What the Future of Healthcare Needs from Us

In the short time since I joined Avanos as CEO this past April, I've been struck by the passion, dedication, and ingenuity of our team, and by the shared sense of purpose that drives us: improving outcomes and reducing suffering through advanced medical technologies.

That sense of purpose was reinforced this past week at the AdvaMed MedTech Conference in San Diego, where I had the privilege of engaging directly with peers, policymakers, and healthcare leaders. The conversations there underscored not only where healthcare is headed, but also what it will take from all of us to get there. One thing is clear: the future of healthcare will be shaped by what we, as MedTech leaders, do today.

Access is the Foundation

Medical technology can only make a difference when it reaches the people who need it. It's not enough to create solutions, we must ensure equitable access to them.

That means working to remove barriers, from regulatory hurdles to healthcare disparities in underserved communities. Policies like the NOPAIN Act are a great example of how we can help patients receive innovative, non-opioid pain management options that improve recovery while reducing reliance on narcotics.

Avanos is committed to ensuring our technologies are not just effective, but accessible, whether through health policy advocacy, payer engagement, or collaborative education.

Responsible Innovation is a Duty

Innovation is the lifeblood of MedTech. But to be truly meaningful, it must be driven by responsibility.

Responsible innovation means staying focused on patient outcomes, clinical validation, and long-term value, not just rapid iteration. In Avanos' case, it's about designing with empathy and purpose: investing in technologies that solve critical real-world healthcare challenges, from improving nutritional delivery to managing chronic pain and supporting post-surgical recovery.

At Avanos, we're advancing a portfolio of technologies that not only treat but transform the patient journey, because the future of healthcare demands more than just "new"; it demands "better."

Partnership is the Path Forward

We can't do this alone. Public-private partnerships are more important than ever. Programs like the NOPAIN Act and broader initiatives through CMS and HHS show how aligned action between MedTech, government, and providers can drive change.

At AdvaMed in San Diego, I saw firsthand how cross-sector collaboration fuels progress. Whether it's modernizing reimbursement models, improving supply chain resiliency, or addressing health equity, partnership is how we scale solutions and deliver impact.

Looking Ahead

The challenges facing healthcare are complex, but the opportunity is greater.

With smart policy, ethical innovation, and a commitment to access, we can usher in a future where technology empowers patients, providers, and systems alike.

At Avanos, we're proud to be part of that mission.

Let's keep building that future - together.

In the short time since I joined Avanos as CEO this past April, I've been struck by the passion, dedication, and ingenuity of our team, and by the shared sense of purpose that drives us: improving outcomes and reducing suffering through advanced medical technologies.

That sense of purpose was reinforced this past week at the AdvaMed MedTech Conference in San Diego, where I had the privilege of engaging directly with peers, policymakers, and healthcare leaders. The conversations there underscored not only where healthcare is headed, but also what it will take from all of us to get there. One thing is clear: the future of healthcare will be shaped by what we, as MedTech leaders, do today.

Access is the Foundation

Medical technology can only make a difference when it reaches the people who need it. It's not enough to create solutions, we must ensure equitable access to them.

That means working to remove barriers, from regulatory hurdles to healthcare disparities in underserved communities. Policies like the NOPAIN Act are a great example of how we can help patients receive innovative, non-opioid pain management options that improve recovery while reducing reliance on narcotics.

Avanos is committed to ensuring our technologies are not just effective, but accessible, whether through health policy advocacy, payer engagement, or collaborative education.

Responsible Innovation is a Duty

Innovation is the lifeblood of MedTech. But to be truly meaningful, it must be driven by responsibility.

Responsible innovation means staying focused on patient outcomes, clinical validation, and long-term value, not just rapid iteration. In Avanos' case, it's about designing with empathy and purpose: investing in technologies that solve critical real-world healthcare challenges, from improving nutritional delivery to managing chronic pain and supporting post-surgical recovery.

At Avanos, we're advancing a portfolio of technologies that not only treat but transform the patient journey, because the future of healthcare demands more than just "new"; it demands "better."

Partnership is the Path Forward

We can't do this alone. Public-private partnerships are more important than ever. Programs like the NOPAIN Act and broader initiatives through CMS and HHS show how aligned action between MedTech, government, and providers can drive change.

At AdvaMed in San Diego, I saw firsthand how cross-sector collaboration fuels progress. Whether it's modernizing reimbursement models, improving supply chain resiliency, or addressing health equity, partnership is how we scale solutions and deliver impact.

Looking Ahead

The challenges facing healthcare are complex, but the opportunity is greater.

With smart policy, ethical innovation, and a commitment to access, we can usher in a future where technology empowers patients, providers, and systems alike.

At Avanos, we're proud to be part of that mission.

Let's keep building that future - together.