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2019 MedTech Kerrin Rennie Award goes to Medtronic

The MiniMed 670G is an insulin pump system which automatically self-adjusts to deliver people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) precise amounts of insulin when they need it – regardless of whether they are asleep or on the go. The only technology of its type approved in Australia, the insulin pump system intuitively administers insulin as needed and also withholds insulin release when a drop in sugar levels is detected – a long-awaited breakthrough in the Australian diabetes community in their quest to better manage the chronic disease.  The system is designed to learn an individual’s insulin needs by measuring the glucose level of people living with T1D every five minutes and to take action to minimise both high and low glucose levels. As a result, the technology requires minimal input providing peace of mind for the users.

The other Awards recipients included:

  • George Faithfull, Stryker VP of Government & Regulatory Affairs – Outstanding Achievement in MedTech;
  • Steven Flynn, Baxter Healthcare ANZ MD – Women in MedTech Champion (individual); and
  • Baxter Healthcare – Women in MedTech Champion (company).

The Outstanding Achievement Award is open to individuals who have contributed in a significant way to the development of the medical technology industry through improvement to patient outcomes or excellence in leadership and innovation.

This year, George celebrates 35 years at Stryker – an incredible achievement. This award recognises the significant contribution he has made to the MedTech industry, locally and globally over his 35 years of service.

George started his MedTech career working for Howmedica in 1984 where he held various positions across Sales, Marketing, Clinical Research and R&D, eventually progressing to General Manager. Over the years, George has hired a number of people into the MedTech Industry who have since gone on to hold senior positions for various medical companies and had a big impact on the MedTech industry themselves. During his time in the MedTech Industry, George has been passionate about learning and promoting the use of science and technology to improve patient outcomes. George has presented extensively on Regulatory requirements around the world, at Universities, Scientific meetings and Government Forums, and published papers on Joint Replacement Wear and Bone Substitute Materials.

Women in MedTech (WiMT) is a Board led initiative which started in July 2015 in response to the gap of women in leadership positions across the industry. The Women in MedTech Champion is awarded to an individual or a company who has contributed to advancing the WiMT goals, and was this year awarded to Steven Flynn, GM ANZ of Baxter Healthcare. Steve Flynn has actively championed the WiMT Agenda, serving as a Mentor within the MTAA Mentoring program which provides opportunities for female MTAA members to access leaders to assist in achieving their career goals supporting women to unlock their full potential.

The Women in MedTech Company Champion was awarded to Baxter Healthcare. For the fourth consecutive year, Baxter Healthcare was once again named among the top 100 companies in Australia for gender equality. The Australian Government’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency cited Baxter as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality.

Baxter is committed to benchmark metrics on the ratio of women with its Senior Leadership Team in Australia currently 7 women and 11 men.

 Ian Burgess, Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Technology Association of Australia said:

 “The MTAA Annual Industry Awards are an opportunity to recognise our members and individuals who have contributed to improving patient outcomes through MedTech.

“This year we received a record number of entries, a clear indication of the hard work and innovation that goes on every day in the MedTech industry.

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

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