FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 01, 2007
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Inaugural Conference AdvaMed 2007 Kicks Off Today
First Day to Feature U.S. Senator Norm Coleman, CMS’ Kerry Weems, and Panel in Recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
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Washington, D.C. (October 1, 2007) –
AdvaMed 2007, the inaugural MedTech conference, kicks off today bringing together industry leaders, policy makers, service providers, investors and leading CEOs of medical technology companies from around the world. The conference runs today, Oct. 1 through Oct. 3.
With more than 45 industry sponsors, 26 U.S. and international supporting partner organizations, and 10 media partners, this first-of-its kind event will welcome an opening-day crowd of more than 900 attendees from 35 states and 25 countries.
One of the first sessions of the day is a special program in recognition of breast cancer awareness month coordinated by Siemens Medical Solutions. With physician experts, cancer survivors and patient advocates, the panel will offer dynamic presentations and a question and answer session addressing breast cancer as a disease state, highlighting the patient perspective, value of technology, clinical implications and opportunities as well as future technologies.
“There have been tremendous advancements in the fight against breast cancer over the past 20 years due to continuing innovation in diagnostics and treatments. With these and other advances, the five-year breast cancer survival rate has increased by 10 percent and biopsy costs have been reduced by 50 percent. This is just one example of how medical technology can save lives and help reduce health care costs,” said Stephen J. Ubl, president and CEO of AdvaMed.
The International Track also opens today with a special session entitled “How Flat is Your World?” offering a brief introduction to the medical technology market and global issues and linkages, a precursor to the work of the Global Harmonization Task Force meeting coinciding with AdvaMed 2007 in the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center October 3-4, 2007.
During the afternoon keynote address, U.S. Senator Norm Coleman (R-Minnesota) and Kerry Weems, Acting Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, will address policy issues critical to the MedTech audience. Senator Coleman represents a State that is home to leading medical technologies companies and serves on several Senate committees including the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee.
“Without question, AdvaMed member companies are leading the way in developing the next generation of life saving and life-enhancing medical technologies. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss some of the healthcare challenges our nation is facing and how AdvaMed companies are helping Congress and the American people improve our nation's health care system,” said Sen. Norm Coleman.
Once Deputy Chief of Staff to Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt, Kerry Weems was essential in elevating health information technology as one of the foundations of a modern, value-based health-care delivery system. Now, as Acting Administrator of CMS, he leads the federal agency responsible for administering two of the most important health care programs in the country.
“Even while we aim to maintain and improve the quality of care through the introduction of new technology, it’s our obligation to Medicare beneficiaries to make sure that innovation provides them with value,” said Kerry Weems.
Other panels during
AdvaMed 2007 feature coming innovations in medical technology and critical issues facing the business of medical technology.
### About AdvaMed:
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. Our members produce nearly 90 percent of the health care technology purchased annually in the United States and more than 50 percent purchased annually around the world. AdvaMed members range from the largest to the smallest medical technology innovators and companies. For more information, visit
http://www.advamed.org/.
About AdvaMed 2007:
AdvaMed 2007 is the premier medical technology conference and exhibition for business leaders, policymakers, investors, news media, patient advocates, and industry stakeholders from around the world. This year’s conference offers a variety of workshops and panel discussions on subjects such as Medicare reimbursement, compliance, intellectual property, global market opportunities, corporate finance, public policy, emerging company issues, 21st century health care and the value of medical technology.
Whether you need to finance, partner or license technology,
AdvaMed 2007 introduces you to key decision-makers featuring a business development partnering program, company presentations, and an exhibition showcasing the latest medical technologies and products. Attendees have the opportunity to directly access key players, inform stakeholders as to the progress of our industry, and influence the business, political and financial climates so imperative to innovation.
For more information, visit
http://www.advamed2007.com/ or call (202) 434-7213.