Tom Polen: Pioneering Innovations in Medical Technology

Tom Polen, Bus ’03 (MBA), is a prominent figure in the medical industry as the chairman, CEO, and president of Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD). BD is a leading manufacturer and distributor of medical devices, supplying over 38 billion devices annually, which are utilized by more than 90% of U.S. hospital patients.

Polen’s exceptional leadership has propelled BD to the forefront of medical technology innovation. With a vast range of 43,000 products available in 190 countries, BD has been instrumental in transforming healthcare practices. During a recent Johns Hopkins Health Policy Forum event, Polen engaged in a discussion with Carey Business School Dean Alex Triantis, shedding light on various topics such as artificial intelligence, healthcare challenges, and Polen’s own personal journey.

Having been personally impacted by the healthcare system at a young age when his mother tragically passed away from a brain aneurysm, Polen’s commitment to improving healthcare became unwavering. He recognized the essential role that innovative solutions play in addressing pressing healthcare challenges, including global supply chain issues, geopolitical uncertainties, and high patient costs.

Polen emphasized the importance of tailoring innovations to meet the specific needs of local markets while simultaneously striving for accessible and cost-effective healthcare. Furthermore, he expressed his belief in the transformative power of artificial intelligence in the medical field. BD has already introduced AI-enabled products that assist in diverse areas, such as monitoring narcotics abuse and identifying bacteria.

Polen envisions a future where AI technology empowers physicians to focus more on patient care by automating mundane tasks, ultimately reducing physician burnout and facilitating deeper patient-doctor interactions. However, he also acknowledged the need for caution in the rapid deployment of new technology to ensure proper safeguards are in place for patients and consumers.

As the 10th expert to participate in the Health Policy Forum series, Polen joined a prestigious list of influential leaders in the field. This forum, jointly organized by the Bloomberg School of Public Health, the Carey Business School, the School of Nursing, and Johns Hopkins Medicine, serves as a platform to discuss critical healthcare policy and promote engagement with key industry figures.

Polen’s visionary leadership, combined with BD’s relentless pursuit of innovation, continues to shape the landscape of modern healthcare. Through advancements in technology and a commitment to addressing healthcare challenges, Polen and BD are making a lasting impact in improving patient outcomes and revolutionizing the healthcare industry.

FAQ

1. In which countries are BD products used?

BD products are used in over 190 countries worldwide.

2. What role does artificial intelligence play in BD’s products?

BD incorporates artificial intelligence technology in several of its products, such as those that assist in monitoring narcotics abuse and identifying bacteria.

3. How does BD ensure its innovations align with local market needs?

BD focuses on developing innovations that cater to the specific requirements of local markets, aiming to provide lower-cost healthcare closer to where patients prefer to receive it.

4. What are the benefits of implementing AI in healthcare?

Automation through AI technology can reduce the time spent on basic tasks by physicians, mitigating burnout and enabling doctors to provide more individualized attention to patients.

5. What are the potential risks of rapid AI deployment in healthcare?

Implementing new technology too quickly without proper safeguards in place could pose risks for both businesses and consumers. Careful consideration and responsible implementation are crucial to ensure optimal outcomes in patient care.