CEO Directs Beckman Coulter’s Corporate Citizenship
By Long, Allison
Traditional attention to innovation. Simplifying and automating lab processes through innovation has been our strategy for some time now, starting with Dr. Arnold Beckman’s introduction of the spectrophotometer for automated chemical analysis in the 1940s. A recent example is our acquisition of Lumigen. along with its proprietary chemiluminescent chemistry technology that complements and strengthens our immunoassay position, one of the fastest- growing segments in the clinical-diagnostics industry. It also offers access to a highly developed knowledge base in the development of novel immunochemical technologies. Other future developments will include features such as sample mapping and sample volume, so repeat and reflex testing become more robust. We also anticipate being able to enhance the combination of sample automation with middleware decision support. Labs will be able to develop more comprehensive patient- and physician-centric rules that improve the quality of the results and lower overall healthcare costs.
The corporate citizen. We see corporate citizenship as an opportunity to establish a mutually beneficial relationship among our company, our employees, and the communities where we live and work. Outside our company, our philosophy tor corporate giving is focused on science, research, and healthcare in the form of outreach programs, educational matching gifts, equipment donations, and employee volunteerism. We also support organizations such as the American Cancer Society. National MS Society. American Heart Association, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, among others.
Comprehensive continuing education. We find that people entering the workplace today have a real interest in what we are doing – improving patient health and reducing the cost of care. Outside our company, our continuing-education symposia have attracted quite a number of participants. The comments we receive tell us that attendees like both the educational sessions and the networking opportunities. Topics are focused on improving patient outcomes, improving processes, and finding ways to take costs out of the entire healthcare system. Topics in 2007 will run the gamut from “Balancing Pre-analytical Error and Patient Safety with Today’s Sensitive Immunoassays” and “How Real-Time Management Tools Can Enhance Productivity and Reduce Stress” to “Life, Death, and Unannounced CAP Inspections.”
Encouraging entry into the field. We are dedicated to discovering talent and nurturing individuals who are committed to our mission of improving patient health and reducing the cost of care. Through our internship program, we work with college students in a variety of majors including science, engineering, and finance. Students work alongside employees, developing personal and professional skills, and gaining a good understanding of opportunities in the diagnostics industry. Another initiative is the Beckman Coulter Founders’ scholarship, which is targeted to the high-school-age children of our employees. This global program was founded in 1963 by Dr. Beckman and awards 13 scholarships each year to college-bound students. We also support different organizations for even younger children, such as the Orange County Science and Engineering Fair, which encourages children to develop hands-on, inquiry-based science and engineering projects. Additionally, our contributions to the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in San Diego will become part of their exhibit: “Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body.”
One of our key initiatives is to attract and retain top talent within our organization.
Scott Garrett
Professional
President/CEO, Beckman Coulter
He has also served as CEO of Garrett Capital Advisors, Kendro Laboratory Products, and Dade International.
He began his career in R&D at Baxter International.
Education
BA, Engineering, Valparaiso University
MBA, Lake Forest Graduate School of Management
Personal
Lives in Orange Co., CA.
Married with two adult children.
Enjoys reading (history, politics, and business), playing guitar, golfing, and going on family vacations.
By Allison Long, Associate Editor
Copyright Nelson Publishing Dec 2006
(c) 2006 Medical Laboratory Observer; MLO. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.