On the Same Page

On the Same Page

Orthopedic Design & Technology returns to Memphis for the third installment of the ODT Forum. On the menu this year are new technology reviews, supply chain and streamlining OEM/supplier interactions.

ODT Staff Report

The unexamined life is not worth living. — Socrates

Some things—even if they are a couple thousand years old—just make good common sense. Just as the ancient Greek philosopher mused around 400 B.C., introspection and, hopefully, the resulting self-improvement makes life more robust. Even if we’re a tad uncomfortable with a little personal self-help, continual improvement initiatives certainly are a must in today’s competitive business climate.

With that in mind, this year’s third annual Orthopedic Design & Technology Forum returns to its home in Memphis with a day-long program, based, in part, on guidance from our new ODT Forum Advisory Board—a group of experienced industry insiders with varied orthopedic manufacturing, operations and product development backgrounds. The board has identified key issues for orthopedic device companies and their suppliers, purchasing agents, R&D teams and operations managers.

The event kicks off the evening before the conference presentations with a unique networking opportunity for attendees to see the supply chain in action—a tour of the FedEx distribution facility in Memphis, the heart of the global logistics firm’s operations.

The first day of the conference session will include panel discussions, co-presentations and case studies on topics ranging frominnovation, global supply chain trends, and establishing industry-wide protocols in the OEM/supplier relationship.

Renowned orthopedic surgeons will lead two presentations. William M. Mihalko, M.D., Ph.D., chief scientific officer, InMotion Memphis and orthopedic surgeon at the Campbell Clinic, will address innovations in computer-assisted surgery. Kevin Foley, M.D., professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Tennessee will explore new technology opportunities in the spine sector.

The day of networking and education culminates with a panel presented by the ODT Advisory Board. Titled “Getting on the Same Page—Establishing a Standard OEM/Supplier Protocol,” the debate is intended to initiate an ongoing discussion—to be explored by the advisory board and others on the pages of ODT and at our other conferences—between medical device manufacturers and their supplier partners about creating a lasting, long-term protocol for their interactions. The hope is that by streamlining common processes, all parties involved will save time and money, and increase quality.

Jeff Kaser, vice president of Worldwide Quality Operations for Johnson & Johnson’s DePuy orthopedic unit and an ODT Forum industry protocol panel member, sees a significant need for an event such as this.

“I am truly looking forward to participating in the ODT Forum,” said Kaser. “The topics we will cover are important to orthopedic industry growth, enhancing customer satisfaction and improving supplier/OEM relationships. This is a great opportunity for collaboration among industry professionals.”

For more information about the program or to register for the event, visit www.odtforum.com.