2017 MedTech Kerrin Rennie Award goes to Medtronic Solitaire Platinum

Last night the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) announced the winner of the 11th Kerrin Rennie Award, Medtronic’s Solitaire Platinum device.

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.

The Kerrin Rennie Award was established in 2007 to recognise and profile the innovative and extraordinary contribution of medical technology in improving health outcomes of patients.

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.

The other Awards recipients included:
• Dr Elisa Mokany from Speedx – Outstanding Achievement in MedTech
• Emma Cleary from Device Technologies – Women in MedTech Champion
• Johnson & Johnson Medical – Women in MedTech Champion

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.

Dr Elisa Mokany is co‐founder and Chief Technology Officer at SpeeDx an Australian molecular diagnostics company. In this role, she leads the development of innovative diagnostic technologies and commercialization of infectious disease and antibiotic resistance tests.

Her effort, talent & dedication has driven continued growth of SpeeDx which now has its sights set on the US market & this end, several clinical trials aimed at obtaining FDA approval have been designed & are about to initiate.

Women in MedTech is a Board led initiative which started in July 2015 in response to the gap of women in leadership positions across the industry. The support and engagement on this issue from members of our industry has been overwhelming, making it a clear issue of importance for MTAA to support.

To acknowledge the support of these companies and individuals, MTAA introduced a new award this year, the Women in MedTech Champion. This is awarded to an individual or a company who has contributed to advancing the mission and goals just mentioned.

Emma is currently the Chief Operating Officer of Device Technologies Australia and until recently served as Director on the MTAA Board. Emma has played a central role in driving the Women in MedTech agenda both in a logistical context within MTAA, as well as keeping it on industry’s radar as an important issue to advance.

Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices believes, “unless we can disrupt the status quo to significantly increase the representation of women in STEM, our nation and our business will not fulfill its full innovation and growth potential.”

A testament to their employee programs and policies, J&JM has female representation of 57% Board, 46% Executive, 47% Management and 65% non-management.

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

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

“This year we received 16 fantastic entries, making it a difficult task for the Judges to select finalists and a winner.

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

Media Contact: 02 9900 0600 | media@mtaa.org.au