Category: Community

Is the CV relevant today?

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When I asked our HR Business Partner why I was interviewing this candidate, I was told to ‘just wait until you meet her’. Fifteen minutes into the interview, I knew why. She just had it. And by had it, I mean she had the innate leadership talent we look for, despite her lack of relevant experience. We hired her and never looked back.

I’ve been telling this story quite frequently over the past few weeks after Stryker was named #2 on the Great Places to Work list; our third year in the top two. I’ve been asked what the secret to this success is.

For Stryker, the foundation of our people strategy is how we recruit. Hiring is the single most important decision a manager can make. Get it right and it pays back in spades. Get it wrong and you pay for it for years to come. This isn’t rocket science and I would think most organisations buy into this approach. The hard part is living it day in, day out. To help us, we focus on 3 key areas:

  • Our hiring philosophy is centred around hiring for talent and not for experience. Therefore, when we recruit we look for the things you can’t teach an individual. When you take this philosophy into your hiring process, you automatically widen your potential pool of candidates. In addition, it also opens you up to finding people that are better suited to the role.
  • Our method has been based on a long-term partnership with the Gallup organisation studying exceptional performance in roles and what makes the best the best. For example, we study what the best people managers do and know that unless you inherently care about your team and want to see people develop then you’re likely to not succeed.
  • Lastly, while we may have a strong talent philosophy and method, it takes a huge amount of organisational discipline to stick to it. If you set your talent bar high, recruiting takes time and it should be hard.

So, does our formula mean the CV is dead? Absolutely! The CV is dead as the key and major driver for a successful application at Stryker. Talent is our key focus, so apply and bring your whole person to the interview.

By using a talent philosophy, developing a method to identify it and then sticking to it in an uncompromising fashion, you open the organisation up to the possibility of:

  • Avnish, a former Physiotherapist now a Robotics Product Specialist
  • Tim, a former Park Ranger now leading a team that builds Operating Theatres
  • Sarah, formerly in the Fashion Industry, now a HR Co-ordinator
  • And myself, a former Youth Worker now running Stryker for Australia and New Zealand.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Maurice Ben-Mayor is the President of Stryker South Pacific.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”white”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Women in MedTech Leadership

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Stryker is one of the world’s leading medical technology company and together with its customers, is driven to make healthcare better. Stryker offers innovative products and services in Orthopaedics, Medical and Surgical, and Neurotechnology and Spine that help to improve patient and hospital outcomes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

J&J ON THE HILL

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]J&J’s goal is to help key decision-makers better understand the company’s business and advance policy discussions around the healthcare landscape.

This year’s event coincided with debate around important reform to the Private Health Insurance sector that will impact on everyday Australian’s with health insurance.

J&J said it was pleased to have met with stakeholders from all sides of politics to advance the company’s arguments on how better to protect consumers and ensure the sustainability and values of Private Health Insurance moving forward.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

FACT SHEET – ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

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What is atrial fibrillation and how common is it?

Atrial Fibrillation (also known as AF) is a prevalent and dangerous arrhythmia problem that affects almost half a million Australians. (AF) is a heart condition whereby the top chambers of your heart (the atria) beat fast and erratically. In Atrial Fibrillation, your heart may not pump blood around the body as well as it should. If left untreated, AF may lead to serious health complications, such as stroke and heart failure.

Why is AF a problem if it’s left untreated?

In people with atrial fibrillation, blood may become trapped in the heart chambers and cause a clot. This blood clot can then travel to the brain, blocking the blood supply to the brain and causing a stroke.

People with atrial fibrillation are five-to-seven times more likely to suffer a stroke, and three times more likely to develop heart failure. For this reason, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential. There are a number of treatment options available to help manage symptoms and lower your risk of heart failure and stroke. Many people with atrial fibrillation have no symptoms, but others experience a racing heart, thumping in the chest, chest pain or discomfort, fatigue, tiredness, loss of breath, or dizziness.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

What is happening during Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Week?

As part of AF Awareness Week, hearts4heart is setting up testing stations in hospitals, PG Clinics and pharmacies across the nation for free testing for Atrial Fibrillation. This is a wonderful opportunity for people to have comprehensive screening for AF in addition to assessing their risk of developing AF. However, we encourage Australians, particularly for those over the age of 65 to visit their GP for regular screening for AF to reduce the risk of stroke. We encourage all Australians to visit one of our sites providing free screening during AF Awareness Week to reduce your risk of Stroke. You can visit the Hearts4Hearts website at hearts4heart.org.au for a full list of locations.

Why is it so important to be screened for AF?

30% of people living with AF are undiagnosed and are at risk of stroke. For people living with atrial fibrillation, the risk of stroke is 5-6 times greater than the general population and up to 80% of these strokes are preventable.

What final message do you have for the community to coincide with Atrial Fibrillation Awareness week?

While AF can affect anyone at any age, the risks increase as you get older.  The most common causes of atrial fibrillation are abnormalities or damage to the structure of the heart over time because of a heart attack or long-term high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnoea or obesity. Managing lifestyle factors such as limiting alcohol intake, stopping smoking, managing a healthy diet and regular physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of developing AF.

Finally, we also encourage Australians and in particular medical professionals to visit the Heart Foundations’ website for the new Australian AF Clinical Guidelines recently launched at the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand annual conference.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

METECH18 LESS THAN 50 DAYS AWAY

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The two-day conference is split into four themes:

  • The power of Politics
  • Let’s talk Patients front and centre
  • Innovation gets Personal
  • Public Perception gets real

One of the big issues to be discussed will be the challenges of regulating software as a medical device. We’ve just seen last week Apple launch the next generation Apple Watch that has FDA approved electrocardiogram (ECG) app, capable of tracking and recording electrical signals from your heart in 30 seconds. Unfortunately, this will not be available in the Australian model due to not having TGA approval.

Given the barrier to entry for these apps is so low how does industry and regulators ensure the quality of the technology can be directly linked to clinical evidence sufficient to demonstrate an appropriate level of safety and performance when used for the intended purpose? Timothy Plante Assistant Professor, Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont has claimed this area of digital health apps is no better than “snake oil”.

 Another issue that will be a focus of discussion on day two will be the innovation of medical technology through physician collaboration. Invention that is wholly original certainly takes place, but often in medical technology the innovation is incremental, modifying, upgrading, or improving existing devices.

Physicians as the primary users of medical technology which means much of the feedback that spurs the creation of the next generation of innovative products comes from physicians who share with manufacturers their real-world experience.

One of those speaking on this issue is Professor Hala Zreiqat who was earlier in the year announced as the 2018 NSW Women of the Year. The award recognises NSW women who have excelled in their chosen career, field or passion and Professor Zreigat is a perfect example of Australia’s multicultural success story.

 Hala Zreiqat grew up, studied and worked in Jordan before moving to Sydney to do a PhD in Medical Sciences – a decision that transformed her life.

Today she is recognised internationally for her extraordinary contributions to regenerative medicine and translational orthopaedic research.

She’s Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Sydney, where she founded the Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials Research Unit in 2006. Pioneering the invention of new biomaterials and biomedical devices, the unit’s work is giving NSW a place at the table in the highly competitive global orthopaedic market.

Described as a trailblazer in championing opportunities for women, Hala was the first female president of the Australian and New Zealand Orthopaedic Research Society. A Senior Research Fellow of the National Health and Medical Research Council for the last 10 years, she was also the first person in NSW to receive a prestigious Radcliffe Fellowship from Harvard University.

She was recently involved with Allegra Orthopaedics successful application for Commonwealth funding through the BioMedTech Horizons program. The project seeks to commercialise a fully synthetic spinal cage which works by regenerating bone under spinal load conditions and be completely resorbed by the body, leaving it and the intervertebral space free of foreign materials – making it a one-of-a-kind innovation. The device is 3D-printed from a synthetic bone bioceramic (Sr-HT-Gahnite) invented at The University of Sydney.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

CHIEF SCIENTIST’S TERM EXTENDED

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The Australian Government has extended Dr Alan Finkel’s term as Australia’s Chief Scientist for a further two years to the end of 2020. Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Karen Andrews announced the extension and congratulated Dr Finkel.

“I am delighted to announce Dr Finkel’s extension and look forward to working closely with him. Dr Finkel is a tireless advocate and highly respected champion for science, innovation and technology in Australian public life, with an extensive background and expertise as an entrepreneur, engineer, neuroscientist, educator and communicator,” Minister Andrews said.

“He has played a critical role and helped lead a number of major reviews into key policy areas.”

Dr Finkel commenced as Australia’s eighth Chief Scientist in January 2016. His close work with the Government was key to shaping the recent Budget decision to invest $1.9 billion in critical Australian research infrastructure capability, particularly his leadership on the 2016 National Research Infrastructure Roadmap.

Minister Andrews said Dr Finkel’s leadership had been invaluable in progressing key policy work, including through the Independent Review into the Future Security of the National Energy Market, a review into optimising STEM industry-school partnerships, and Innovation and Science Australia’s 2030 Strategic Plan.

“The Morrison Government is looking forward to working with Dr Finkel as he continues to provide robust and respected advice to Government across a range of issues and emerging trends in science and technology, including artificial intelligence, innovation metrics and precision medicine.

“As a Male Champion of Change for STEM, Dr Finkel also plays an important role in the Government’s agenda to increase the participation of women and girls in STEM education and careers,” she said.

Dr Finkel welcomed the opportunity to continue providing independent advice to Government and advancing priority missions.

“When I took up my post in 2016, I said that I had every confidence in the ambition and ability of Australians,” Dr Finkel said.

“I am delighted to recommit to my promise to back our potential today, and to build new potential through STEM education for tomorrow and into the future–including a science workforce that harnesses the capabilities of all Australians. We are committed to developing our research and innovation capacity, as a blue-chip investment with intergenerational returns.

“I look forward to working with Minister Andrews, her Parliamentary colleagues, and the many Australians who have inspired me with their visions of what this nation could be.”

Prior to becoming Chief Scientist, Dr Finkel was the Chancellor of Monash University and the President of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering.

For more information, including Dr Finkel’s biography and information about the role of the Chief Scientist, visit www.chiefscientist.gov.au

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MEDTECH KERRIN RENNIE AWARDS WELCOMING APPLICATIONS FOR 2018

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Kerrin Rennie was the Managing Director of ConvaTec, a member company of Medical Industry Association of Australia (now MTAA). She was an active and enthusiastic member of the Board and an advocate for greater involvement of women at senior levels in the industry. A trained nurse, Kerrin never lost sight of the central mission of our industry, that of caring for patients.  She was a passionate advocate for the contribution of medical technology in extending life and improving quality of life.  

In recognising the innovative and extraordinary contribution of medical technology in improving health outcomes for Australian patients, the Kerrin Rennie Award is a tribute to Kerrin’s life of service to this industry and to patients.  

Chief Executive Officer of the MTAA Ian Burgess indicated the product must demonstrate evidence of significant contribution to improving patient outcomes by enhancing quality of life, evidence of technical excellence and evidence of innovation.  

“Global advances in medical technology over the past 20 years have resulted in a 56% reduction in hospital stays, 25% decline in disability rates, 16% decline in annual mortality and increased life expectancy of approximately 3.2 years,” Mr Burgess said.  

Last year Medtronic’s Solitaire Platinum device was awarded the 11th Kerrin Rennie Award. The Solitaire Platinum restores the flow of blood to the brain by allowing the clot to be removed and withdrawing it from the body. 

In Australia, there are almost 1,000 cases of stroke each week. Approximately 22% of cases result in death, with two-thirds of survivors disabled. The financial costs of stroke in Australia are estimated at $5 billion per annum with productivity the largest cost component estimated at approximately $3 billion. 

In 2016 MediGroup EBI, Stracos 3D Rib Clip was the winner. The 3D Rib Clip, is a minimally invasive implant that is unique. Flexible to encourage ribs to remodel (heal long term) correctly, and rigid to ensure optimal short-term outcomes such as re-approximation and pain. Using the 3D Rib Clip has been shown to reduce hospital and ICU stay and is associated with reduced complications.  

Last year a record number of applications were received, a testament to the industry that is developing and providing the Australian healthcare system with innovative solutions for patients.  

“At the heart and soul of the medical devices industry are 17,700 dedicated professionals, committed to making a positive difference to patients’ lives through medical technology,” Mr Burgess said.  

“It’s inspiring to be part of the medical technology industry that every day is focused on improving the health and wellbeing of patients.”  

Applications for 2018 Kerrin Rennie Award are currently open, along with the Outstanding Achievement Award and the Women in MedTech Champion Award. 

PulseLine will report on those that make the finals. 

https://www.mtaaevents.org.au/medtech18/kerrin-rennie-award-2018/ [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

IMAGING SOLUTIONS: PHILIPS SIGNS STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Under the terms of the two agreements, Philips will provide delivery, upgrade, optimisation, replacement and maintenance services for all major medical imaging solutions.

The partnerships will support precision diagnosis and therapy and drive operational performance across nine hospital sites. This managed service delivery model for medical imaging technology is the first-of-its-kind for Philips in Australia and the ASEAN Pacific region.

Philips will structurally manage the Local Health Districts’ entire inventory of diagnostic and interventional medical imaging equipment and clinical informatics solutions, including those of other vendors, across various clinical areas including radiology, cardiology and nuclear medicine. It will also provide financing services.

Through the partnerships, Philips will help to deliver on the core objectives of each Local Health District: enhancing the patient experience, managing population health, and maintaining responsible and predictable budget management to deliver the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

“These long-term strategic agreements will allow us to innately support our partners’ objectives of providing outstanding, innovative and future-proofed healthcare to their communities, by making them better informed, more efficient and more sustainable,” said Caroline Clarke, CEO Philips ASEAN Pacific.

“This first-of-its-kind service delivery model for Philips in Australia highlights how we are transitioning to becoming an integrated solutions and services provider that teams up in a shared framework to accelerate change in a new era of value-driven care.”

As part of the collaboration, Philips will also support the two Local Health Districts with its integrated data analytics solution, PerformanceBridge Practice.

This service aggregates and connects data from across different imaging modalities and information systems and provides actionable insights into departmental operations to help drive continuous improvement.

Next to this, each Local Health District will be able to monitor and optimise radiation exposure to both patients and their caregivers with DoseWise Portal, a radiation dose management solution.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]