2018 MedTech Kerrin Rennie Award goes to Boston Scientific HeartLogic
Last night the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) announced the winner of the 12th Kerrin Rennie Award, Boston Scientific’s HeartLogic Heart Failure Diagnostic.
With 67,000 new cases each year, Australia spends $3.1B annually on heart failure diagnosis and management. HeartLogic is a heart failure diagnostic tool available to patients with certain Boston Scientific implantable cardiac devices and remote monitoring system. HeartLogic incorporates multiple sensors (heart sounds, respiration rate and volume, thoracic impedance, heart rate and activity) into one composite index to detect gradual worsening of heart failure over days or weeks and sends a single actionable web-based alert when the trend crosses a clinician-set threshold.
This multi-sensor approach allows physicians to detect early warning signs of worsening heart failure symptoms and adjusting treatment to avoid potential hospitalisations.
The other Awards recipients included:
- Gavin Fox-Smith, Johnson & Johnson Medical APAC – Outstanding Achievement in MedTech;
- Yolanda Mallouhi, Edwards Lifesciences – Women in MedTech Champion; and
- Baxter – 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.
With more than 30 years’ experience in the industry, including 21 years at Johnson & Johnson, Gavin Fox-Smith has an extensive background as a senior executive in the Asia Pacific region. Mr Fox-Smith is well known for his track record of developing and exporting outstanding leaders and ensuring a truly diverse and inclusive workforce. He is a passionate advocate for efforts that improve health, literacy and education, particularly for Indigenous communities.
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. The Women in MedTech Champion is awarded to an individual or a company who has contributed to advancing the mission and goals just mentioned.
The Women in MedTech Individual Champion was awarded to Yolanda Mallouhi. Yolanda has been with Edwards Lifesciences for nearly 11 years as the Senior Manager, HR, responsible for identifying, attracting, retaining and building the talent capabilities of Edwards to meet not only today's and future business needs. Yolanda has been a key contributor to advancing the women in MedTech agenda in Australia by officially kicking off the E.NOW (Edwards Network of Women) in October 2017.
The Women in MedTech Company Champion was awarded to Baxter Healthcare. Baxter was once again named among the top 100 companies in Australia for gender equality (Australian Government – Employer of Choice for Gender Equality: 2017, 2016, 2015). With its 16-person Senior Leadership Team for ANZ equally represented by women and men, in line with the industry’s benchmark metrics, Baxter has put gender equality and diversity at the core of its business in Australia.
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 some fantastic entries, so much so the difference between first and second place for the Kerrin Rennie Award was just one point.
“It’s inspiring to be part of the medical technology industry that every day is focused on improving the health and wellbeing of patients.”
Paul Braico, Vice President and Managing Director, Boston Scientific Australia and New Zealand said:
“Boston Scientific is incredibly proud and honored to be awarded the prestigious Kerrin Rennie Award.
“The HeartLogic Diagnostic tool provides physicians the ability to pivot from reactive heart failure treatment to proactive care with an overall goal of improving patient outcomes and reducing heart failure-related hospitalisations.
“This is a really exciting time at both Boston Scientific and for those working in the heart failure space, and we look forward to the results produced from this innovative technology.”
Media Contact: 02 9900 0600 | media@mtaa.org.au
