The lack of representation in the medical device industry is not a new topic of discussion. The lack of representation of minorities in C-Suites is alarming, with the executive ranks of the medical device companies predominantly being predominantly white.
Everett Cunningham, who is only one of a handful of minority leaders in the medical device industry, was questioned about the color of the faces across the industry and remarked that none of the leaders look like him. Cunningham continued to mention that “…only 3% of black leaders in place in Medtech demonstrates that we have a long ways to go” when asked about the diversity challenge.
The medical device and technology field must be as diverse as the patients that the medical industry serves and treats. AdvaMed’s CEO Scott Whitaker believes that the industry ought to be as diverse as the patients if the medical industry is trying to meet the needs of all who enter the system, just not the majority, but the minority as well.
To help increase the diversity of the medical device industry, Cunningham and Whitaker both believe that companies need to open up the candidate pools for senior-level positions to individuals from more diverse backgrounds. Organizations should also have a diverse interview panel to screen potential candidates to help make important hiring decisions.
Mentoring programs are also a way to help guide the development of people of color inside the industry already. These programs also help foster people of color’s growth leading to promotions. Companies, like GE Healthcare, have already implemented a mentor-mentee program as a requirement so diverse mid-level and high-level managers can climb the ladder in the medical device and technology field. 1
Diversity is something EMMA International is passionate about. If you need help with any quality, regulatory, or compliance aspect of your product, EMMA International’s team of experts has you covered. Contact us at 248-987-4497, or email info@emmainternational.com today!
1Slabodkin, G. (2021, August 12). Medtech industry starts to face lack of diversity, execs of color. MedTech Dive. https://www.medtechdive.com/news/medtech-industry-starts-to-face-lack-of-diversity-execs-of-color/604681/
