• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Opinions
    • Top 30
    • Research
    • Supply Chain
    • Device Sectors
    • Directory
    • Events
    • Resources
    • Microsites
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Opinions
  • Top 30
  • Research
  • Supply Chain
  • Device Sectors
  • Directory
  • Events
  • Resources
  • Microsites
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Editorial Guidelines
    Reprints
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Pharmaceutical Focus: A Look at Combination Products

    The Printed World: Additive Manufacturing in Medtech

    The Lost Year: 2020 Year in Review

    Extrusion Evolution

    Little Big Parts: Micromolding Under the Microscope
    OEM News
    Supplier News
    Service / Press Releases
    Online Exclusives
    Press Releases
    People in the News
    Product & Service Releases
    Supplier News
    Medtech Makers
    Technical Features
    International News
    Videos
    Product & Service Releases
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Cretex Companies CEO Steps Down

    Data Show Porex's Medical Device Filtration Materials Protect Against Virus, Bacteria Spread

    Endoscopic Hemostasis Devices Market Valued at $730 Million

    Henry Schein Buys Majority Interest in Prism Medical Products

    Boston Scientific's Vercise Genus DBS Earns FDA Approval
    From the Editor
    Blogs
    Guest Opinions
    Top Opinions
    Pharmaceutical Focus: A Look at Combination Products

    The Printed World: Additive Manufacturing in Medtech

    The Lost Year: 2020 Year in Review

    Extrusion Evolution

    Little Big Parts: Micromolding Under the Microscope
    Top 30 Medical Device Companies
    Market Data
    White Papers
    Top Research
    Fixing Face Mask Form and Function

    The Heart of the Matter: Trends in Cardiology

    Virtually the Same? The Challenges of Online Conferences

    Digital Health Delivers During a Year for the Ages

    Advanced Technology for Staking and Swaging Medical Plastics
    3D/Additive Manufacturing
    Contract Manufacturing
    Electronics
    Machining & Laser Processing
    Materials
    Molding
    Packaging & Sterilization
    R&D & Design
    Software & IT
    Testing
    Tubing & Extrusion
    Cardiovascular
    Diagnostics
    Digital Health
    Neurological
    Patient Monitoring
    Surgical
    Orthopedics
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Capabilities
    Add New Company
    Outsourcing Directory
    Qosina Corp.

    MW Life Sciences

    PTI Engineered Plastics Inc.

    FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology Inc.

    maxon
    MPO Summit
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live From Show Event
    Industry Associations
    Videos
    Career Central
    eBook
    Slideshows
    Top Resources
    Meeting Critical Ventilator Product Requirements Amid Pandemic

    Impact of COVID-19 on the Medtech Supply Chain

    Finding the Upside to a Challenging Year

    Preparing Your Design Controls for FDA Approval

    A 'Trial and Error' Approach to Micromolded Parts
    Companies
    News Releases
    Product Releases
    Press Releases
    Product Spec Sheets
    Service Releases
    Case Studies
    White Papers
    Brochures
    Videos
    Outsourcing Directory
    Concise Engineering

    FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology Inc.

    Qosina Corp.

    Element

    Spectrum Plastics Group
    • Magazine
      • Current/Back Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Editions
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • News
    • Directory
      • All Companies
      • ALL CATEGORIES
      • Industry Associations
      • Company Capabilities
      • Add Your Company
    • Supply Chain
      • 3D/Additive Manufacturing
      • Contract Manufacturing
      • Electronics
      • Machining & Laser Processing
      • Materials
      • Molding
      • Packaging & Sterilization
      • R&D & Design
      • Software & IT
      • Testing
      • Tubing & Extrusion
    • Device Sectors
      • Cardiovascular
      • Diagnostics
      • Digital Health
      • Neurological
      • Patient Monitoring
      • Surgical
      • Orthopedics
    • Top 30 Company Report
    • Expert Insights
    • Slideshows
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Resources
    • eBook
    • Infographics
    • Whitepapers
    • Research
      • White Papers
      • Case Studies
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Market Data
    • MPO Summit
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Microsite
      • Companies
      • Product Releases
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Services
      • White Papers / Tech Papers
      • Press Releases
      • Videos
      • Literature / Brochures
      • Case Studies
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise with Us
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Editorial

    Diversity, Inclusion, and Innovation at The MedTech Conference

    This year’s MedTech Conference celebrated several themes, including a need for diversity, the evolution of innovation, and the changing regulatory environment.

    Diversity, Inclusion, and Innovation at The MedTech Conference
    Related CONTENT
    • Medtech Matters: Surgeons Scrubbing In Virtually
    • Medtech Matters: Talking Robotic Surgery with Zimmer Biomet
    • Greenlight Guru and Nelson Labs Partner
    • Medtech Veteran Joins VivaLNK Board
    • New Global Headquarters for Freudenberg Medical
    Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief10.08.19
    The age of Big Data is over. Well, not exactly. But if The MedTech Conference is a reflection of other events and conferences in our industry, the days of hearing about Big Data ad nauseam are over (thank goodness). Speakers have finally moved onto practical applications (and real world examples), getting true value from the information, and the use of algorithms, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, which all stand to make a much greater impact than the promises of Big Data from just a few years ago. Of course, without Big Data, this next phase isn’t really possible. Still, it was refreshing to see a distinct lack of the phrase.

    Instead, this year’s MedTech Conference celebrated other prominent themes, including the need for diversity in our industry, the evolution of innovation (primarily around the aforementioned use of machine learning), the changing (and more approachable) regulatory environment of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the value of partnership and inclusion of technology leaders whose interest in healthcare continues to grow.

    Located in Boston, this year’s event still featured familiar elements we’ve seen during past conferences. Medtech leaders participated in numerous sessions and presentations on a variety of topics, but the panels weren’t filled only by those firms who comprise MPO’s annual top company list. Sure, Kevin Lobo, Stryker’s CEO and current AdvaMed chairman was prominent, along with the association’s CEO and president, Scott Whitaker. We heard comments (perhaps some of his last before retirement next year) from Omar Ishrak, Medtronic’s CEO, on the direction of the industry during one of several plenary sessions. Perhaps more so in 2019 than ever before, however, we also saw an influx of new blood participating in sessions, allowing their enthusiasm and passion for the industry to shine through. Executives from small firms as well as startups who haven’t even put a device on the market yet were in attendance to express their concerns, insights, and thoughts.

    Many of these individuals were involved with the Medtech Innovator program, which saw a winner named for the latest campaign. Forest Devices won the 2019 global competition, ultimately beating out almost 800 early-stage medtech companies. Winning the contest, now in its seventh year of existence, is not only a positive PR boon for the firm, but Forest Devices took home $350,000 in prize money from being the 2019 champion. The Pittsburgh-based startup is developing a portable device leveraging electroencephalogram monitoring and machine learning to diagnose large vessel occlusions and other stroke subtypes to be used by first responders.

    The inclusion of smaller and startup firms within the agenda of The MedTech Conference, however, isn’t what AdvaMed had in mind with its push for diversity at the conference. Instead, the association highlighted a number of initiatives being put forward to help promote this theme within medtech. While several items in the schedule in Boston celebrated the issue, including women-focused sessions and a networking breakfast hosted by MedTech Color, the efforts went beyond that.

    Debuting at the 2019 conference, AdvaMed Advance’s Summit on Inclusion and Diversity brought together executives and forward-thinkers at the one-day, co-located event to focus on initiatives to promote the themes throughout the year and across the industry. AdvaMed Advance was established to serve as “an industry resource to help unlock the power and potential of all talent, and drive innovation in medical technology through achievement of the best inclusion and diversity practices,” according to the conference website. Attendees of the Summit were able to hear from individuals on the challenges contributing to lagging diversity within medtech and plans that could be put in place to encourage change. They were also provided insights on how to best put effort into making those changes within their own organizations.

    A feeling of inclusion seemed to be felt regarding the FDA as well. Many in attendance expressed how they’ve seen a welcome change in the agency, noting a more approachable nature and an interest in working with industry instead of being viewed as a challenge. Further, many saw the continuing effort to modernize the 510(k) and new guidance documents issued as recently as the week before the annual conference as positive steps. One regulatory consultant with whom I spoke said the changes had been part of a years-old plan to have the U.S. become the “first to market” destination, as it had been before the EU took on that role. Further, she stated the changes were not a reaction to the bad PR the industry faced throughout much of last year, but rather part of a plan established some time ago.

    If you haven’t had the opportunity to attend The MedTech Conference, I would highly encourage you to do so. Next year, the event will take place in Toronto, so have your passport ready. 

    Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief
    sfenske@rodmanmedia.com
    Related Searches
    • power
    • data
    • company
    • forward
    Suggested For You
    Medtech Matters: Medtronic Medtech Matters: Medtronic's Robotic Surgery Status
    Medtech Matters: Surgeons Scrubbing In Virtually Medtech Matters: Surgeons Scrubbing In Virtually
    Medtech Matters: Talking Robotic Surgery with Zimmer Biomet Medtech Matters: Talking Robotic Surgery with Zimmer Biomet
    Greenlight Guru and Nelson Labs Partner Greenlight Guru and Nelson Labs Partner
    Medtech Veteran Joins VivaLNK Board Medtech Veteran Joins VivaLNK Board
    New Global Headquarters for Freudenberg Medical New Global Headquarters for Freudenberg Medical
    Impact of COVID-19 on the Medtech Supply Chain Impact of COVID-19 on the Medtech Supply Chain
    Mike on Medtech: Communicating with the FDA Mike on Medtech: Communicating with the FDA
    Finding the Upside to a Challenging Year Finding the Upside to a Challenging Year
    BellaSeno Establishes High-Throughput Additive Manufacturing Facility for Resorbable Implants BellaSeno Establishes High-Throughput Additive Manufacturing Facility for Resorbable Implants
    Medtech Matters: Talking Medtech with Joe Mullings Medtech Matters: Talking Medtech with Joe Mullings
    Expert Roundup: Achieving Success in the 2021 Medical Device Landscape Expert Roundup: Achieving Success in the 2021 Medical Device Landscape
    Olympus Corporation to Acquire Veran Medical Technologies Olympus Corporation to Acquire Veran Medical Technologies
    Setting the Standard: Protective Nanocoatings for Today Setting the Standard: Protective Nanocoatings for Today's Medtech
    Medtech Matters: A Robotic Surgery Subscription Medtech Matters: A Robotic Surgery Subscription

    Related Editorial

    • My 2020 Holiday Wish List

      My 2020 Holiday Wish List

      There are many lessons to be learned from actions taken during the pandemic. Are there positives that can actually be taken from this mess?
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 11.04.20

    • Contract Manufacturing
      The FDA Wants to Bring Manufacturing ‘Home’

      The FDA Wants to Bring Manufacturing ‘Home’

      The agency commissioners comment how the need to modernize the critical medical supply chain is long overdue.
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 10.01.20

    • Contract Manufacturing
      The Challenges of a Changing U.S. Medical Products Supply Chain

      The Challenges of a Changing U.S. Medical Products Supply Chain

      Will changes to the medical products supply chain last once the pandemic is over? Could the U.S. support it if it didn't?
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 09.01.20


    • Surgical
      Building the Foundation of Enhanced Care

      Building the Foundation of Enhanced Care

      Robotic surgery and artificial intelligence stand to make a lasting impact on healthcare.
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 07.21.20

    • Surgical
      A Way Back…to the OR

      A Way Back…to the OR

      Recently, AdvaMed, AHA, and AORN released a guidance to help return medical device representatives to the OR safely.
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 06.04.20

    • Diagnostics
      AdvaMed’s Scott Whitaker on Medtech’s COVID-19 Response

      AdvaMed’s Scott Whitaker on Medtech’s COVID-19 Response

      Highlights of a discussion with Scott Whitaker, president and CEO of AdvaMed, about the industry’s response to the COVID-19 battle.
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 05.01.20


    • COVID-19’s Lasting Impact on Healthcare’s Supply Chain

      COVID-19’s Lasting Impact on Healthcare’s Supply Chain

      While some have speculated about what will happen after this passes, the one area that most interests me is the medical device and healthcare supply chains.
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 04.01.20

    • R&D & Design
      The New Source of Medtech R&D

      The New Source of Medtech R&D

      Do alliances between academia and the medical device industry represent the future of research and development in the medical device industry?
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 03.04.20

    • Electronics
      Thoughts from My First Trip to CES

      Thoughts from My First Trip to CES

      The Digital Health Summit (a component of CES) spans two full days, with dedicated conference sessions devoted to the rapidly evolving consumer health industry.
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 01.29.20


    • Tidying Up: What

      Tidying Up: What's on Medtech's To-Do List?

      Both small and large firms take time to map out their strategy for the next year; industry may want to take the same approach to address pending concerns.
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 11.04.19

    • Diagnostics | Digital Health | Patient Monitoring
      The Legacy of Apple Health

      The Legacy of Apple Health

      Does Apple Health present the opportunity to be the company's greatest contribution to mankind or will it falter due to a lack of direction?
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 09.06.19

    • Catching Its Breath: Observations from the 2019 Top Companies Reports

      Catching Its Breath: Observations from the 2019 Top Companies Reports

      ...
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 07.30.19


    • Thoughts on the NY Times Editorial Board Statement

      Thoughts on the NY Times Editorial Board Statement

      ...
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 06.13.19

    • Contract Manufacturing
      The Evolution of Outsourcing

      The Evolution of Outsourcing

      ...
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 05.01.19

    • Diagnostics
      Fake It Until You Make It: Comments on the Theranos Documentary

      Fake It Until You Make It: Comments on the Theranos Documentary

      ...
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 04.03.19


    Trending
    • Telemedicine, Regulatory Changes To Characterize Medtech Industry In 2021
    • Masimo Earns CE Mark For New Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
    • Portable, Home-Use Device Quickly Measures Inflammation Levels
    • Philips Buys Capsule Technologies In $635M Deal
    • Understanding Food-Grade Vs. Biocompatibility For Medical Device Materials
    Breaking News
    • Cretex Companies CEO Steps Down
    • Data Show Porex's Medical Device Filtration Materials Protect Against Virus, Bacteria Spread
    • Endoscopic Hemostasis Devices Market Valued at $730 Million
    • Henry Schein Buys Majority Interest in Prism Medical Products
    • Boston Scientific's Vercise Genus DBS Earns FDA Approval
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    November/December 2020

    • Pharmaceutical Focus: A Look at Combination Products
    • The Printed World: Additive Manufacturing in Medtech
    • The Lost Year: 2020 Year in Review
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    NIH Study Compares Low-Fat, Plant-based to Low-Carb, Animal-Based Diet
    Gadot Positions Mineral Line for Vegan Market
    Nutritfy India to Launch Global Broadcast Channel Covering Nutrition
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    LINE-X Launches Dealer Program with International Truck
    PPG Reports Q4, Full-year 2020 Financial Results
    BASF Begins Implementing Ralignment of Global Business Services Unit
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    Cretex Companies CEO Steps Down
    Data Show Porex's Medical Device Filtration Materials Protect Against Virus, Bacteria Spread
    Endoscopic Hemostasis Devices Market Valued at $730 Million
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Pfizer, BioNTech Enter Vax Pact with COVAX
    FDA Approves Janssen’s CABENUVA
    AGC Biologics Appoints Boulder Site GM
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Coty Appoints Chief Procurement Officer
    Lageen Tubes Launches Mono-Material PE Tube Solutions
    Jason Jones Loses Battle with Covid-19
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Carol’s Daughter Adds New Hair Products
    Moroccan Gold Series Launches NuDo Shampoo
    Youbody Debuts Waterless Body Wash
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    BOBST Demonstrates Future of Flexible Packaging Production at Virtual Open House
    Morancé Soudure France Adds Comexi F2 MC 10-color Flexo Press
    AR Packaging Acquiring Firstan Holdings Ltd
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Gallus planning virtual event for March
    Lemu Group engineers mask-making machine
    Niagara Label upgrades with Nilpeter flexo press
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Freudenberg to Establish Apparel Interlining Competence Centers
    Minet Adds Spunlace Line in Romania
    Lemu Group Engineers Mask-Making Machine
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Cretex Companies CEO Steps Down
    Conformis Enters Development & Supply Agreement with SITES Medical
    Sectra, RSA Biomedical Sign Distribution Agreement for Implant Stability Tool
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    UDC Subsidiary Adesis' Website Wins 2020 MarCom Platinum Award
    Ambiq Wins IoT Semiconductor Company of the Year Award
    Ynvisible Names Michael Robinson CEO, Jani-Mikael Kuusisto SVP Ventures

    Copyright © 2021 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login