Originally Published MDDI August 2004

EDITOR'S PAGE

The last quarter century has been memorable. But it's really the next 25 years that we're thinking about.

By the time you read these words, you'll probably have figured out that this is no ordinary issue of MD&DI. In fact, among all of the 303 issues that have been published to date, this one is completely unprecedented. It is devoted to a celebration of the industry that this magazine serves, and the 25 years of coverage it has offered readers. In every other issue, we focus on the current topics and coming trends in the industry, and how our readers can use this information to their advantage. But in this issue, we are mostly looking backwards.

This is not to say that you will have nothing to learn from this issue. Thanks to the efforts of our many contributors herein, industry experts all, this volume will be a valuable resource for everyone in the medical device industry. For industry newcomers, this issue will give them a broad overview of its roots. For longtimers, it will be a valuable refresher and reference source. 

Among the many features of this issue are a few that deserve special mention here. A four-page foldout timeline of the industry and MD&DI can be found following page 130. Then beginning on page 131 is a special section reviewing advances in key medical manufacturing technologies over the last two-and-a-half decades. Throughout the issue, we've included short profiles of 25 industry pioneers, as well as appreciations from MD&DI readers. And in partial acknowledgment of the many people who have helped this magazine prosper over the years, we include beginning on page 194 a list of all MD&DI's primary authors since its inception. Finally, don't miss the quiz on page 20. It's your chance to vie for one of 25 Amazon.com gift certificates.

In putting together this 25th anniversary edition, we have followed the precept that only by understanding where we come from can we see where we are headed. MD&DI and the industry have had a nice ride for the last 25 years. But it's the next 25 that we're truly excited about. When the magazine's 50th anniversary rolls around, and another group of editors puts together a commemorative edition, we hope they will find this one worthy of emulation. But if our expectations are correct, they will have the edge on us. As amazing as the past quarter century has been for this industry, the next one seems guaranteed to be even more exciting. One thing is certain: MD&DI will be there.

The Editors

Copyright ©2004 Medical Device & Diagnostic Industry