Elekta: U.S. Rep. Tom Price Joins Atlanta Medtech and Veteran Communities to Discuss Veterans’ Contributions to Health Care Industry
STOCKHOLM–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, U.S. Representative Tom Price, MD (R-Ga.) and Dunwoody Mayor
Denis Shortal joined members of the Georgia medical technology and
veteran communities to discuss the importance of working with veterans
as they transition to the private sector and the many workplace
contributions they can provide. The event took place at the U.S.
corporate headquarters of Elekta (STO:EKTAB), and was co-hosted by
MVPvets (the MedTech and BioTech Veterans Program) (http://www.mvpvets.org/),
the Southeastern Medical Device Association (SEMDA) (http://semda.net/),
and the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed) (http://advamed.org/).
The event featured:
· U.S. Rep. Tom Price, MD, (R-Ga.)
· Denis Shortal, Mayor of Dunwoody (Brig. Gen., USMC, Ret.)
· Bill Yaeger, executive vice president, Region North America, Elekta
(former Marine Corporal)
· Scott Whitaker, president and CEO, AdvaMed
· Mike Grice, board of directors, MVPvets (Lt. Col. USMC, Ret.)
· Rich Ellis, senior vice president of field service, Elekta (former
U.S. Army Captain)
· Pat Mackin, chief executive officer, CryoLife (1st Lt. Army, Ret.)
· Jason Rupp, executive director, SEMDA
During his remarks, Rep. Price highlighted the need for both the public
and private sectors in Georgia and across the country to commit to
recruiting and hiring former members of the military in positions that
not only effectively leverage their skills, but also offer opportunities
to advance in their post-military careers.
“Our obligation to our troops does not end when they leave active duty,”
said Congressman Price. “When members of our military – brave men and
women who were willing to put their lives on the line for the safety and
security of the American people – join the civilian workforce, they
should have access to a job market that is ready and eager to embrace
their invaluable skills. I’m proud to be a part of recognizing this
important effort to support our veterans in the workplace and,
specifically, their important contributions to the health care industry.”
Currently, approximately 200,000 men and women transition from military
to civilian careers each year. Engineers, information technology
specialists, electrical and mechanical technicians are among the top 25
jobs for veterans, according to a recent survey conducted by GIJobs.com.
However, veterans with skills in human resources, finance, logistics and
the supply chain, among others, are also needed.
During the panel, speakers discussed the robust technical skills and
valuable soft skills – like high levels of resiliency and advanced team
building – veterans bring to the workplace that make them effective and
productive employees. The panelists also highlighted the commitment of
the medical technology industry – through programs offered by
organizations like MVPvets – to help prospective employers evaluate and
match veterans with mentors, jobs and career resources.
“The U.S. medical technology industry has led the world in innovation,
quality and manufacturing excellence for decades, due in large part to
its drive to serve the common good,” said Mike Grice. “Recruiting our
nation’s veterans, who share this commitment and have dedicated their
lives to something greater than themselves, is a natural extension of
that mission.”
“The life sciences industry is a vibrant contributor to economic
development in the U.S., and medical technology companies in particular
provide uniquely challenging, stimulating and meaningful careers for
people with military backgrounds. Elekta is a proud employer of veterans
and active reserve duty military personnel, with 80 percent of our
engineering and technical positions held by veterans, in addition to a
number of executive level roles,” said Bill Yaeger.
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About MVPvets (Medtech & Biotech Veterans Program) MVPvets is a
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to assist and prepare
transitioning military veterans for meaningful employment in life
science companies. MVPvets is free to veterans and offers an online
Collaborative Portal with mentor matching, job-matching, eLearning via
the LifeCollaborative, news, blogs and more. To learn more, visit www.mvpvets.org.
About Elekta
Elekta is a human care company pioneering significant innovations and
clinical solutions for treating cancer and brain disorders. The company
develops sophisticated, state-of-the-art tools and treatment planning
systems for radiation therapy, radiosurgery and brachytherapy, as well
as workflow enhancing software systems across the spectrum of cancer
care. Stretching the boundaries of science and technology, providing
intelligent and resource-efficient solutions that offer confidence to
both health care providers and patients, Elekta aims to improve, prolong
and even save patient lives.
About SEMDA The Southeastern Medical Device Association is a non-profit
trade association with the mission to make the southeast a world-class
region for medical technology, device, and diagnostic companies. Created
in 2004, the association provides a unique resource and networking
opportunity for medical device companies, inventors, physicians, and
investors interested in accelerating the growth of the medical device
industry in the Southeast. Through regional meetings, professional
development, and its highly regarded investor conference, SEMDA meets
the needs of the members of the medical device community.
About AdvaMed
AdvaMed member companies produce the medical devices, diagnostic
products and health information systems that are transforming health
care through earlier disease detection, less invasive procedures and
more effective treatments. AdvaMed members range from the largest to the
smallest medical technology innovators and companies. For more
information, visit www.advamed.org.
This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com
Contacts
AdvaMed
Danielle Blake, Associate Vice President, Public Affairs,
Tel:
202-434-7233
e-mail: dblake@advamed.org
or
Elekta
Raven
Canzeri, Global Public Relations Manager
Tel: +1 770-670-2524
e-mail:
raven.canzeri@elekta.com
