New Chairs Selected for State Medical Technology Alliance

July 26, 2010 - PRLog -- WASHINGTON, D.C.—The State Medical Technology Alliance announced today that Heather Erickson, President of MedTech in upstate New York, and Joseph Panetta, President and CEO of BIOCOM in Southern California, have been appointed as co-chairs of the Alliance.

The State Medical Technology Alliance is a national network affiliated with the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed) and more than two dozen associations across the country that represent medical device manufacturers.  The Alliance’s mission is to collectively support the medical technology industry by fostering a collaborative environment through sharing of best practices and advocating for public policies that support innovation.

“State associations bring a unique perspective of the challenges and opportunities faced by medical technology companies and patients in their state.  That perspective is critically important as we join with AdvaMed to address priority issues such as the possibility of changes to the FDA 510(k) review process, the pathway by which most devices are reviewed for use by physicians and patients,” said Panetta.

“As we deal with legislators in Congress or state capitals, it is important that we are speaking with a unified voice,” Erickson said.  “Beyond focusing on enhanced communication and advocacy on federal issues, we must also ensure that we are vigilant about addressing policy issues at the state level.”

AdvaMed’s President and CEO Stephen J. Ubl, said he looks forwarding to working with the group’s new leadership.  “I am excited that Joe and Heather will be chairing the Alliance in the coming year. Their proven leadership is essential as we work to create a policy and regulatory environment where innovation can thrive and where patients can benefit from the full promise of medical technology and diagnostics.”

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AdvaMed member companies produce the medical devices, diagnostic products and health information systems that are transforming health care through earlier disease detection, less invasive procedures and more effective treatments.  AdvaMed members range from the largest to the smallest medical technology innovators and companies.  For more information, visit www.AdvaMed.org.

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MedTech is an active association of pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical technology companies, their suppliers and service providers, and research universities. For more information, visit http://www.medtech.org.