Robert J. Kerwin is approaching three decades as general counsel with IAMERS (the International Association of Medical Equipment Remarketers and Servicers). In conversation with HCB News, he reflects on the evolution of the independent medical equipment service industry, the regulatory battles that shaped it, and the relationships that kept him engaged along the way.

Kerwin discusses everything from right-to-repair advocacy and FDA recognition of independent servicers to memorable moments from his earliest IAMERS presentations — including a power outage that nearly ended his involvement before it began.

HCB News: As you approach your 30th year as General Counsel to IAMERS, can you reflect on any highlights?

Robert J. Kerwin: Without a doubt the greatest continuing highlight has been getting to know the IAMERS members. Whether they live and work in Kansas, New Jersey, Germany, Australia or India, they are amongst the hardest working people I have known. As a group, I have to say, they treat pretty much everyone, starting with their staff and their customer hospitals, with enormous respect. Patient safety is really a priority and when you meet them, you find that out pretty quickly.

HCB News: Okay, I want to get back to that, but first how did you get involved with IAMERS?
RK: I was representing lenders in all phases of their business including equipment leasing/financing issues and I was asked by one of the lenders if I would be willing to speak to a diagnostic imaging trade association in Dallas on legal issues, that group was IAMERS.

HCB News: I presume that your presentation in Dallas went well?
RK: Actually, it was a disaster. Halfway through my slide presentation, there was a power outage. I mean the lights went out and the projector didn’t work and it took a little while for the hotel technical crew to restore power. When I attempted to resume my presentation, I was told the educational program was behind schedule and that I could circulate my slides if I wanted to. I thought that was the beginning and end of my involvement.

HCB News: So how did you manage to stay involved?
RK: Well, I got to know some of the members who actually posed a variety of legal questions to me so I knew that people were listening. For the next twelve years, I volunteered my time with IAMERS in helping it legally to get off the ground and participating as a non-voting member of the IAMERS Board of Directors and ...I finally got to finish my legal issues presentation. Still, I came to learn that they love to play jokes on lawyers and in particular, this lawyer.

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