Lauren Barber, a Clinical Nurse Specialist turned entrepreneur, is making strides in the healthcare industry with her Sydney-based company NeedleCalm™. Sparked by a personal needle stick injury, Lauren developed adhesive pads, a Class One medical device that dulls injection pain. These desensitising adhesive pads are a solution for the one in four Australians with needle phobia.

With a Bachelor of Nursing from Charles Sturt University, Lauren has extensive experience, from the Sydney Adventist Hospital to cosmetic dermatology. Now, she’s steering NeedleCalm™ to champion education in needle procedures and launch more products to improve patient experiences, like painless injection techniques and pain-free shots. Lauren’s adhesive pads for injection pain management are just the start of her mission to reduce healthcare avoidance related to needle anxiety.

Despite her entrepreneurial pursuits, Lauren remains dedicated to clinical practice. She has big plans for NeedleCalm™ to expand as a first-line treatment in hospitals. With further education including a Graduate Diploma in Cosmetic Dermal Science and a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Leadership, Lauren is well-equipped to continue innovating in the healthcare space.

What’s next for Lauren?

Lauren has big plans on the horizon, with NeedleCalm™ expanding its presence as a first-line treatment in hospitals and further innovating in the healthcare space.

As someone who still values her educational journey and cherishes her days at Charles Sturt University, Lauren stands as a living testament to where passion coupled with determination can lead.

Education & Accolades

• Bachelors of Nursing, Charles Sturt University, 2006-2009
• Graduate Diploma in Cosmetic Dermal Science, Australasian Academy of Cosmetic Dermal Science, 2014-2015
• Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Leadership, Southern Cross University, 2015-2016
• Non-Executive Director & Member, Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) board
• Pause Awards Judge
• IMNIS Mentor

Ways to connect with Lauren

Book an appointment:

Sydney Phobia Clinic

Macquarie Specialist Centre (Thursdays & Saturdays)

Read Lauren’s insights: Lauren’s Publications

Connect with Lauren: Visit her LinkedIn

Dr. Cooper is Principal and CEO at Peak Cardiovascular. He previously served as Vice President Medical Affairs, Corporate/Occupational Health, & Safety for 3M Health Care, including Chief Medical Officer Medical Solutions. He is a Diplomat of the American Boards of Thoracic Surgery and Surgery, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Aerospace Medical Association, and the Civil Aviation Medical Association. He is a graduate of Franklin & Marshall College, New York University School of Medicine, and Spears School of Business, Oklahoma State University.  In addition to Residencies and Chief Residencies in General Surgery (New York University Medical Center, The University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics) and Thoracic Surgery (Columbia University), he also completed Medical Staff Fellowship in the Surgery Branch of the National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health and Fellowship in Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery and Transplantation at The Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street, UK.  He has also studied Health Policy at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, and Comprehensive Medical Simulation, both at Harvard University.

Dr. Cooper’s research has included pioneering methods of immunosuppression for primate cardiac xenograft transplantation.  His work in Med Tech has been consistently remarkable for innovative out of the box thinking combined with varied and deep expertise.

Dr. Cooper is also expert in Aviation Physiology, and a Special Consultant to the Federal Air Surgeon.  He is a commercial pilot, flight instructor, and aerobatic and formation air show performer. He has been a leader in the application of aviation-based safety culture to health care and consults with the FAA and other organizations regarding safe travel of civilians in space.