Toshiba exec sketches future directions

Larry Dentice wants to take Toshiba America Medical Systems to the next level. TAMS is coming off a stellar year during which sales rose 25%, but to continue that growth the company must make some refinements, according to its new general manager.

"We're going to develop a team culture and form a strategic perspective that deals with the changes happening in the marketplace relative to reimbursement and product positioning," said GM Dentice, who also serves as senior vice president and sits on TAMS' board of directors. "We are not just focused on radiology anymore. We want to expand and capitalize on the cardiology and oncology markets."

Toshiba's 64-slice Aquilion CT is leading the way in cardiology. The company's CorE 64 (Coronary Evaluation on 64) clinical study, already well under way at eight sites around the world, compares the clinical benefits of coronary CTA and cardiac catheterization. Final results may promote reimbursement for CTA, according to the company.

Toshiba's Aquilion LB (large bore), which began shipping last fall, addresses opportunities in oncology and bariatrics. The 90-cm bore and 70-cm field-of-view available on the 16-slice CT scanner are large enough to accommodate patient positions typically required during radiation therapy. It has the added advantage of being able to handle even very obese patients.

Dentice stepped into the GM role at TAMS last week when his predecessor, Edwin Lodgek, left the company. Karen LaPointe, vice president of business operations, left at about the same time.

John Zimmer, vice president of TAMS marketing, praised Lodgek and LaPointe for establishing high standards of business practice and a strategic direction that led to strong growth. The change in leadership is about breaking down the remaining walls that stand in the way of continued growth, Zimmer said.

"Through added team work, we pick up efficiency and momentum so that we can stay on a strategy that is winning us a lot in terms of customer satisfaction and market growth," he said.

Dentice describes his management style as very team-oriented. As GM, he will try to translate this style into company culture, he said.