Medical Innovation Summit Held to Discuss Challenges & Opportunities in Medical Innovation
Iowa’s Leadership Role, Harkin Chairmanship, Key
(August 26, 2011 - Ankeny, Iowa) – More than a hundred health, education, business and biotech leaders gathered today at the DMACC Ankeny campus to hear from national and Iowa leaders about challenges and opportunities that face our economy and healthcare system as it relates to medical innovation. Iowa is uniquely positioned to be at the forefront of major issues coming before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) committee, which is currently chaired by Senator Tom Harkin.
“It was wonderful to engage so many leaders in Iowa during today’s forum,” said Rob Denson, President of DMACC. “Thanks to Senator Harkin’s leadership position as the chair of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, we were able to bring some national leaders in healthcare to Iowa. Making sure our workforce is healthy plays such a critical role in overall success for our economy, our businesses and our way of life. We need to continue working to make sure Iowa is creating a strong environment for medical innovation.”
The event was co-hosted by The Council for American Medical Innovation, Innovate Iowa, Iowa Biotech Association, Des Moines Area Community Colleges, the Greater Des Moines Partnership and the American Cancer Society – Midwest Division.
America has traditionally been a global leader of medical innovation resulting in thousands of good-paying jobs, healthier people and a strong economy. However, that leadership role is at risk. In recent years, there has been a decline in the number of scientific researchers, degrees issued in science and engineering, and new patents issued in this country. Economic pressures currently facing the nation have exacerbated these challenges and threats.
“Seniority is a tremendous asset in the U.S. Senate and Iowa is extremely fortunate to have Senator Harkin serving in such an important position at a time when many policies impacting his committee will be heard,” said Chris Coburn, Executive Director of Cleveland Clinic Innovations. “Medical Innovation is a high-risk, high-reward industry and Iowa is well positioned to be a leader with key elected officials supporting policies that encourage innovation.”
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Contact:
Jenna Strahan-Ouren
612-366-0975
Event Resources:
