Clark W. Houghtling
VP Business Development & Technical Affairs
Cosmed Group, Inc.
Clark Houghtling is the Vice President of Business Development & Technical Affairs for Cosmed Group, Inc. originally named ETO Sterilization, Inc. (aka ETO). Clark’s varied background includes extensive knowledge in sterilization technologies, finished goods testing, business development, plant and quality management, medical device manufacturing, sales, marketing, and regulatory affairs. Prior to this position, Clark worked in various upper management positions for companies including Comet ebeam Technologies, Synergy Health, Stryker Orthopaedics, Microtest Laboratories, and Cosmed/Steris. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the State University of New York at Geneseo, and attended graduate school in Biology at Niagara University.
Clark will be one of the distinguished speakers at the Medical Device Sterilization and Microbiology Conference.
Why is the Medical Device Sterilization & Microbiology Conference important for sterilization executives at medical device companies?
For sterile products, sterilization is the last step in the manufacturing process. If it is not properly performed, all of the prior value that is put into the product is wasted. In addition, proper execution of sterilization is critical to ensuring that the products are safe, effective, compliant, and competitive in the marketplace.
Are there any sessions or topics you’re looking forward to discussing at the conference?
Frankly, I find all of the topics to be pertinent and important. A few that I find particularly interesting are the Keynote Address on Future Trends, Selecting a Sterilization Process, EO Cycle Optimization, Panel Discussion on Contract Sterilization, and Moving the Sterilization Processes In-House.
What do you hope attendees will take away from your session?
A better understanding of the regulatory, scientific, and business aspects of sterilization and the related testing, along with the importance and critical nature of these processes.
From your perspective, what are the top 3 external factors affecting sterilization executives today?
- Quality
- Turnaround time
- Cost effectiveness
What initiatives are on the horizon for your team in 2016?
Supplying the needs of medical device manufacturers with everything from sterilizers and all of the related ancillary equipment (e.g. control systems, scrubbers, etc.), to sterilization services (e.g. equipment upgrades & modifications, trouble shooting, failure investigating, training, auditing, etc.), to contract sterilization services.
Finally, how do you see the future of sterilization practices evolving?
Consolidation of sterilization methodologies utilized within a company, movement to in-house processing when it makes good business sense, and finding innovative solutions for successfully sterilizing all of the new and innovative products that are being developed.
