Quest Diagnostics 1997 Annual Report Download - page 8

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The restructured commercial organization will step up efforts to partner with leading buyers of
testing information as we strive to push top-line and bottom-line growth. We will continue to
selectively pursue small strategic acquisitions.
We have high hopes for informatics and molecular diagnostics, particularly as we build
collaborations with other major players. In contrast with some competitors, which are owned in
varying degrees by large pharmaceutical firms, our independence is a source of advantage that
allows us greater freedom in choosing partners in this fast-growing field. As phenomenal as the
progress in this area has been over the past decade, we fully believe the advances in the next ten
years will be even more breathtaking. The steps we are taking now will position us to remain a
national leader.
Summary
History teaches us that periods of great turmoil also hold the promise of extraordinary opportunity.
The challenges we face today are considerable; but they pale in comparison with the opportunities
that await us tomorrow.
With 10,000 Baby Boomers turning age 50 every day, we foresee a steadily growing appetite for
medical testing and information to help people participate in managing their own health care.
New developments in both medicine and information technology will make it possible to provide
health care professionals and patients with faster, more accurate and more sophisticated
information at a time when demand for those services will reach unprecedented levels.
The challenging course we pursued in 1997, and which we will continue in 1998, will provide
the financial stability, disciplined business processes and medical innovations to position us as
the leading provider of diagnostic information and insights for customers and patients.
Kenneth W. Freeman
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
History teaches us that periods
of great turmoil also hold the
promise of extraordinary
opportunity. The challenges we
face today are considerable;
but they pale in comparison
with the opportunities that
await us tomorrow.
6