As the global leader in medical technology whose products have improved the lives of millions of people, I'd like to comment on the Star Tribune series on physician/industry collaboration. The series raised important issues, but misrepresents the essential relationship between the device industry and physicians. The articles imply that industry relationships with doctors are inappropriate. While the possibility for conflict of interest exists, these relationships fuel the innovation that allows us to deliver life-saving and life-enhancing devices to patients. The ideas for our products almost always come from physicians who best understand the unmet clinical needs and their solutions. Our scientists and engineers collaborate with physicians to develop products that transform peoples' lives. The suggestion that doctors are paid to use our products is simply untrue. We pay fair market value for their inventions and their time to develop safe and effective products, and to educate and train other doctors. Medtronic has led the effort for greater transparency of these relationships by publicly supporting legislation that would require public disclosure of payments to physicians. Our first priority is and always will be patients. In order to continue to provide safe and effective life-saving therapies, we must collaborate with physicians. The solution is not curbing the relationships, but rather creating greater transparency. BILL HAWKINS, CHAIRMAN AND CEO, MEDTRONIC, MINNEAPOLIS