For much of our recent Editorial & Sales Meeting, we discussed trends that we are seeing in the marketplace, in the news, and in discussion with contributors to evaluate coverage for this year and to help sharpen our editorial focus for next year. Manufacturing will continue to see greater coverage as we increase the frequency of our highly successful Medical Manufacturing & Fabrication supplement.
Areas that will see more extensive coverage next year will include a stronger focus on miniaturized devices and their components, connected health and data management, and of course, cybersecurity. Our August issue this year will feature several articles on new frontiers in healthcare, wearable medtech, managing risk in connected devices, and how miniaturization is driving creative solutions.
Real-time monitoring of health will continue to grow even as some current fitness trackers like Fitbits are being discarded in favor of more advanced devices. Apple just announced plans for a smartwatch that has special features for people using wheelchairs.
Even Dean Kamen’s iBOT wheelchair, which can “climb” stairs but was discontinued in 2009 due to its high cost, has found new life. DEKA Research and Development has joined forces with Toyota Motor North America to support mobility solutions, which will help to develop the next-generation iBOT motorized wheelchair and its launch. The deal also allows Toyota to license DEKA’s balancing technology for rehabilitative therapy and other purposes. This is all great news.
Which is why it’s so sad for me to tell you that I will not be here as Editor to bring you all of the exciting developments in healthcare going forward. It has been my honor to be the Editor of Medical Design Briefs for the past four years, bringing you the latest R&D and manufacturing news in the medical device fields. I’ve learned so much from our readers about advances in technology, materials, components, and regulatory issues.
Every good thing must come to an end, and the time has now come for me to say goodbye to our readers. I want to thank everyone who contributed timely, informative articles to MDB, and all who shared their industry insights with me.
Leaving is difficult but necessary as I begin the next phase of my career in the field of hospital administration.
Let me leave you with this last thought—one thing that I have learned from everyone whom I met in the medical products and components industries and device contract manufacturing that will keep me in good stead is to always keep the patient in mind. All of the work you do results in products and innovative technology used to save lives, reduce suffering, and restore health. I am certain that I will be seeing many of your devices and cutting-edge technology around me every day in the hospital system. Thank you for the great work you do.
Beth G. Sisk, Editor
