In addition to being named an AIMBE Fellow, Hawkins presented at the annual AIMBE meeting on Feb. 23, 2010. Hawkins' presentation, "Reinventing the Innovation Ecosystem: The Role of the Major Corporation," discussed how the enterprise is uniquely positioned to foster and catalyze innovation from within large, multi-stakeholder ecosystems, how to create enterprise-wide cultures of innovation, and the continued importance of medical technology industry to solving many of the world's most challenging healthcare problems.
The elected Fellows of AIMBE consist of the top two percent of biomedical engineers and include some of the most imaginative and distinguished bioengineers in the field. Their contributions impact biomedical devices and processes, treatment of diseases, and public policy related to all aspects of bioengineering. The College of Fellows leads the way in technological advancement, advocating for public policies facilitating progress in medical and biological research and development to benefit the public. AIMBE Fellows help revolutionize medicine, engineering and related fields that enhance and extend the lives of people around the world.
Earlier this year, Hawkins was selected as a Distinguished Lecturer by the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES). His lecture, "Reverse Engineering: The Future of Medical Technology," will be published in the March issue of the Annals of Biomedical Engineering. In this presentation, Hawkins discussed the dramatic impact medical innovation has made on human health, the critical role played by the engineering and academic community, and how current threats to the innovation ecosystem should be addressed.
Hawkins was named Chief Executive Officer of Medtronic, Inc., in 2007 and assumed the additional role of chairman in 2008. He joined Medtronic in 2002 as senior vice president and president of the company's Vascular business before serving as president and chief operating officer. Hawkins has nearly 35 years of career experience in the medical device industry, serving in leadership positions at Novoste Corp.; American Home Products; Ethicon Endo-Surgery - part of Johnson & Johnson; Guidant Corp.; and Eli Lilly. He began his medical technology career with Carolina Medical Electronics in 1977.
Hawkins received his bachelor's of science degree in electrical and biomedical engineering from Duke University in 1976. He earned a master's degree in business administration from the Darden School of Business, University of Virginia, in 1982. He chairs the Pratt Board of Visitors of the Engineering School at Duke University, the University of Minnesota Foundation Board of Trustees, and the Board of Directors of the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis.
About AIMBE
The American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering was founded in 1991 to establish a clear and comprehensive identity for the field of medical and biological engineering - which is the bridge between the principles of engineering science and practice, and the problems and issues of biological and medical science and practice. For more information, visit: www.aimbe.org
About Medtronic
Medtronic, Inc. (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology - alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life for millions of people around the world.
SOURCE: Medtronic, Inc.
Medtronic, Inc. Jeff Warren, 763-505-2696 Investor Relations or Chuck Grothaus, 763-505-2614 Public Relations