Author: Robyn Towt

Robyn Towt is a former teacher and three-time cancer survivor who was harmed by a medical device, leading to her passion for advocacy in medical device safety. She is a co-founder of the Global Patient Advocacy Coalition and a member of the Arizona Association of Patient Advocates. She has testified twice at the FDA in support of patient safety and has worked extensively with Arizona legislators in passing an informed consent law for breast implant surgery.

Medical device conflicts of interest are crippling patients and the industry

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) annual plastic surgery statistics report, $16.7 billion was spent on cosmetic procedures in the U.S. in 2020.1 Many of these procedures involve medical devices and pharmaceutical products. Physicians routinely receive substantial compensation from medical device manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies in the form of gifts, travel, royalties, research grants, and consulting contracts. “It is time to bring the patient back to the center of the healthcare team.” In a 2008 Health and Human Services Senate Hearing, Gregory E. Demske, from the Office of Inspector General, testified to the U.S. Senate regarding the…

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