f01a.JPG (16019 bytes)Richard Levy, PhD, president and CEO of Varian Medical Systems, gladly accepts top honors from Medical Imaging Publisher Curtis Pickelle (left).

The theme of the eighth-annual Medical Imaging Readers’ Choice Awards is simple: They’re back on top. We’re referring, of course, to Varian Medical Systems Inc (Palo Alto, Calif), the company that’s taken more top honors than any other and was voted back into the No. 1 spot this year after a lapse to No. 7 in the 2002 survey. In fact, readers voted Varian to No. 1 in 1996, 1999, 2000, and now 2003. “Varian is honored to be recognized by our customers, and we are committed to continuing to earn their support,” says Richard Levy, PhD, president and CEO of Varian Medical Systems.

Top 20 Overall

1. Varian Medical Systems Inc
2. Medrad Inc
3. McKesson
4. Amersham Health
5. GE Medical Systems
6. Siemens Medical Solutions
7. Sony Medical Products
8. Philips Medical Systems
9. Analogic Corp
10. Fujifilm Medical Systems USA Inc
11. Berlex
12. Instrumentarium Imaging Inc
13. R2 Technology
14. Eastman Kodak Co
15. Konica Minolta Medical Imaging USA Inc
16. Bracco
17. InfiMed
18. Hologic Inc
19. Toshiba America Medical Systems
20. Hitachi Medical Systems America

The No. 2 spot this year goes to Medrad Inc, which moved up from No. 3 in 2002. “We have built our business around exceeding the expectations of our customers, so the positive feedback that led to this ranking is very meaningful,” says President and CEO John Friel. “It’s also an honor to rank alongside some of the most respected companies in our industry. We have the talent and dedication of our employees to thank for that.”

McKesson, which scored No. 3, was new to the survey rankings. “We are very pleased to be recognized by the readers of Medical Imaging,” says Greg Peet, VP and general manager of McKesson Medical Imaging Group.

Coming in at No. 5 is GE Medical Systems, dropping just one spot from 2002. “GE Medical Systems is honored to be recognized by Medical Imaging and appreciates the support of the readers who selected us,” says Paul Mirabella, president and CEO of the company’s Americas and Healthcare Services. “We are delighted to accept this award and remain committed to delivering preeminent technology, services, and solutions that allow physicians to provide better patient care.”

Congratulations go the newcomers on this year’s survey, including McKesson (3), Sony Medical Products (7), Analogic Corp (9), Konica Minolta Medical Imaging USA Inc (15), InfiMed (17), and Toshiba America Medical Systems (19).

Via the Medical Imaging Web site, readers ranked almost 60 medical imaging companies. A minimum number of responses per company was necessary to be included in the final tabulation. Also, respondents were given the option to write in a company name that wasn’t included in the original lot. Top write-in companies include Sedecal USA, Hyundai Medical X-Ray Korea, InSite One, DMS Imaging, Stentor, and ComMedica Ltd—among many others.

Over the following pages, we unveil the complete rankings on how vendors performed in 2003. Don’t miss your opportunity to vote next year for your preferred companies.

 Medical Imaging’s Editor Andi Lucas (left) and Advertising Director Martin St Denis (right) join Medrad’s John Friel to congratulate the president and CEO on winning the No. 2 position.
 Coming in at No. 3, McKesson’s Greg Peet, VP and general manager of the company’s Medical Imaging Group, accepts the award from Medical Imaging Publisher Curtis Pickelle (left).
 Thomas Giordano, executive VP and general manager of the North America Medical Diagnostics, accepts No. 4 honors for Amersham Health, presented by Medical Imaging Publisher Curtis Pickelle (left).
 Martin St Denis, advertising director of Medical Imaging, presents the No. 5 award to Paul Mirabella, president and CEO of GE Medical Systems’ Americas and Healthcare Services.

Results by Company

#1 Varian Medical Systems Inc

Overall Rating    3.55
Quality of products introduced    4.15
Price performance of products    3.50
Upgradability of technology    3.47
Product training    3.13
Ease of integration within facility    3.51
Product/technology positioning for the future    3.25
Business management of P&L,
acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures    2.40
Ability to capitalize on new and niche markets    2.92
Internal company leadership    2.51
Product service and support    3.51

Varian Medical Systems is a leader in the design and manufacture of integrated systems of equipment and software for treating cancer with radiation therapy as well as high-quality, cost-effective X-ray tubes for OEMs, replacement X-ray tubes, and imaging subsystems. Recent acquisitions include GE Medical Systems’ (GEMS) radiotherapy service and support organization. With this purchase, Varian assumed service and support activities for GEMS’ installed base of more than 400 medical linear accelerators and 340 treatment planning products at hospitals and clinics worldwide.
Palo Alto, Calif • 650-493-4000 • www.varian.com • #7 in 2002


#2 Medrad Inc

Overall Rating    3.54
Quality of products introduced    4.12
Price performance of products    3.55
Upgradability of technology    3.33
Product training    3.11
Ease of integration within facility    3.65
Product/technology positioning for the future    3.17
Business management of P&L,
acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures    2.25
Ability to capitalize on new and niche markets    2.83
Internal company leadership    2.42
Product service and support    3.51

Medrad’s vascular injection systems are market leaders in quality, performance, reliability, and safety. The company’s also offers a full line of MR-compatible accessory products, including surface coils, an infusion pump, and patient monitor. Medrad’s products are backed by sales, clinical training, and equipment service teams that create satisfied customers; 99.3% of US customers are willing to recommend Medrad products. The company employs 1,200 people and has 15 international locations.
Indianola, Pa • 800-MEDRAD-1 • www.medrad.com • #3 in 2002


#3 McKesson

Overall Rating    3.51
Quality of products introduced    3.57
Price performance of products    3.33
Upgradability of technology    3.35
Product training    3.59
Ease of integration within facility    3.44
Product/technology positioning for the future    3.27
Business management of P&L,
acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures    2.70
Ability to capitalize on new and niche markets    2.98
Internal company leadership    3.00
Product service and support    3.51

McKesson Corp is a leading provider of supply, information, and care management products and services designed to reduce costs and improve quality across health care. The company operates at the intersection of supply management and health information technology. McKesson provides its customers with pharmaceutical and medical-surgical distribution services, automation consulting, information technology, and medical care management services. Founded in 1833 and with annual revenues of more than $50 billion, McKesson ranks as the 20th-largest industrial company in the United States.
San Francisco • 415-983-8300 • www.mckesson.com • No placement in 2002


#4 Amersham Health

Overall Rating    3.50
Quality of products introduced    3.95
Price performance of products    3.32
Upgradability of technology    2.99
Product training    3.53
Ease of integration within facility    3.54
Product/technology positioning for the future    3.42
Business management of P&L,
acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures    2.82
Ability to capitalize on new and niche markets    3.12
Internal company leadership    2.84
Product service and support    3.60

Amersham Health is dedicated to helping health care colleagues diagnose disease and provide answers that lead us closer to personalized medicine. This commitment has made the company a world leader in pharmaceutical diagnostic imaging products, such as Myoview, Omniscan, Omnipaque, Visipaque, and Optison. The creation of products that help bring the right treatment, to the right patient, at the right time, for the right outcome, is Amersham’s vision.
Buckinghamshire, UK • 44-0-1494-544000 www.amershamhealth.com • #8 in 2002


#5 GE Medical Systems

Overall Rating    3.46
Quality of products introduced    3.70
Price performance of products    3.04
Upgradability of technology    3.47
Product training    3.40
Ease of integration within facility    3.42
Product/technology positioning for the future    3.59
Business management of P&L,
acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures    3.10
Ability to capitalize on new and niche markets    3.34
Internal company leadership    2.99
Product service and support    3.33

GE Medical Systems is a $10-billion global leader in medical imaging, point-of-care systems, health care services, and information technology. Its offerings include networking and productivity tools, clinical information systems, patient monitoring systems, anesthesia and respiratory care, maternal-infant care systems, surgery and vascular imaging, conventional and digital X-ray, dental imaging, computed tomography, electron beam tomography, magnetic resonance, ultrasound and bone mineral densitometry, positron emission tomography, nuclear medicine, and a comprehensive portfolio of clinical and business services.
Waukesha, Wis • 800-643-6439 • www.gemedicalsystems.com • #4 in 2002


#6 Siemens Medical Solutions

Overall Rating    3.45
Quality of products introduced    3.92
Price performance of products    3.19
Upgradability of technology    3.57
Product training    3.40
Ease of integration within facility    3.50
Product/technology positioning for the future    3.59
Business management of P&L,
acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures    2.77
Ability to capitalize on new and niche markets    3.13
Internal company leadership    2.78
Product service and support    3.23

Siemens Medical Solutions is one of the largest suppliers to the health care industry in the world. The company is known for bringing together innovative medical technologies, health care information systems, management consulting, and support services, all to help customers achieve tangible, sustainable clinical and financial outcomes. Employing approximately 31,000 people worldwide and operating in more than 120 countries, Siemens Medical Solutions reported group profit of 1.1 billion EUR for FY03.
Malvern, Pa • 888-826-9702 • www.medical.siemens.com • #11 in 2002


#7 Sony Medical Products

Overall Rating    3.40
Quality of products introduced    4.01
Price performance of products    3.24
Upgradability of technology    3.22
Product training    2.44
Ease of integration within facility    3.34
Product/technology positioning for the future    3.05
Business management of P&L,
acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures    2.04
Ability to capitalize on new and niche markets    2.58
Internal company leadership    2.00
Product service and support    2.97

Sony Electronics Inc is a leading provider of medical products through Sony Medical Systems. The company’s medical products are designed for use in a range of applications as standalone hardware or for incorporation into integrated medical systems. Medical imaging offerings include dry film imagers, printers, and medical-grade monitors for a full range of modalities.
Park Ridge, NJ • 800-686-SONY • www.sony.com/medical •  No placement in 2002


#8 Philips Medical Systems

Overall Rating    3.36
Quality of products introduced    3.77
Price performance of products    3.17
Upgradability of technology    3.45
Product training    3.24
Ease of integration within facility    3.39
Product/technology positioning for the future    3.37
Business management of P&L,
acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures    2.65
Ability to capitalize on new and niche markets    2.93
Internal company leadership    2.51
Product service and support    3.29

Philips Medical Systems delivers a robust portfolio of medical systems for faster and more accurate diagnosis and treatment. Philips’ product line includes technologies in X-ray, ultrasound, magnetic resonance, computed tomography, nuclear medicine, PET, radiation oncology systems, patient monitoring, information management, and resuscitation products as well as a range of services that include asset management, training and education, business consulting, financial services, and e-care business services.
Andover, Mass • 978-687-1501 • www.medical.philips.com • #6 in 2002


#9 Analogic Corp

Overall Rating    3.36
Quality of products introduced    3.79
Price performance of products    3.41
Upgradability of technology    3.18
Product training    3.20
Ease of integration within facility    3.32
Product/technology positioning for the future    3.02
Business management of P&L,
acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures    2.25
Ability to capitalize on new and niche markets    2.80
Internal company leadership    2.57
Product service and support    3.38

Analogic Corp is a leading designer and manufacturer of advanced health and security systems and subsystems sold primarily to OEMs. The company is recognized worldwide for advancing the state of the art in CT, DR, ultrasound, MRI, patient monitoring, cardiovascular information management, and embedded multiprocessing.
Peabody, Mass • 978-977-3000 • www.analogic.com • No placement in 2002


#10 Fujifilm Medical Systems USA Inc

Overall Rating    3.34
Quality of products introduced    3.69
Price performance of products    3.22
Upgradability of technology    3.38
Product training    2.98
Ease of integration within facility    2.35
Product/technology positioning for the future    3.31
Business management of P&L,
acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures    2.23
Ability to capitalize on new and niche markets    2.88
Internal company leadership    2.34
Product service and support    3.02

Fujifilm Medical Systems USA Inc supplies a range of products and related services for the capture, communication, display, and archive of medical diagnostic images, which enable health care facilities to produce superior images and improve delivery of care throughout the enterprise. Products include a full line of medical imaging films, film handling, and processing equipment; print networks, including a family of dry imagers; computed radiography; image and information management systems; and enterprise PACS.
Stamford, Conn • 800-431-1850 • www.fujimed.com • #15 in 2002


#11 Berlex

Overall Rating    3.24
Quality of products introduced    3.65
Price performance of products    3.20
Upgradability of technology    2.71
Product training    3.32
Ease of integration within facility    3.27
Product/technology positioning for the future    3.05
Business management of P&L,
acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures    2.39
Ability to capitalize on new and niche markets    2.62
Internal company leadership    2.39
Product service and support    3.29

Committed to addressing unmet medical needs, Berlex develops and markets diagnostic imaging agents and treatments in the areas of female health care and dermatology, as well as specialized therapeutics for life-threatening and disabling diseases in the fields of the central nervous and cardiovascular systems, oncology, and gastroenterology.
Montville, NJ • 888-BERLEX4 • www.berlex.com • #1 in 2002


#12 Instrumentarium Imaging Inc

Overall Rating    3.23
Quality of products introduced    3.65
Price performance of products    3.47
Upgradability of technology    3.28
Product training    3.13
Ease of integration within facility    3.46
Product/technology positioning for the future    3.06
Business management of P&L,
acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures    2.56
Ability to capitalize on new and niche markets    2.81
Internal company leadership    2.49
Product service and support    3.22

Instrumentarium Imaging, recently acquired by GE Medical Systems, provides solutions for all breast imaging environments. The company designs some of the world’s finest imaging solutions by consistently listening to feedback from clinicians and their patients.
Helsinki, Finland • 358-10-394-11 • www.instrumentarium.com #17 in 2002


#13 R2 Technology

Overall Rating    3.23
Quality of products introduced    3.64
Price performance of products    3.11
Upgradability of technology    3.30
Product training    3.30
Ease of integration within facility    3.36
Product/technology positioning for the future    3.28
Business management of P&L,
acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures    2.43
Ability to capitalize on new and niche markets    3.34
Internal company leadership    2.57
Product service and support    3.23

R2 Technology Inc develops and markets computer-aided detection (CAD) software used to help radiologists in screening medical images and detecting clinical abnormalities. R2’s CAD software is being developed to examine medical images taken from a variety of imaging modalities. The CAD software has been integrated with the ImageChecker processing and visual display system, and is being sold to hospitals and imaging centers as an aid to the radiologist for the accurate detection of breast cancer and screening mammography.
Sunnyvale, Calif • 866-CHECKED • www.r2tech.com • #2 in 2002


#14 Eastman Kodak Co

Overall Rating    3.21
Quality of products introduced    3.74
Price performance of products    2.96
Upgradability of technology    3.19
Product training    2.95
Ease of integration within facility    3.22
Product/technology positioning for the future    2.95
Business management of P&L,
acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures    2.13
Ability to capitalize on new and niche markets    2.51
Internal company leadership    2.21
Product service and support    3.07

Kodak’s Health Imaging Group is a world leader in developing, manufacturing, and marketing intelligent imaging products from analog to digital. Its portfolio includes computed radiography (CR) and digital radiography (DR) systems, laser imagers, picture archiving and communications systems (PACS), radiology information systems (RIS), traditional mammography, X-ray film systems, dental imaging products, and various services offerings. The group, with 2002 revenues of $2.27 billion, has served the global health care community for more than 100 years.
Rochester, NY • 800-621-3456 • www.kodak.com/go/health • #9 in 2002


#15 Konica Minolta Medical Imaging USA Inc

Overall Rating    3.14
Quality of products introduced    3.63
Price performance of products    3.29
Upgradability of technology    3.00
Product training    2.77
Ease of integration within facility    3.03
Product/technology positioning for the future    3.17
Business management of P&L,
acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures    2.05
Ability to capitalize on new and niche markets    2.69
Internal company leadership    2.22
Product service and support    2.72

Konica Minolta Medical Imaging USA Inc is a leading manufacturer/distributor of digital and traditional imaging products for diagnostic use by hospitals, imaging centers, clinics, and private-practice physicians. Leading products include the Regius family of computed radiography systems; the DryPro family of laser imagers and image networks; NetStar Image Management Solutions; and medical, laser, and specialty films and film processing equipment.
Wayne, NJ • 973-633-1500 • medical.konicaminolta.us • No placement in 2002


#16 Bracco

Overall Rating    3.05
Quality of products introduced    3.54
Price performance of products    3.32
Upgradability of technology    2.81
Product training    3.33
Ease of integration within facility    3.25
Product/technology positioning for the future    3.30
Business management of P&L,
acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures    2.18
Ability to capitalize on new and niche markets    2.81
Internal company leadership    2.42
Product service and support    3.18

Bracco is an integrated health care group and a world leader in global solutions for the diagnostic imaging field. The company has created a leading edge international network of research centers in Geneva, Milan, and Princeton, each one highly specialized in different areas and techniques. This network represents one of the largest single research structures in the world wholly dedicated to contrast media study and to the development of new products for the demands of new diagnostic techniques like magnetic resonance and sonography.
Milan, Italy • 39-0221771 • www.bracco.com • #5 in 2002


#17 InfiMed

Overall Rating    2.98
Quality of products introduced    3.56
Price performance of products    3.27
Upgradability of technology    3.23
Product training    2.96
Ease of integration within facility    3.08
Product/technology positioning for the future    2.85
Business management of P&L,
acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures    2.06
Ability to capitalize on new and niche markets    2.77
Internal company leadership    2.17
Product service and support    2.96

InfiMed Inc is a worldwide leader in the medical industry providing advanced digital image processing technologies for medical diagnosis. The company designs and manufactures an array of digital X-ray capture, storage, and connectivity products for urology, radiology, vascular imaging, and cardiology. In 1983, the company was the first to market with a digital radiography and fluoroscopy system. InfiMed’s patented imaging technology enables improvements in productivity and image quality over traditional film-based systems.
Liverpool, NY • 800-825-8845 • www.infimed.com • No placement in 2002


#18 Hologic Inc

Overall Rating    2.93
Quality of products introduced    3.39
Price performance of products    3.16
Upgradability of technology    2.95
Product training    3.03
Ease of integration within facility    3.03
Product/technology positioning for the future    2.77
Business management of P&L,
acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures    2.14
Ability to capitalize on new and niche markets    2.48
Internal company leadership    2.16
Product service and support    2.83

Hologic Inc is a leading developer, manufacturer, and supplier of medical imaging systems dedicated to serving the health care needs of women, and a leading developer of digital imaging technology for general radiography and mammography applications. Hologic’s core business units are focused on osteoporosis assessment, mammography and breast biopsy, direct-to-digital X-ray for general radiography applications, and mini C-arm imaging for orthopedic applications.
Bedford, Mass • 781-999-7300 • www.hologic.com • #20 in 2002


#19 Toshiba America Medical Systems

Overall Rating    2.92
Quality of products introduced    3.19
Price performance of products    3.01
Upgradability of technology    2.88
Product training    2.66
Ease of integration within facility    2.91
Product/technology positioning for the future    2.74
Business management of P&L,
acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures    1.91
Ability to capitalize on new and niche markets    2.31
Internal company leadership    1.93
Product service and support    2.71

Toshiba America Medical Systems markets, sells, distributes, and services diagnostic imaging systems; coordinates clinical diagnostic imaging research; and has responsibility for research and development for all modalities in the United States. The company is a world leader in the development of medical imaging equipment, with a product lineup that includes CT, MRI, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, and both conventional and vascular X-ray systems.
Tustin, Calif • 714-730-5000 • www.medical.toshiba.com   No placement in 2002


#20 Hitachi Medical Systems America

Overall Rating    2.88
Quality of products introduced    3.28
Price performance of products    2.95
Upgradability of technology    2.76
Product training    2.60
Ease of integration within facility    2.68
Product/technology positioning for the future    2.51
Business management of P&L,
acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures    1.90
Ability to capitalize on new and niche markets    2.24
Internal company leadership    2.12
Product service and support    2.54

Hitachi Medical Systems America (HMSA) markets magnetic resonance imaging products of Hitachi Medical Corp, including the Altaire high-field performance MR system and the AIRIS II MR system with advanced permanent magnet technology. The company has more than 1,300 Open MRI systems installed throughout the United States and 3,000-plus Open MRI systems installed worldwide. HMSA first established a leadership position in the medical industry with Open MRI systems and has expanded its modality offerings to include ultrasound, positron emission tomography, and optical topography.
Twinsburg, Ohio • 800-800-3106 • www.hitachimed.com • #18 in 2002


Results by Category

Quality of Products Introduced

The degree of excellence of new devices, accessories, and systems introduced by a company from July 2002 to July 2003

1. Varian Medical Systems Inc    4.15
2. Medrad Inc    4.12
3. Sony Medical Products    4.01
4. Amersham Health    3.95
5. Siemens Medical Solutions    3.92
6. Analogic Corp    3.79
7. Philips Medical Systems    3.77
8. Eastman Kodak Co    3.74
9. GE Medical Systems    3.70
10. Fujifilm Medical Systems USA Inc    3.69
11. Instrumentarium Imaging Inc    3.65
     Berlex    3.65
12. R2 Technology    3.64
13. Konica Minolta Medical Imaging USA Inc    3.63
14. McKesson    3.57
15. InfiMed    3.56
16. Bracco    3.54
17. Canon Medical Systems    3.46
18. Alliance Imaging    3.42
19. Hologic Inc    3.39


Price Performance of Products

The value realized between performance and cost of devices, accessories, and systems created and/or sold by a vendor

1. Medrad Inc    3.55
2. Varian Medical Systems Inc    3.50
3. Instrumentarium Imaging Inc    3.47
4. Analogic Corp    3.41
5. McKesson    3.33
6. Amersham Health    3.32
     Bracco    3.32
7. Konica Minolta Medical Imaging USA Inc    3.29
8. InfiMed    3.27
9. Sony Medical Products    3.24
10. Fujifilm Medical Systems USA Inc    3.22
11. Berlex    3.20
12. Siemens Medical Solutions    3.19
13. Philips Medical Systems    3.17
14. Hologic Inc    3.16
15. R2 Technology    3.11
16. GE Medical Systems    3.04
17. Tyco    3.02
18. Toshiba America Medical Systems    3.01
19. Eastman Kodak Co    2.96


Upgradability of Technology

The ease with which a vendor’s devices, accessories, and systems can be upgraded or a transition plan from platform to platform executed

1. Siemens Medical Solutions    3.57
2. Varian Medical Systems Inc    3.47
     GE Medical Systems    3.47
3. Philips Medical Systems    3.45
4. Fujifilm Medical Systems USA Inc    3.38
5. McKesson    3.35
6. Medrad Inc    3.33
7. R2 Technology    3.30
8. Instrumentarium Imaging Inc    3.28
9. InfiMed    3.23
10. Sony Medical Products    3.22
11. Eastman Kodak Co    3.19
12. Analogic Corp    3.18
13. Konica Minolta Medical Imaging USA Inc    3.00
14. Amersham Health    2.99
15. Hologic Inc    2.95
16. Toshiba America Medical Systems    2.88
17. Canon Medical Systems    2.86
18. Bracco    2.81
19. Tyco    2.76


Product Training

The quality of training received from a vendor when a new device was installed

1. McKesson    3.59
2. Amersham Health    3.53
3. GE Medical Systems    3.40
     Siemens Medical Solutions    3.40
4. Bracco    3.33
5. Berlex    3.32
6. R2 Technology    3.30
7. Philips Medical Systems    3.24
8. Analogic Corp    3.20
9. Varian Medical Systems Inc    3.13
     Instrumentarium Imaging Inc    3.13
10. Medrad Inc    3.11
11. Hologic Inc    3.03
12. Fujifilm Medical Systems USA Inc    2.98
13. InfiMed    2.96
14. Eastman Kodak Co    2.95
15. Alliance Imaging    2.79
16. Konica Minolta Medical Imaging USA Inc    2.77
17. Toshiba America Medical Systems    2.66
18. Canon Medical Systems    2.61


Ease of Integration within Facility

The ability to smoothly integrate and network a new device with existing devices in the department and throughout the hospital and health care enterprise

1. Medrad Inc    3.65
2. Amersham Health    3.54
3. Varian Medical Systems Inc    3.51
4. Siemens Medical Solutions    3.50
5. Instrumentarium Imaging Inc    3.46
6. McKesson    3.44
7. GE Medical Systems    3.42
8. Philips Medical Systems    3.39
9. R2 Technology    3.36
10. Sony Medical Products    3.34
11. Analogic Corp    3.32
12. Berlex    3.27
13. Bracco    3.25
14. Eastman Kodak Co    3.22
15. InfiMed    3.08
16. Konica Minolta Medical Imaging USA Inc    3.03
     Hologic Inc    3.03
17. Tyco    3.00
18. Toshiba America Medical Systems    2.91
19. Agfa Corp    2.86


Product/Technology Positioning for the Future

The strategic forethought that a vendor invests into its products and technologies in terms of long-term performance and upgradability to future generations

1. Siemens Medical Solutions    3.59
     GE Medical Systems    3.59
2. Amersham Health    3.42
3. Philips Medical Systems    3.37
4. Fujifilm Medical Systems USA Inc    3.31
5. Bracco    3.30
6. R2 Technology    3.28
7. McKesson    3.27
8. Varian Medical Systems Inc    3.25
9. Konica Minolta Medical Imaging USA Inc    3.17
Medrad Inc    3.17
10. Instrumentarium Imaging Inc    3.06
11. Sony Medical Products    3.05
Berlex    3.05
12. Analogic Corp    3.02
13. Eastman Kodak Co    2.95
14. InfiMed    2.85
15. Canon Medical Systems    2.83
16. Agfa Corp    2.78
17. Hologic Inc    2.77


Ability to Capitalize on New and Niche Markets

The skill of company executives to execute a plan to develop and capitalize on new and niche technologies

1. GE Medical Systems    3.34
     R2 Technology    3.34
2. Siemens Medical Solutions    3.13
3. Amersham Health    3.12
4. McKesson    2.98
5. Philips Medical Systems    2.93
6. Varian Medical Systems Inc    2.92
7. Fujifilm Medical Systems USA Inc    2.88
8. Medrad Inc    2.83
9. Instrumentarium Imaging Inc    2.81
     Bracco    2.81
10. Analogic Corp    2.80
11. InfiMed    2.77
12. Konica Minolta Medical Imaging USA Inc    2.69
13. Alliance Imaging    2.64
14. Berlex    2.62
15. Sony Medical Products    2.58
16. Eastman Kodak Co    2.51
17. Hologic Inc    2.48
18. Canon Medical Systems    2.44


Internal Company Leadership

The ability of senior and middle management to strategize and execute the company’s mission

1. McKesson    3.00
2. GE Medical Systems    2.99
3. Amersham Health    2.84
4. Siemens Medical Solutions    2.78
5. Analogic Corp    2.57
     R2 Technology    2.57
6. Varian Medical Systems Inc    2.51
     Philips Medical Systems    2.51
7. Alliance Imaging    2.49
     Instrumentarium Imaging Inc    2.49
8. Bracco    2.42
     Medrad Inc    2.42
9. Berlex    2.39
10. Fujifilm Medical Systems USA Inc    2.34
11. Canon Medical Systems    2.23
12. Konica Minolta Medical Imaging USA Inc    2.22
13. Eastman Kodak Co    2.21
14. InfiMed    2.17
15. Hologic Inc    2.16
16. Hitachi Medical Systems America    2.12


Business Management of P&L, Acquisitions, Mergers, and Divestitures

The strength of strategies and decisions of senior management regarding profit and loss as well as acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures of product lines and companies

1. GE Medical Systems    3.10
2. Amersham Health    2.82
3. Siemens Medical Solutions    2.77
4. McKesson    2.70
5. Philips Medical Systems    2.65
6. Instrumentarium Imaging Inc    2.56
7. R2 Technology    2.43
8. Varian Medical Systems Inc    2.40
9. Berlex    2.39
10. Alliance Imaging    2.32
11. Canon Medical Systems    2.28
12. Medrad Inc    2.25
     Analogic Corp    2.25
13. Fujifilm Medical Systems USA Inc    2.23
14. Bracco    2.18
15. Hologic Inc    2.14
16. Eastman Kodak Co    2.13
17. Agfa Corp    2.09
18. InfiMed    2.06
19. Konica Minolta Medical Imaging USA Inc    2.05


Product Service and Support

The performance of service and support professionals in troubleshooting broken devices, accessories, and systems; executing quick, effective, and long-terms fixes; and the ability to work with internal staff, technology managers, and other service providers

1. Amersham Health    3.60
2. Varian Medical Systems Inc    3.51
     Medrad Inc    3.51
     McKesson    3.51
3. Analogic Corp    3.38
4. GE Medical Systems    3.33
5. Berlex    3.29
     Philips Medical Systems    3.29
6. Siemens Medical Solutions    3.23
     R2 Technology    3.23
7. Instrumentarium Imaging Inc    3.22
8. Bracco    3.18
9. Eastman Kodak Co    3.07
10. Fujifilm Medical Systems USA Inc    3.02
11. Sony Medical Products    2.97
12. InfiMed    2.96
13. Aloka    2.83
      Hologic Inc    2.83
14. Tyco    2.80
15. Alliance Imaging    2.76