association for the advancement of medical instrumentation

the association for the advancement of medical instrumentation (AAMI) is an organization for advancing the development, and safe and effective use of medical technology founded in 1965 by Robert D. Hall, Jr. and Robert J. Allen, President. AAMI was created by the Tech/Reps' team as both a vehicle to help their clients introduce innovative medical devices into common medical practice and to set safety standards in both their design and usage. Dr. John Merrill of Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, and John Abele, Sales Manager of Advanced Instruments, Inc. joined with Hall and Allen to establish AAMI. Among the first members were Doctors Paul Dudley White, Michael Debakey, Adrian Kantrowitz, and the US Surgeon General. AAMI members now include decision makers in the medical technology profession—clinical engineers, biomedical equipment technicians, manufacturers, sterile processing professionals, researchers, quality assurance and regulatory affairs experts, and other healthcare technology management professionals. In 1966, AAMI was introduced to the public at large through MEDAC 66 (Medical Equipment Display and Conference) held in Boston at which Drs. Debakey and Kantrowitz introduced the world's first artificial heartsand debated the merits of each.