The MTAA Annual Conference is the premier medical technology industry conference in Australia and is a major event on the Australian healthcare calendar. Over 359 influencers and leaders attended MedTech19 at Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney to network, exchange ideas and learn the latest industry news in an extensive 2-day
program.

Day one kicked off with topics on cyber security. A keynote address from Ms Marene Allison, Chief Information Security Officer, Johnson & Johnson, provided an overview of the global landscape for cyber security and the impacts on healthcare. The Patients, Doctors + Machines session continued from the morning’s theme and with a natural transition in the benefits and preparedness of artificial intelligence in MedTech.

The conference shifted its focus to the performance of Australia’s private health insurance system with panellists Dr Andrew Charlton, Co-founder, AlphaBeta Advisers, and Dr Linda Swan, Chief Medical Officer, Medibank Private, discussing the need for reform in the system and what the future holds for private health insurance. 

Afternoon sessions included a regulatory update from Adj Prof. John Skerritt, panel discussion on health technology assessment for devices, the public and private perspective on procurement goals and approaches. The day finished with a keynote presentation on UDI implementation for Australian devices and a panel discussion on the future of product specialists.

Day two started with the ‘good’ MedTech brings to the community with inspiring stories from Guy Leech, former Ironman and Mark Taffa, Horten Medical. The Hon Chris
Bowen, Shadow Minister for Health, provided a political update discussing the ALP’s priorities for health and how they plan to hold the Government accountable to their
election promises.

Two sessions followed with the Actuator hosting their semi-final round of MedTech’s Got Talent where 20 early-stage start-ups pitched their businesses to impress mentors and judges to advance to the Gala Finals. We also heard from previous winners on the success they experienced since partnering with the competition.

The afternoon panel session on The Effective Medical Management in a Digital Age express how to effectively articulate your objectives to the media and ensure that
your messages are being heard. MedTech19 concluded with a case study from Hope for Hearts on patient’s need for answers, the increase in online resources available
and the importance for medical device companies to supply credible and TGA approved information. MTAA Chair closed the event claiming MedTech19 as the most
successful conference MTAA has put on.