Originally Published MDDI August 2004

EMC

Rodney R. Munsey

The passage of the 1976 Medical Device Amendments came as a result of the efforts of many people. One of those people was Rodney Munsey, a lawyer then working with the Pharmaceutical Manufacturer's Association (now called PhRMA). “Back then, there was no major trade association representing medical devices,” he explains. So several associations joined together to form a coalition to lobby Congress.

While at the association, Munsey worked closely with Sen. Robert Kennedy's staff to negotiate various bills that were designed to define the medical device industry. “We had to make them understand the differences between devices and drugs,” says Munsey. His efforts set the tone for the device industry's future. 

Of course, Munsey could not have predicted that his work would help change the course of an entire industry. After he graduated from Cornell University, he served for two years in the Navy on a destroyer during the post–World War II era. He then went to Georgetown University in 1956 to get his law degree. After graduating in 1958, Munsey spent 5 years with the FDA General Council's Office and then shifted his focus to the industry side by going to work for PhRMA. It was there that he began to shape the medical device industry—all as a part of the job.

During the late 1970s, he ran his own law firm before joining other firms, including Hogan and Hartson LLP. Munsey retired from law five years ago and moved on to found the regulatory division at the Biometric Research Institute. BRI specializes in assisting companies in designing and conducting clinical trials. 

Now retired, Munsey spends his time traveling between Florida and Virginia, going on cruises, and visiting his family, most of whom still reside in New Hampshire. “I used to play golf, but I was terrible at it,” he admits. Still, he says, “my career went well and my health has been great. I've had a very enjoyable time.” 

Copyright ©2004 Medical Device & Diagnostic Industry