Our journey began with a simple yet powerful question: How can we develop a product that allows consumers to easily access data from the FDA on all adverse events related to drugs and vaccines? This question marked the start of a mission driven by a passion for ensuring the safety of consumers through easily accessible and shareable information about medication or vaccine adverse events.

Sympedia’s story began in 2019, with a dedicated effort to research the medical industry, understand access to information, and streamline data to make it understandable and actionable for everyone. The foundation of Sympedia is built upon the expertise and experiences of its founders, Michael Sodini and Douglas Cottrell.

Michael Sodini has over 25 years of experience as a medical device executive. His journey toward founding SymPedia was sparked by two pivotal incidents. First, he discovered that he was selling products for an organization that were not FDA-approved, meaning these products had not been properly vetted for safety before entering the market. Second, Michael’s mother underwent bunion correction surgery, during which screws and plates that were supposed to be made of titanium turned out to be manufactured by a tool and die company in California. One of the screws broke in half, leading to a severe bone infection called osteomyelitis. These personal and professional experiences underscored the need for a solution that would protect consumers from similar situations.

Douglas Cottrell complements Michael’s expertise with a robust background in data processing and web development. With over 20 years of experience in full-stack development, digital marketing, and app development, Douglas has successfully owned and operated multiple companies in these fields. His technical acumen ensures that SymPedia’s solutions are not only innovative but also user-friendly and effective.

Together, Michael and Douglas founded SymPedia to bridge the gap between consumers and critical safety information. By leveraging their combined expertise, they aim to empower individuals to make informed decisions and share essential safety data, fostering a safer and more transparent healthcare environment for all.