A story about DSM Biomedical (Berkeley, California) that appeared in Thursday’s issue of Medical Device Daily drew a comparison between companies like DSM and the film industry’s production crew that works behind the scenes adding invaluable elements to help make the movie a success but are much less recognized and appreciated than the starring cast members.

So just for fun let’s imagine what it would be like if the med-tech industry had its own televised version of the Academy Awards. Instead of an Oscar, the coveted trophy would resemble a big gold stent. Before the show CEOs from big players like Medtronic (Minneapolis), Boston Scientific (Natick, Massachusetts), and Johnson & Johnson (New Brunswick, New Jersey) would strut down the Red Carpet in designer suits while cameras flash and reporters shout ruthless questions like “Hey, Bill Hawkins, who are you wearing?). Med-tech analysts like Wells Fargo’s Larry Biegelsen and Leerank Swann’s Rick Wise would emcee the event, providing commentary and announcing who the “golden stent” award goes to.

But there are some companies in this industry that deserve a lot of credit for their contributions to medical innovation. DSM (as well as any other company working in this space – forgive me for not listing them all) is a great example because it provides valuable biomaterials and coatings for a variety of important implants and devices. Of course we wouldn’t want to forget the venture capital community because without VCs many of the most game-changing technologies would never get to the market. Other behind-the-scenes firms that should merit a category at our med-tech awards show are GPOs and OEMs.

I know I’m probably forgetting a bunch of other key behind-the-scenes players but you get the jist. They’re out there and without them our industry would not operate the same as it does today. It would be like trying to make a movie without a camera crew.