Heiden ‘Faster, Better, Stronger’ Book Signing to Follow Keynote Address

Eric Heiden, world renowned speed skater, cyclist and orthopedic surgeon, will be a featured keynote speaker at AdvaMed 2008, the MedTech Conference. The most successful speed skater in history, Heiden won five individual gold medals and set four Olympic records during the 1980 winter games in Lake Placid, New York. In 1985, Dr. Heiden went on to win the U.S. Cycling Championship and competed in the 1986 Tour de France. Dr. Heiden’s Olympic Gold medals were eventually used to help fund his medical school education to become an orthopedic surgeon.

“We are honored to have an Olympic champion and world-class orthopedic surgeon join the list of distinguished speakers at AdvaMed 2008,” said Stephen J. Ubl, president and CEO of AdvaMed. “As an athlete and medical practitioner, Dr. Heiden possesses a unique understanding of the value of medical technology and the critical role it plays in improving quality of life. He knows first hand what it takes to succeed in sports, medicine and business. We look forward to his comments about competition and commitment as well as what drives industry innovation forward.”

Dr. Heiden will give the keynote address on Tuesday, September 23rd from 1:00-1:45pm at the Marriott Wardman Park in Washington, DC. Immediately following the lunch plenary, Dr. Heiden will participate in a special book signing in the AdvaMed 2008 exhibition hall at the CEA Technologies booth. Dr. Heiden’s newly released book titled, “Faster, Better, Stronger” provides 10 proven secrets to a healthier body in 12 weeks. The book is co-authored by Massimo Testa, MD and Deanne Musolf.

“AdvaMed 2008 presents a unique opportunity to address the key constituencies involved in advancing health care for the 21st Century and beyond,” said Heiden. “I look forward to offering my perspective on the partnership between practitioners and industry as well as building a faster, better, stronger engine of innovation.”

Dr. Heiden will round out a robust conference program featuring political and industry luminaries. On Monday, September 22nd, Charlie Cook, publisher of the Cook Report, will open the morning plenary from 7:30-8:45am offering insights into the current political elections. From 12:30-1:45pm, G. Steven Burrill, CEO of Burrill & Company, will offer fresh perspective on the business and economic issues impacting the MedTech industry.

On Tuesday, September 23rd, Andrew Dillon, Chief Executive of the UK’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, will provide an international perspective during his 7:30-8:45am plenary address. From 12:15-12:55 pm David Blumenthal, MD, Health Care Advisor to Senator Barack Obama; Gail Wilensky, Health Care Advisor to Senator John McCain; and moderator Marilyn Werber Serafini of the National Journal, will provide insights into each presidential candidate’s health policies. This will be followed by a 1:00 pm keynote address by Dr. Eric Heiden.

On Wednesday, September 24th, Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich (7:30-8:45 am) and sitting U.S. Senator, Hillary Rodham Clinton (12:30- 1:45 pm) will provide Republican and Democratic insights into the U.S. health care system and the important role of the MedTech industry.

Currently, Dr. Heiden is an orthopedic surgeon practicing in Utah and is the team physician for the U.S. Speed Skating, and team physician and director of sports medicine for USA Cycling.

Source: AdvaMed and AdvaMed 2008