MedTech Conference 2023 Review
Review published in MTAA Annual Report.
MTAA’s MedTech Conference is Australia’s premier event for medical technology, where pioneers, thought leaders, and innovators from across the globe gather to explore the latest breakthroughs and developments. As the healthcare industry undergoes rapid transformation, the MedTech Conference serves as the platform to discover cutting-edge solutions and strategies that are shaping the future.
This year saw 373 delegates attend the ICC Sydney venue with 79 presenters speaking in 20 sessions packed into a stellar two-day program.
The event opened with an incredible story from TED Talk and MTAA keynote speaker, Dr Gill Hicks, a survivor of the 2005 London terrorist bombings. Her story is a tale of resilience, compassion and humanity. She recalls in vivid detail the moments that brought her so close to death, her realisation of the severity of her injuries and how she endured years of operations and emotional scars on her road to recovery. For 40 minutes she captivated the room and narrated a compelling and unique life story that immersed the audience as though they were right there by her side. Having turned her struggles into resilience and redemption, Dr Gills Hicks made it her mission to advocate for peace, embrace a positive outlook despite life’s setbacks and reclaim her life as an artist and performer.
The day followed with sessions on regulatory harmonisation, identifying and overcoming cognitive bias in healthcare and a focus on how the Australian health system can address the long-term impacts of climate change and other environmental factors. MTAA continued its ongoing conversation reflecting on the practical tips for digital health uptake featuring patient groups, Local Health Districts and agencies, while concurrently running a session on the benefits of hybrid working environments to modernise today’s workforce and hiring choices. Day 1 finished with a discussion on diversity and inclusion in the workplace, followed by an insightful panel into where private healthcare is headed in the future. Ian Opperman, NSW Government, closed the day with a thought-provoking exploration into the emerging cyber security challenges in healthcare in a growing and fast-paced digital age.
Day two brought an air of excitement and anticipation as Industry welcomed the Hon Mark Butler MP keynote address. The Health Minister praised Industry for its continuous contribution and ongoing service to Australian health and the economy when faced with cost-of-business and supply chain pressures. The Minister for Health and Aged Care used the occasion to announce the appointment of a new Chair of the InterGovernmental Policy Reform Group (IGPRG) for health and medical research, including clinical trials, naming Emeritus Professor Ian Chubb AC, FAA FTSE to lead key reforms of the group. MTAA was fortunate to not only have the Minister make this announcement at the conference this year but to also have Professor Chubb in attendance as one of the panellists discussing the importance of a vibrant and efficient health and medical research operating environment in attracting more clinical trials to Australia.
Day two continued with special guest Joaquin Duato, Chairman and CEO, Johnson & Johnson, providing insights into the world’s largest, most diversified healthcare products company with an exclusive fireside chat with Sue Martin, Managing Director of Australia and New Zealand, Johnson & Johnson MedTech. More sessions followed with Prescribed List Reforms and presentations from the Department of Health, sessions on growth opportunities for MedTech manufacturing, an update from TGA and concluded with a fascinating panel discussion on the evolution of AI in Healthcare.
The MedTech Conference 2023 was highly praised by attendees, speakers and supporting partners. The exceptional quality of presenters and topics, along with the well-organised logistics and event operations, created a memorable and insightful experience for attendees.