As machineMD expands its clinical research and evidence generation for neos^®, we’re thrilled to welcome two new Clinical Affairs Managers, Melina Maamir and Ilona Hubbard.

Both bring rich clinical and scientific experience from across Europe, joining machineMD at a pivotal moment as neos^® advances in clinical use. Together, they’ll help drive clinical validation, foster investigator initiated studies, and ensure our research meets the highest standards of quality, compliance, and impact.

Profile: Melina Maamir, MD

Melina trained as a medical doctor, delivering emergency care and managing patients in a fast-paced hospital environment. Since then, she has been working as a clinical consultant supporting clinical studies across Europe.

As a medical doctor, I bring clinical insight that helps me understand both the science behind the products and the realities of clinical practice.

A Master’s in International Healthcare Management equipped Melina to transition from frontline medicine to medical technology. As part of the Medidee team, she worked across multiple medical device and in vitro diagnostic (IVD) projects, leading clinical study planning, monitoring, and regulatory submissions.

Consulting exposed me to a wide range of technologies, therapeutic areas, and client needs, and taught me to be adaptable, solution-oriented, and very hands-on in how I manage projects.

Profile: Ilona Hubbard, PhD

Ilona's career as a clinical neuropsychologist began at a specialized epilepsy hospital in Germany, where she completed her PhD on visual memory and perception and gained first first experiences with both pharma and medtech trials, including studies on deep brain stimulation.

Working closely with patients and clinicians, I learned what patient centricity truly means, and that research matters most when it makes a real difference in people’s lives. This inspired me to look beyond clinical care and understand how innovation can be developed and implemented more effectively.

After completing a Master’s in Innovation Management, Ilona joined the CHUV, where she worked as a clinical project manager and helped establish the NeuroTech research platform for evaluating emerging neurotechnologies.

I deeply value investigator-initiated studies because they grow out of genuine clinical curiosity and the need for innovation from within healthcare.

What interests you about working at the intersection of neuroscience and ophthalmology?

Ilona:
“I have worked in the past with patients presenting with sequelae as a consequence of alterations to the visual pathways due to diverse underlying causes and pathologies. Throughout my career as a clinician and research scientist, I have focused on developing new diagnostic approaches to assess brain function and drive innovation in this field. My goal has always been to enable more precise diagnoses for more effective disease management, and eye movements promise to be adopted as a robust biomarker.”

Melina:
“I’ve always been fascinated by how much we can learn about the brain through the eyes. The link between eye movements and neurological function is unique and full of potential for earlier and more objective diagnosis, something I’m genuinely passionate about.”

What drew you to join specifically machineMD?

Melina:
“What first caught my attention was the technology — it’s truly innovative and has real clinical value. What I find most innovative is that neos can support the diagnosis of brain disorders with a device that is noninvasive and simple to use. It has the potential to democratize access to neurological assessments, making them more widely available and simpler to perform in everyday clinical practice.”

Ilona:
“For me, machineMD is the true embodiment of medical innovation. neos is built on more than eight years of clinical research and has relevance across several neurological domains. It is a complex and fascinating project to be part of.”

Melina:
“I was also drawn to the startup environment at machineMD; small, dynamic, and collaborative. It’s the kind of place where you can learn a lot, take on different responsibilities, and actually see the impact of your work.”

Ilona:
“The company is at an exciting stage, with a CE-marked device that has entered the market both in Europe and the US. neos has the potential to transform key aspects of both ophthalmology and neurology at the same time: optimizing care, reducing costs, improving access, and ultimately making disease management better and easier”

How will your work support machineMD’s mission?

Ilona:
“Clinical affairs is essential in advancing machineMD’s mission of improving access to neuro-ophthalmologic care by demonstrating the clinical relevance of this technology. The focus of my work will be on designing studies that provide insights for clinicians and support the broader adoption of neos in everyday practice.”

Melina:
“I fully agree. Ensuring that our clinical studies are meticulously planned and executed is vital to supporting machineMD’s mission. Conscientious study design and generating reliable data will support the clinical validation of neos.”

Ilona:
“There is already a significant amount of work in motion, both sponsored by machineMD and investigator initiated. My next priorities are to develop new research projects and data collection studies by expanding the investigator network.

Melina:
“Supporting ongoing clinical investigations is the first priority - making sure everything runs smoothly with high data quality and compliance. I also see the opportunity to shape the clinical strategy, selecting the right indications, and building good collaborations with investigators and sites.”

What motivates and inspires you?

Melina:
“I’m motivated by challenges and opportunities to grow. I enjoy working in dynamic environments where curiosity, collaboration, and problem-solving drive meaningful results. Outside of work, I love being active and exploring new experiences — I’m passionate about kitesurfing and diving.”

Ilona:
“I am motivated by purpose and making an impact; I continue to dedicate myself to the advancement of healthcare. I love working together in a team toward a shared vision, much like playing in an orchestra where everyone’s contribution matters.

“Outside of work, I like to spend time in nature, especially swimming in Lake Geneva. I also like to take care of the people around me. I have received a lot of help and mentorship for me to become who I am, and I want to return the favour by helping others in return.”

Looking Ahead

Melina and Ilona join machineMD at a defining moment — as neos^® continues to bridge neuroscience and ophthalmology and bring the expertise of neuro-ophthalmologists closer to everyday clinical practice.

Their combined experience — in medicine, neuroscience, and innovation management — strengthens machineMD’s clinical research capabilities and supports our vision for a world where patients receive an accurate, fast, and early diagnosis of brain disorders through oculometrics.

Welcome to the team, Melina and Ilona!