MedTech Exec Talks

at The MedTech Conference Powered by AdvaMed

Sponsored by:

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Another chance to hear from medtech executives, these 30-minute quick fire sessions focus on topics ranging from leadership to the future of the industry. Look for the MedTech Exec Talks stage within the Exhibit Hall to catch these sessions!

MedTech Exec Talks Session Schedule

When Machines Do Everything: How to Get Ahead in a World of AI, Algorithms, Bots and Big Data
Tuesday, September 26 | 9:10 am – 9:40 am

Artificial intelligence has left the laboratory (and the movie lot) and is in your building. It’s in your home. It’s in your office. From Alexa to Nest to Siri to Uber to Waze, we are surrounded by smart machines running on incredibly powerful and self-learning software platforms. And this rapid expansion of AI leads us to ask some big questions: Will a robot take my job away? Will my company be “Ubered”? What will my industry look like in 5 or 10 years? Will my children be better off than I am?

  • Moderator: Will Reese, President and Chief Innovation Officer, Cadient a Cognizant Company
  • Raj Sodhi, President, SaaS Business & Healthcare Informatics, ResMed

Discussing Top Issues – Value Based Coverage and Compliance
Tuesday, September 26 | 10:15 am – 10:45 am

In this one–on–one talk, a leading medical device CEO will discuss the top issues affecting the industry with one of the field’s most prominent advisors. Nacho Abia of Olympus Corporation of the Americas and Thomas Gallagher, Chair of the Executive Committee at law firm Pepper Hamilton, will cover topics including compliance and value based health care in this conversation that will draw on their first–hand experiences and provide guidance to others in the industry.

  • Moderator: Thomas M. Gallagher, Partner, Pepper Hamilton
  • Nacho Abia, President & CEO, Olympus Corporation of Americas

A Catalyst for Collaboration, Commercialization and Beyond: Ontario’s Health System as a Test Bed for Innovation
Tuesday, September 26 | 11:10 am – 11:40 am

Innovation drives value in the health system – from improved health outcomes and reduced costs to new economic opportunities – but accessing and partnering with health systems can be challenging in most countries. As a single–payer system, Ontario has a tremendous advantage in the innovation space. It offers an integrated approach to rapid technology testing and clinical pathway creation driven by advanced procurement and outcomes–based funding models. This session will provide an opportunity to hear from the Chief Health Innovation Strategist about how Ontario is leading Canada in leveraging its health system to be a first reference customer for innovative technologies that can be adopted and diffused quickly – all as part of the province’s plan to shift to value–based care models.


Building the Right Culture: Attracting & Leading a World Class Team
Tuesday, September 26 | 2:50 pm – 3:20 pm

In this session, one of the industry’s most respected and admired executives shares his experiences in building the right team to satisfy shareholders as well as employees and other stakeholders and delivering innovation to the health care system.

  • Benson F. Smith, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, Teleflex

Sensemaking: The Power of the Humanities in the Age of the Algorithm
Wednesday, September 27 | 8:30 am – 9:00 am

We live in the age of algorithms. But what happens when number crunching fails to solve a company’s problems? Many of today’s biggest success stories stem not from “quant” thinking but from deep, nuanced engagement with the culture, language, and history of customers. This technique called “sensemaking” illustrates how business leaders, entrepreneurs, and individuals can use human science tools to innovate and solve their thorniest problems. In a time when liberal arts graduates fear for their prospects, Sensemaking is a welcome, transformative vision for success in the twenty-first century.

  • Moderator: Charlotte Vangsgaard, ReD Associates

Global Growth in Robotic-Assisted Surgery: What’s Next?
Wednesday, September 27 | 9:05 am – 9:30 am

Join Dr. Gary Guthart, President & CEO of Intuitive Surgical, for a discussion on the future of minimally invasive surgery. Intuitive is the pioneer in, and a global market leader in robotic-assisted surgery. Dr. Guthart will offer insight into opportunities for improvement in surgery and innovative ideas on how to get there.

  • Gary S. Guthart, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer, Member of the Board of Directors, Intuitive Surgical

Digital Dialogue
Wednesday, September 27 | 9:35 am – 10:00 am

Join Bakul Patel and Kristin Crosland for a robust discussion covering 21st Century Cures, software pre-cert program and more.

  • Kristin S. Crosland, Chief Operating Officer, Experian Group
  • Bakul Patel, Associate Director for Digital Health, FDA Center for Devices and Radiological Health (invited)

Quality: The Holy Grail of Medical Technology
Wednesday, September 27 | 10:05 am – 10:45 am

Quality drives the medical technology industry. As we strive to meet unmet medical needs, extend and improve lives, the need for quality in our work and products is paramount. But how do you build and sustain a culture that consistently delivers quality? Quality begins with every person you hire and it includes each process and procedure from development to delivery and beyond. Moderated by a firm recognized with a 2017 Golden Peacock National Quality award, our panel includes manufacturers of life–saving and life-changing devices.

  • Moderator: Rodney Duran, Director of Business / Manufacturing Solutions, L&T Technology Services Limited
  • Joe Doherty, President, Olympus Surgical Technologies America