In this TEDx talk, biomedical engineer Dr. Antonia Pontiki shares her transformative journey from a young athlete to an innovator in medical education and healthcare technology. Her journey from an athlete to a curious student fascinated by human anatomy to a biomedical engineer developing life-changing technologies illustrates the impact of a strong educational foundation. Antonia Pontiki’s work with 3D printing has enabled the creation of custom rib implants for lung cancer patients, helping them regain comfort and stability after invasive surgery.Dr. Pontiki emphasizes the revolutionary impact of 3D printing in medical training and patient care. This technology, she explains, provides lifelike anatomical models that eliminate the limitations and ethical challenges of cadaver-based learning. By offering hands-on, realistic training tools, 3D printing enhances the learning experience, giving trainees the confidence to hone their skills and improve patient outcomes. She envisions a future where accessible, practical education fuels healthcare innovation, reminding us that investing in education is a powerful means of building a healthier, more resilient world for everyone.Through this lens, Antonia Pontiki discusses the role of education and a collaborative learning environment in nurturing curiosity and sparking innovation. She highlights that when we equip students with the right tools, resources, and mentors, we fuel growth, foster resilience and inspire the next generation, empowering them to become pioneers in their fields, driven to solve real-world challenges and push boundaries in healthcare. Dr. Antonia Pontiki is a Biomedical Engineer and expert in the field of additive manufacturing for healthcare applications. Currently working as a Teaching Fellow in Biomedical Engineering, and Deputy Director of the MSc Clinical Sciences at the School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences at King’s College London, she is dedicated to advancing education and healthcare accessibility. Antonia’s research centers on 3D printing and novel manufacturing techniques for surgical applications, including the development of patient-specific prostheses and simulators for surgical training. She has developed and clinically validated a method for creating 3D patient-specific chest wall prostheses, earning a recognition in Forbes 30 Under 30 in Science & Healthcare. Antonia combines her expertise in engineering and her passion for healthcare to develop innovative, low-cost solutions to improve patient lives. Originating from Athens, Greece, Antonia obtained her Doctorate and BEng in Biomedical Engineering from King’s College London. Having lived and worked in n the United States, Ireland, and now London, UK, she utilises her diverse experiences to contribute better healthcare and education. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx