Radiation shield concept inspires a new company

Florida physician draws on personal experience to create radiation protection products.

By Katherine Vogt, AMNews staff. Oct. 17, 2005.

Making sidelines pay
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Name: Ronald F. DeMeo, MD

Specialty: Interventional pain

Location: Miami

Business: Radiation Shield Technologies Inc., which researches, designs and produces radiation protection products using a patented, lead-free, lightweight material called Demron. Products for medical professionals include aprons, caps and radiation shielding material for drapes in operating rooms. The company also makes full-body protection suits, tactical vests and other products used by first responders, military personnel and others.

Annual revenue: Several million dollars

Why he started the business: "It started out as basically a project to better protect myself in the operating room about 10 years ago," Dr. DeMeo said. He began talking to researchers about creating protective materials and eventually hired his own staff to develop the material. He secured patents and launched the company in 2002 to develop, market and sell the products.