For Paul Abrams ’02 it’s not just about a sale; it’s about helping people who need it most

Paul Abrams ’02 (Biology) is an accomplished professional in the medical devices industry with an entrepreneurial drive and a penchant for taking calculated risks, both personal attributes he credits to his father, CPL. Joseph P. Abrams.

“There’s a poem that my father wrote when he was in Vietnam that changed everything for me,” said Abrams. “In it, he challenged readers to push themselves outside of their comfort zone and reminded us that risk or change is not always bad, but something that can drive you to be a better person.”

For Abrams, pushing boundaries and seeking new opportunities led him to the Army Reserves for eight years where he served as a Combat Medic and Staff Sergeant. Later, he embraced work in sales and marketing for the medical device field, where he now has the opportunity to see lives transformed by advances in important technology and cutting edge robotics.

“Both experiences utilize my New Paltz degree in unique ways and are also the result of taking calculated risks when necessary,” said Abrams. “With an education in biology, I was able to gain clinical experience in the Army that now helps me excel in the sale of robotics at Reha Technology, a leader in advanced medical robotic technologies for rehabilitation.”

Reha Technology is a Swiss company that designs, manufactures and distributes robotic-assisted devices for the rehabilitation of neurological movement disorders. Reha’s objective is to maximize a patient’s skills for independence in daily life, particularly for those who have been injured or disabled by illness or accident.

As Executive Vice President of the North American branch of Reha Technology, Abrams examines the clinical aspects of the Swiss-based company with the many doctors involved, while also witnessing the impact of life-changing rehabilitation options for the clients they serve.

For Abrams, it’s not just about a sale, but a chance to help people with the technology that is becoming more and more a part of our daily lifestyle.

“It means a lot for me to see someone with a heartbreaking neuromuscular disease, or a man with a traumatic brain injury, walking again because of our system,” said Abrams. “Now, I can wake up in the morning knowing I am making a difference in someone’s life. It is unbelievably rewarding.”

Before Reha Technology, Abrams worked in orthopedic medical device sales and most recently with Stryker – MAKO, a robotically assisted surgical platform that aides in orthopedic implant placement. While with Stryker, Abrams helped build the Northeast Robotic team and managed over 30 employees, making it the best performing region in the country. He used his military experience and team mentality from playing rugby for 15 years as ways to solidify and grow his team.

“My original plan was to be a doctor, but my education and experience showed me the many ways a person can find success with a biology degree,” said Abrams, who later completed his MBA at Temple University. “So when I had the opportunity to switch my course, I reflected on my father’s poem and I knew it was time to pivot to the next step in my life. I adjusted. I took a risk and I couldn’t be happier.”

To watch video of Reha Technology’s products and to learn more about the medical device field visit rehatechnology.com.