Celebrating 50 Years of Medtech. AdvaMed® advocates globally for the highest ethical standards and patient access to safe, effective and innovative medical technologies that save and improve lives.
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.
First whole-body Computed Tomography (CT) scanner developed by Robert S. Ledley, revolutionizing diagnostic imaging with detailed cross-sectional views.
The original Health Industry Manufacturers Association (HIMA) Code is introduced, setting ethical standards for interactions between medical technology companies and healthcare professionals.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
AdvaMed leads successful advocacy to eliminate the medical device excise tax, saving the industry nearly $2 billion annually and fueling continued innovation
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.