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The End of an EraThe medtech company that showed us what it's made of in 2017 and hasn't slowed down since will go through a major leadership change next year.As MD+DI reported Wednesday, Abbott CEO Miles White will pass the baton to Robert Ford on March 31, marking the end of a 21-year run as the company's head honcho. White will, however, continue to serve as executive chairman of Abbott's board."One of the primary goals in my career has been to leave the company well-positioned for the people who count on us," White said. "Today, the company is the strongest it has been during my tenure, and I am confident that Robert will lead Abbott successfully into the future. He is highly respected, has helped us shape the company during the last several years, and understands the forces driving change in healthcare."In many ways, Abbott is a completely different company today than it was in 1998 when White took the reins. Here is a look back at some of the company's biggest moments under his watch.