Let me tell you about this guy

On the front page of today's Boston Globe is an article about Boston Scientific's aggressive bid for Guidant. It included a quote that triggered a vivid memory.

"In the life-science space I can't remember the bidding being as aggressive," said Benjamin Conway, the head of life science investment banking for Kaufman & Co. of Boston.

I met Ben Conway a couple years ago when we sat together at lunch during a health care conference. It was a large, noisy room where several hundred people were busy munching away. A man walked past about 25 feet away from us, and 2 or 3 people were walking alongside him, looking concerned. I didn't think anything of it.All of a sudden, Ben jumped up, rushed across the room and administered the Heimlich Maneuver to the man, who was at least 6' 3". Ben saved him from choking to death, then came back and had dessert. Meanwhile, none of the dozens of physicians in the room (never mind the rest of us!) had done anything. Nonetheless, Ben and the rest of those sitting at our table were treated to a discussion of the finer points of the procedure by a doctor turned lobbyist who was sitting at our table.Anyway, if I ever need an action-oriented life sciences investment banker I will know where to turn!