Clinician Collaboration: Expert Q&A with Josh Minkove

Innovation is not always about something completely new. Sometimes it is about rethinking something we use every day.

That is what happened when Dr. Jill Rabin, MD, a practicing obstetrician/gynecologist and urogynecologist, envisioned a patient gown that could protect dignity while still giving clinicians the access they need. She had the idea but needed the right partner to bring it to life.

That’s where Standard Textile and Sales Consultant Josh Minkove came in. Josh worked closely with Dr. Rabin and our product development teams, helping move her vision from concept to practical design. The result is the Patient Access Linen System (PALS), now in use across Northwell Health.

We spoke with Josh about how the collaboration took shape.

What stands out about the PALS design?

“PALS is really unique. It adapts to different patient needs and different types of exams while still keeping people covered and comfortable. It also accounts for different comfort levels, personal preferences, and cultural or religious needs. You can tell it was created by someone who understands both the patient’s perspective and the clinician’s workflow.”

See how PALS works in this video of Dr. Rabin:

How did you help move the concept into the system used today?

“My role was to connect Dr. Rabin’s design with the teams who could turn it into a workable product. We built prototypes, refined fabrics and construction, and ensured the system could be reliably produced at scale. Dr. Rabin led three trial phases and shared ongoing clinical feedback, which guided each round of adjustments. The results were so strong they were later published in peer-reviewed journals.”

What have you learned about the impact PALS makes in care settings?

“What I’ve learned really comes from Dr. Rabin. The way she talks about the experiences of the people using PALS says more than I ever could.”

Dr. Rabin:

“We sometimes forget how vulnerable it can feel to be a patient. When someone is more comfortable and more in control of their own body, they can focus on healing rather than on holding a gown together. Patients have described feeling calmer and more respected. Clinicians tell us it helps them provide care more easily without compromising privacy. That matters, emotionally and clinically.”

PALS came to life because of shared commitment: a clinician who saw a need and a partner willing to listen and collaborate. That is the heart of Experts Who Care.

The Patient Access Linen System (PALS) is protected under US Patent No. 11,304,462, held by The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, part of Northwell Health.

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