Our Story

Avant-Garde Medical Innovation (AGMI) was formed by medical professionals to provide novel solutions to current issues affecting patient outcomes. Through first-hand experience, the founders of AGMI observed shortcomings with current bandage options for chest tubes, leading to an increased risk of air leak during chest tube removal. Rather than wait for someone else to solve the problem, the founders of AGMI experimented with multiple prototypes, eventually developing their first product, the MIDAS dressing.

After successful launch of the MIDAS dressing the team at AGMI will continue to identify gaps in patient care and provide high-quality, real solutions in small markets that are otherwise likely to be ignored by larger corporations.

  • Vision Statement

    At AGMI, our vision is to become a trusted partner to medical professionals by delivering high-quality solutions to medical problems.

  • Mission Statement

    Our mission is to create medical dressings that improve patient outcomes in smaller, niche markets.

Meet the Executive Team

Julia Wilke PA-C, MBA

Julia Wilke is a co-founder and CEO of AGMI. As a prior physician assistant for cardiothoracic surgery, Julia has first-hand experience with management and removal of chest tubes, including the deficiencies observed with the current standard of care dressing. Rather than waiting for a solution, she had the inspiration and grit to learn how to develop and bring a product to market that addresses current patient needs.

Educational background: Julia graduated from Hofstra University with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and Masters of Business Administration from St. Catherine’s University. She then worked at the Mayo Clinic and University of Florida in cardiothoracic surgery caring for adult and pediatric patients prior to forming AGMI.

Mathew Thomas M.B.B.S, M.D.

Dr. Thomas is a co-founder of AGMI, and serves as the Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Thomas is an entrepreneur and practicing thoracic surgeon who has first-hand knowledge of the deficiencies with current standard chest tube dressing options. He has experience working successfully with teams to develop new innovative technological solutions for healthcare’s current problems.

Educational background: Mathew obtained his medical degree from the University of Kerala, India and completed General Surgery residency at the Robert Packer Hospital/ Guthrie Clinic in Pennsylvania. He underwent his Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. Following this, he was recruited to Mayo Clinic in Florida where he is currently a Professor of Surgery and Director of Thoracic Surgery.   

Benjamin Wilke M.D.

Dr. Wilke is an entrepreneur and co-founder of AGMI who holds multiple patents on healthcare devices. He has a proven track record working with teams to solve challenging healthcare problems and has overseen multiple clinical trials sponsored by both industry and foundation grant support to improve patient outcomes. 

Educational background: Benjamin Wilke completed medical school at Saint Louis University. He then completed an orthopedic surgery residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester Mn. Following residency, Dr. Wilke attended the University of Florida for a fellowship in orthopedic oncology. He has practiced as an orthopedic oncologist at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL and is currently practicing in private practice in Jacksonville, Fl.