News from AAOS: Winning Strategies for Medical Technology Success

With significant uncertainty and challenges facing the medical and healthcare industry, Orthopedic Design & Technology and Irvine, Calif.-based Pro-Dex Inc. will host an invitation-only dinner with Jim Abbott for medical device executives at this year’s American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) annual meeting in San Francisco, Calif.

As a Major League Baseball player, Jim Abbott—who played for the California Angels, New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox and Milwaukee Brewers—likely had his fair share of interactions with orthopedic professionals—but also because he was born without a right hand. While some might view having only one hand as a weakness, Abbott was encouraged to see it as a strength. From his perseverance and positive attitude, an impressive athletic talent eventually emerged.

Coaches quickly recognized Abbott’s aptitude for pitching and worked with him on developing an innovative glove transitioning technique so he could pitch and catch any ball that came his way.

Slight adjustments, along with extraordinary resolve, led Abbott to be drafted to the major leagues in 1989 and eventually pitch a no-hitter for the Yankees against the Cleveland Indians on Sept. 4, 1993.

After retiring from big-league baseball, Abbott felt inspired to share his career experiences with individuals, companies and organizations, as well as his perspective on what it means to ADAPT—which Abbott defines as Adjustability, Determination, Accountability, Perseverance and Trust—in life and in work.

With the daunting medical device tax, unpredictable regulatory pathways, funding challenges, increasing global competition, and a changing customer base and more stringent regulatory guidelines, it’s apparent that medtech and the orthopedics sector faces a new business reality.

Most medical technology companies realize that their ability to adapt to these changes is what will ensure their long-term success. But making the necessary adjustments isn’t always a straightforward process. This is why, as Jim Abbott knows well, progressing—especially in tough times—requires a team approach.

In addition to sharing his perspectives on overcoming obstacles, Abbott also will reveal strategies for fostering a collaborative, team-oriented work culture and the attributes that make for a winning team.

More on Abbott’s address to orthopedic professionals will appear in the Feb. 8 edition of ODT’s “Live from AAOS” e-newsletter.