Countdown Begins For AdvaMed 2012: The Medtech Conference

-- Boston-area MedTech leaders gather to preview event and announce military veteran job-training program

-- State to support veteran's program with grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center

BOSTON, Aug. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 130 medical device and diagnostic industry stakeholders, investors, innovators, service providers, and media joined officials from AdvaMed 2012: The MedTech Conference to mark the six-week countdown to the October 1-3, 2012 event.  Boston is the first city outside of Washington, D.C., to host the annual medical technology conference—the  largest dedicated gathering of senior industry leaders in North America.

As part of the kick-off event today, the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed) previewed its MedTech Veterans Program (MVP) Boot Camp for Returning Heroes, which will be held in conjunction with AdvaMed 2012: The MedTech Conference.  This program is recruiting qualified veterans seeking internships or full-time jobs in the medical technology industry.

Each MVP hero will receive job-search assistance and networking advice, and will also partner one-on-one with an industry mentor. These mentors are military veterans who have made successful transitions into medtech careers and will offer first-hand insight and ongoing personal assistance.

"The MVP Boot Camp recognizes the strong correlation behind the mission of the medical technology industry and that of veterans who have transitioned from service in the military to an interest in serving patients and caregivers," AdvaMed's Chief Administrative Officer, Kenny Mendez said. "Boston's dynamic MedTech industry and large veteran population make this an ideal location for our first MVP Boot Camp."

Veteran Kevin Blanchard added, "I am proud to have served my country.  Knowing firsthand the challenge that veterans face, especially wounded veterans, in finding training and careers, I'm also proud that the medical technology industry is stepping up to help. I'm looking forward to AdvaMed 2012 and joining my fellow vets here in Boston." Mr. Blanchard is a wounded Iraq war veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and a representative of the American Legion healthcare policy unit.

Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services Secretary Coleman Nee attended the event and applauded the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center's grant of $15,000 to support the MVP program.

"I commend the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center for providing well-deserved support to our veterans," said Secretary Nee. "The grant will provide enhanced training opportunities for our returning veterans, and help veterans find employment in this growing industry." 

"The medical technology industry plays an important role in our thriving life sciences supercluster in Massachusetts, and makes a significant difference in the lives of our wounded veterans," said Susan Windham-Bannister, Ph.D., President & CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center.  "We are pleased to be hosting AdvaMed 2012, and to support AdvaMed's MVP program with grant funding that will help to connect returning veterans with job opportunities in this important industry."

In addition to the MVP Boot Camp, AdvaMed 2012 will bring together a diverse group of international MedTech executives with regulatory, reimbursement, business development, legal, IP, marketing, quality, compliance, and other key responsibilities.  The conference features educational panels, networking, business development partnering, world-class plenaries and other features that also attract media, policy-makers, investors and other key industry stakeholders.

"We are excited to host this year's AdvaMed MedTech Conference," said David L. Lucchino, CEO of Cambridge-based Semprus BioSciences.  "With more than 2,200 leading MedTech executives expected from around the world, we have an opportunity to showcase our region as a vital hub of innovation to improve patient care. This gathering of thought leaders creates a forum to share ideas, develop partnerships, access capital and learn from some of the best minds in the business," he concluded.

AdvaMed 2012 – The MedTech Conference will be held October 1-3, 2012 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. 

For general information please visit:  www.AdvaMed2012.com

SOURCE AdvaMed 2012