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Juror Nominations

Since its inception in 1998, the Medical Design Excellence Awards (MDEA) program has become the premier competition for the medical technology community, recognizing both the design achievements and healthcare contributions of medical product manufacturers. The following information is provided for those who wish to nominate a potential MDEA juror, or would themselves like to be considered as potential jurors.

Recommendations of potential MDEA jurors come from a wide variety of sources, including academic and professional organizations, industry associations, and previous jurors. Background materials about juror candidates are reviewed by a panel of medical industry editors from Canon Communications LLC (Los Angeles), publisher of the MDEA program’s sponsoring publication, Medical Device & Diagnostic Industry magazine. These editors select each year’s jurors as necessary to provide balanced expertise for the competition’s 10 categories. Jurors are typically appointed for a term of two years, renewable after a one-year absence.

Because Canon’s editors recognize that the quality of the MDEA program depends on the quality of the jurors selected, they look for individuals who have solid experience in and knowledge of the medical device industry. The jury selection panel equally values the participation of individuals who have demonstrated their concern for the industry and who will add depth and diversity of expertise to the judging process.

When considering juror nominees, Canon’s editors pay particular attention to the need for a balanced, multidisciplinary, and impartial jury. For this reason, jurors cannot be affiliated with a company that is submitting a product for consideration. Entries are not accepted from sponsoring companies or from jurors, their companies, or those companies’ subsidiaries, in the year they act as sponsors or jurors. Any product thus disqualified may be entered in a subsequent year.

Judging of the MDEA competition typically takes place at a Southern California venue over Presidents’ Day weekend (Saturday through Monday). Canon pays for juror travel, accommodations, and meals related to the MDEA program.

Selection of jurors usually begins in the fall and is completed by the end of each calendar year. To be considered in the next round of jury selection, nominees should complete and return the Juror Nomination Form together with a current curriculum vitae or resume. Materials should be sent to Canon group editor Steve Halasey via e-mail (steve.halasey@cancom.com) or fax (310/445-4269). The materials will be considered current and reviewable for two years, after which they must be updated in order for the nominee to continue being considered for a juror appointment.

Most of the questions that juror nominees might have about the MDEA competition are addressed in sections of the MDEA Web site (www.MDEAwards.com). If you have additional questions about the MDEA program or the judging process, contact Canon group editor Steve Halasey via e-mail (steve.halasey@cancom.com) or phone (310/445-4274).

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