By Wendy DillerFollowing a robust 2024, the medical device sector continues to thrive in 2025 and remains somewhat insulated from dramatic shifts in healthcare policies, at least in the short term. Market Pathways and MedTech Strategist writer Wendy Diller spoke on March 3, 2025 with Ryan Zimmerman, a managing director and senior equity analyst--medtech at BTIG, in the lead up to one of the sector’s most important medical meetings, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) Annual Meeting, scheduled to take place March 10-13. The conversation took place the day before President Trump imposed hefty tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico and increased the tariffs on goods from China. On March 5, following news of the tariffs, Zimmerman said his views fundamentally have not changed. The tariffs were expected, and “companies are dealing with it and managing through it. They, the Administration, believe they can get energy costs and taxes lower to offset it.”Threats of tariffs and cuts to Medicaid are adding some volatility, with some subsectors more affected than others. Healthcare system demand for capital equipment could come under pressure, depending on the policies enacted. Orthopedics and spine, for example, are less vulnerable to tariffs on goods made in China, Mexico and Canada, because the materials of choice for implants are largely titanium, which has not been mentioned in the tariff lists. Implementation of new local coverage decisions is delayed due to the Administration changes, which is expected, but one that seems likely to go into effect on April 13, 2025 will have a disruptive effect on the chronic wound care industry. Another, which improves reimbursement for foot bunions, which went into effect in January, is a big boost for foot and ankle surgeries. Zimmerman will also be attending the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, which takes place at the same time in Los Angeles.A more expansive discussion with BTIG about the orthopedics industry is available to MedTech Strategist subscribers.medtechstrategist.com/trial