and Education
Curious about Lisa’s background, we asked her to share a bit about her early life and educational journey.
Lisa F. Crites: I have a BS, MS, and MBA. I was raised in a small town in Southeast Missouri. I am a Midwest Farmer’s daughter. I needed to leave the farming community, move to Florida, and return before I could appreciate my upbringing and the amazing area I grew up in. I purchased two farms a few years ago; my dad always said farmland was the best investment, and I believe that to be true. Everything in those small surrounding towns revolves around church, high school sports, family, farming, and friends. My parents raised us to appreciate everything we received. My father was an amazing provider for my family. We were somewhat privileged, compared to many families in the area. I have three brothers. I was the only girl, with an easy-going, nurturing mother, but extremely strict father. I’m mentally tougher than most women, based on watching my father be tough.
Career Path and Inspiration: What Drew Lisa to Healthcare and Journalism
With an impressive career spanning healthcare and journalism, we wanted to know what inspired Lisa to pursue these fields.
Lisa F. Crites: I LOVE health and medical journalism. At my core, it’s what I love to do the most. I am a contributing health/medical guest columnist to many magazines and newspapers. I also ghostwrite for several doctors on medical topics. I believe there’s always a story to tell when it comes to health and medical journalism, whether it be clinical, human interest, regulatory, or cutting-edge advancements. I also dive into the alternative focus of health and wellness disciplines based on homeopathic disciplines. I worked as a television news reporter for many years, in Orlando, and subsequently evolved into media strategy roles for large hospital systems. I’m back doing journalism again, but this time for print, versus television, after becoming an accidental Patented inventor of a Class 1 Medical Device after an unexpected breast cancer diagnosis.
From Idea to Innovation: The Journey of Creating The SHOWER SHIRT
Lisa’s groundbreaking invention, The SHOWER SHIRT, has positively impacted patients’ lives worldwide. We asked what inspired her to create this life-changing product.
Lisa F. Crites: After undergoing mastectomy surgery for breast cancer, I found no product to shower in, to protect my post-surgical drains, so I showered in a trash bag for protection. I didn’t want other breast cancer patients to be required to do the same, so I invented The SHOWER SHIRT(R), an award-winning, patented, Class 1 Medical Device.
Overcoming Challenges: Lisa’s Path to Patenting and Success
We were curious about the challenges Lisa faced while bringing The SHOWER SHIRT from concept to a patented product.
Lisa F. Crites: Going through the patent process is quite difficult. Only ten percent of women in the United States even host patents. I was required to do so much research in advance of even thinking about creating the product. I hired a patent attorney, and we both read hours of overview on existing patents that had anything to do with showering. I was incredibly lucky as I received my patent in about 16 months. I believe the best advice I ever received was, “It’s more difficult to bring a product to market that has never existed, versus a product that exists and then is changed 5 to 10 to 15 percent.” Once I had done much research, I knew there was not a patent, or product on the market that I was looking to create, so with blind faith, I dove into the project. My best step was joining Essentially Women, which is a group purchasing organization, and was able to introduce the product to hundreds of mastectomy boutiques, home medical equipment, and durable medical equipment groups, all at once.
Bridging Media and Healthcare: Impact as a Medical Journalist
With a background in both broadcast and print media, Lisa has a unique perspective on healthcare journalism. We asked how this experience influenced her approach as a Patented inventor.
Lisa F. Crites: My background in medical journalism helped me immensely. I was able to immediately reach out to doctors, and surgeons and discuss my ideas of creating The SHOWER SHIRT(R) as an answer for those needing to protect themselves after chest surgery. All the surgeons were amazingly supportive stating there was a need for such a product to protect chest surgery patients after surgery. The clinical theory is that there are bacteria and pathogens in tap water, so wounds, drains, ports, and even catheters need to be protected from non-sterile water. The same reason we drink filtered water each day.
Future Goals: What’s Next for Lisa F. Crites?
With a career dedicated to helping others, we asked Lisa what she sees on the horizon.
Lisa F. Crites: My entire goal in creating the product was to help women not be reduced to showering in a plastic trash bag as I was. Knowing that I have helped women/men, and multiple patient populations make me smile each day.
The product was initially invented for breast cancer patients, but we now sell to other populations — see list below:
Patients who can benefit from The SHOWER SHIRT®
- Mastectomy
- Patients with Dialysis Catheters
- Lumbar & Cervical Neck Fusion
- Neuro-Stimulation
- Patients with Medi-Ports
- External Defibrillators
- Patients with Wound Vacs, Central Lines,
Infusion Pumps & Pacemakers
- Cardiac and Cardiothoracic Patients
- Abdominal Hernia, Tummy-Tuck/Gastric By-Pass
- Savi-Catheter
- Transplant
- Lung Surgery
Balancing Two Careers: How Lisa F. Crites Manages Invention and Media Strategy
We asked Lisa how she balances the two different but related aspects of her career as a Patented inventor and a media strategist.
Lisa F. Crites: In many cases, the two aspects cross over. I always say I’m in the ‘space’ of medical journalism, while also working with journalists, in media strategy, while consulting with clinical clients, all at the same time.
Advice for Aspiring Patented Inventors: Lisa F. Crites’ Key Tip for Getting Started
When we asked what advice she would give to someone with an idea for an invention but unsure where to start, Lisa offered valuable insight.
Lisa F. Crites: Research, research, and research existing patents. That way, you quickly can figure out any potential infringements based on what is already patented, or on the market. Many people don’t research in advance and end up spending too much money on the process when a patent or product already exists.
New Projects and Inventions in the Works
Curious about Lisa’s plans, we asked what’s next for her.
Lisa F. Crites: I have much on my plate between writing and philanthropic work as I sit on four non-profit boards. I have a few ideas for projects, but nothing that I’ve been seriously focused on as of yet.
Leaving a Legacy: Lisa’s Impact on Healthcare Journalism and Innovation
Finally, we asked Lisa about the legacy she hopes to leave through her work in healthcare journalism and innovation.
Lisa F. Crites: I believe simply that I was able to support women after such a devastating diagnosis as breast cancer. I’ve always said, “If a patient can shower, and feel better after surgery, that is good for the psychological, emotional, and mental component of the patient, especially after a breast cancer diagnosis.”
Thank You:
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Lisa F. Crites for taking the time to share her incredible journey with us. Her insights and dedication to healthcare innovation and journalism are truly inspiring. We wish her continued success in all her future endeavors, and we’re grateful for the positive impact she’s making in the lives of countless patients. Thank you, Lisa!
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