50 Years. One Mission. Countless Milestones.

Explore the Legacy. Imagine the Future. Take a journey through five decades of medtech innovation and advocacy with AdvaMed’s interactive timeline. Discover the pivotal moments, groundbreaking technologies, and policy wins that have defined our industry — and the lives we’ve touched along the way. From the earliest advancements to the challenges we’ve overcome and the vision ahead, this is more than a history lesson. It’s a tribute to the power of purpose, partnership, and progress.

1975

AdveMed History

Incorporation of HIMA

The Health Industry Manufacturers Association was established.

1975
Source: The Washington Post

Medtech History

Whole-Body CT Scanner Revolutionizes Diagnostic Imaging

First whole-body Computed Tomography (CT) scanner developed by Robert S. Ledley, revolutionizing diagnostic imaging with detailed cross-sectional views.

1976
Source, Food and Drug Law Institute

Medtech History

Congress Passes Medical Device Amendments, Reshaping FDA Oversight

Legislation established for the first time specific regulation of medical devices including a device classification system that still remains today.

1977
Source, The New York Times

Medtech History

Full-Body MRI Scan Transforms Internal Health Assessments

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology was developed throughout the decade, and researchers conducted the first full-body MRI scan.

1978
Source: (Daily Mail (Daily Mail)

Medtech History

World’s First IVF Baby Born, Launching a New Era in Reproductive Medicine

Louise Brown was born in the UK, marking the first successful assisted reproduction birth by In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

1980
Source, The New York Times

Medtech History

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology Debuts in Clinical Use

MRI technology was introduced as a radiation-free imaging tool, offering high-resolution, non-invasive views of soft tissue and the brain.


1993
Source: AdvaMed Code of Ethics

AdvaMed History

Medtech Industry Adopts First Code of Ethics 

The original Health Industry Manufacturers Association (HIMA) Code is introduced, setting ethical standards for interactions between medical technology companies and healthcare professionals. 

1996
Source, ResearchGate

Medtech History

Robotic-Assisted Surgery Enters the Operating Room 

Automated Endoscopic System for Optimal Positioning (AESOP), the first voice-controlled robotic surgical assistant, debuts in surgery—paving the way for a new era of robotic precision in the OR. 

1997
Source, Wikipedia

Medtech History

FDA Modernization Act Signed, Accelerating Medical Innovation 

AdvaMed lobbied for many device provisions in the FDA Modernization Act, including the establishment of the least burdensome concept and priority review for breakthrough technologies. 

1999
Source, Medtronic Diabetes

Medtech History

First Physician-Use Glucose Monitoring System Approved by FDA 

The FDA approved the First Physician-Use Glucose Monitoring System which recorded glucose values over a 3-day period. 

2000

AdvaMed History

HIMA Becomes AdvaMed to Reflect Innovation and Advocacy 

The Health Industry Manufacturers Association rebrands as the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed), signaling a stronger focus on innovation and industry leadership. 

2000
Source, iStock Images 

Medtech History

3D Printing Enters Health Care, Opening Doors to Custom Medical Solutions 

The health care industry started using 3D printing in 2000, and a year later, the first synthetic scaffolds for human bladder tissue were 3D printed. 

2002
Source, iStock Images  

Medtech History

Industry Secures Dedicated FDA Funding for Device Reviews 

The first Medical Device User Fee Agreement (MDUFA) is enacted, enabling the FDA to accelerate medical device reviews with industry-provided funding. 

2004

AdvaMed History

Enhanced Code of Ethics  

AdvaMed’s enhanced Code of Ethics set the industry standard for ethical interactions with health care professionals. 

2009
Source: 2024 AdvaMed Annual Report

AdvaMed History

AdvaMedDx Division Launched to Advance Diagnostic Innovation

AdvaMed establishes AdvaMedDx, representing 70+ manufacturers of cutting-edge in vitro diagnostic (IVD) tests in the U.S. and globally. 

2009
Source: Guillermo Spelucin Runciman via Getty Images

AdvaMed History

AdvaMed leads advocacy on EtO regulation

AdvaMed’s advocacy on the critical role of ethylene oxide (EtO) in the sterilization of medical technology helped educate stakeholders on the importance of EtO, while helping to secure medtech’s exemption from legislative and regulatory efforts to curb the safe, responsible use of EtO.

2010

AdvaMed History

AdvaMed Accel Launched to Champion Emerging Innovators 

AdvaMed establishes AdvaMed Accel to support small and emerging medtech companies, advocating for policies that promote innovation, access, and investment.  

2017

Medtech History

AI in Radiology Takes Off

Tools like IDx-DR (AI for diabetic retinopathy) and AI-powered radiology platforms began to receive FDA authorization. 

2019

AdvaMed History

Medical Device Tax Permanently Repealed

AdvaMed leads successful advocacy to eliminate the medical device excise tax, saving the industry nearly $2 billion annually and fueling continued innovation

2019

Medtech History

First 3D-Bioprinted Human Heart Prototype Unveiled

Scientists successfully 3D-print a mini functional heart using a patient’s own cells—marking a breakthrough in the future of personalized organ transplants.

2019
Source: iStock Images

AdvaMed History

AdvaMed Drives Medicare Payment Reform to Expand Access

AdvaMed secures critical Medicare payment and coding reforms, accelerating patient access to medical technology and supporting continued innovation.

2019

AdvaMed History

AdvaMed Advances FDA Regulatory Reforms for Faster Access 

AdvaMed helps secure and implement major legislation—including MDUFA, the 21st Century Cures Act, and the FDA Reauthorization Act—to streamline regulatory processes and accelerate patient access to life-saving innovation.

2020

Medtech History

MedTech Powers Rapid Deployment of COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines

In under a year, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna deliver the first mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines—an achievement made possible by medtech innovation and an agile global supply chain responding to an unprecedented public health crisis.

2020

AdvaMed History

COVID-19 Testing Supply Registry

Early in the pandemic, to support government pandemic response efforts, AdvaMedDx launched a COVID-19 Testing Supply Registry. The Registry provides real-time, actionable data on COVID-19 testing supplies shipped to laboratories nationwide.

2020

Medtech History

Telemedicine Accelerates

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth and telemedicine rapidly expanded and provided new insights on patient and provider use.

2020

Medtech History

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Health Care Surges

AI and machine learning were increasingly being used in health care for diagnosis, treatment planning, and drug discovery.

2021

Medtech History

Wearables for Cardiac Monitoring

FDA cleared AI-powered ECG apps in smartwatches (e.g., Apple Watch, Fitbit) to detect atrial fibrillation.

2022

AdvaMed HIstory

MDUFA V Obtained

AdvaMed secured the passage of MDUFA V, allowing the FDA and medtech industry to better serve patients and better outcomes.

2023
Source: AdvaMed.org

AdvaMed History

Digital Health Tech Division Established

AdvaMed formed its AdvaMed Digital Health Tech division to better represent its members powering the digital health revolution.

2023
Source: AdvaMed.org

AdvaMed History

Medical Imaging Division Established

AdvaMed formed its Medical Imaging division. Its newest division represents a wide range of companies manufacturing medical imaging equipment, radiopharmaceuticals, contrast media, and focused ultrasound devices.

2024

AdvaMed History

Record Breaking MedTech Conference Attendance

Record-Breaking MedTech Conference 2024 in Toronto

With 4,350+ attendees from 48 countries, 400+ speakers, and record investor participation, the 2024 MedTech Conference marked our biggest and most impactful event yet.

2025
Source: AdvaMed.org

AdvaMed History

AdvaMed Launches Emerging Policy & Tariff Response Center

In response to the evolving political landcape AdvaMed create a central hub for the latest updates, advocacy efforts, and resources to help medtech leaders navigate evolving policies.

2025

AdvaMed History

Join Us Where MedTech Redefines the Future of Health Care

The MedTech Conference, hosted by AdvaMed, will unite global medtech leaders in San Diego, October 5–8, for critical insights, innovation, and industry-shaping conversation

2025
Whitaker: Medtech Should Be Treated with “Zero for Zero” Reciprocal Tariff Model 

AdvaMed History

AdvaMed Testifies in U.S. Senate

President and CEO Scott Whitaker of AdvaMed, the Medtech Association, testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance in its hearing focused on the impact of tariffs on U.S. supply chains. AdvaMed was the only health care organization invited to discuss the medical technology supply chain.

Representing the Power of MedTech — From Startups to Global Leaders

AdvaMed® , The Medtech Association, is a trade association that leads the effort to advance medical technology in order to achieve healthier lives and healthier economies around the world. AdvaMed®’s membership has reached over 600 members and more than 80 employees with a global presence including Europe, India, China, Brazil, and Japan. AdvaMed®’s member companies range from the largest to the smallest medical technology innovators and companies. The Association acts as the common voice for companies producing medical devices, diagnostic products and digital health technologies.

AdvaMed®’s Efforts

AdvaMed® promotes competitive policies that foster the highest ethical standards, appropriate reimbursement, and access to international markets. While the policies advocated by AdvaMed® are tailored to the specific issues facing the device and diagnostics industry, the need for strategic government policies is applicable to all the high technology, high value sectors in which America must compete effectively if it is to assure robust economic growth and a high standard of living for the American people.

That’s why AdvaMed® has created a policy framework that, when enacted, will help preserve our leadership and foster future growth and innovation. Without strategic government policies to support the medical technology industry’s efforts to compete in world markets, American economic leadership will be lost.

AdvaMed® provides a variety of Medtech services to companies producing medical devices, diagnostic products, and digital health technologies to support business development, investment, to ultimately save and improve patient lives.

A Washington Leader

AdvaMed® was named one of the most effective trade associations in Washington, D.C. according to the latest annual TradeMarks study released by APCO Worldwide, a leading international advocacy and communications consulting firm. Based on a survey of 322 policy leaders in Washington, AdvaMed® ranked first in 3 of 15 performance categories: media relations, information resource, and member representation.

Become an AdvaMed® Member

Join over 500 medical technology companies as a member of one of the most effective trade associations in Washington, D.C.