The speaker works in healthcare technology management.
Role involves ensuring the maintenance and management of medical equipment.
Many technicians come from military backgrounds; majority of their team consists of veterans (90%).
Biomedical engineers and technicians ensure the functionality of various medical devices, from small thermometers to large PET CT machines.
They manage the entire life cycle of medical equipment, from initial need assessment to procurement and ongoing maintenance.
Act as technology partners to clinicians, helping to choose suitable devices based on clinical needs and budget constraints.
Description of the whole life cycle of medical devices:
Planning: Identifying what equipment is necessary and what options are available in the market.
Evaluation: Assessing the quality and cost-effectiveness of medical devices.
Implementation: Integrating new devices into clinical settings, including training staff.
Sustainment: Ensuring devices function properly throughout their intended lifespan.
A focus on cost-saving measures while maintaining quality care.
Importance of staying updated with new technologies and integrating them into healthcare:
Artificial intelligence (AI) is being incorporated into the decision-making processes, especially in radiology.
AI aids in image reconstruction, detection of medical conditions (e.g. fractures, cancers), and faster analysis.
Emphasis on technology that touch patients, such as IV pumps and diagnostic machines.
Need for strong communication skills; biomedical engineers interact with a diverse set of professionals, including:
Clinicians (doctors and nurses)
Pharmacy professionals
Healthcare administrators
Requires the ability to translate technical language into clinical terms for better understanding of medical staff.
Stress on human factors in technology use; ensuring devices are easy for clinical staff to operate to prevent errors.
Established new procedures for tracking and ensuring hand hygiene compliance post-COVID-19.
Promotion of integrating new technologies, such as barcode medication administration, to prevent errors and enhance patient safety.
Primary Responsibilities: Planning, evaluating, implementing, sustaining medical devices.
Importance of data and metrics in decision making for purchasing and maintaining equipment.
Addressing the aging of devices and the need for updated models with advanced features.
Act as liaisons between clinical needs and device manufacturers.
Provide user feedback to improve the design and functionality of devices to enhance usability.
Ensure devices are reliable and efficient, reducing negative patient impact from equipment failures.
Discussion of PET CT and nuclear medicine in cancer treatment and diagnosis.
Highlight on hybrid operating rooms and da Vinci Surgical Systems for minimally invasive surgeries.
Ongoing advancements in medical imaging systems aiding in quick diagnosis.
Health technology management is a field that constantly evolves, requiring professionals to stay updated on trends and innovations.
Encouragement of a collaborative and innovative atmosphere within hospitals to ensure high-quality patient care.
Educational requirements for entering the field (degrees and specialized training).
Various career paths available within healthcare technology management:
Engineer level positions often require engineering degrees
Technician roles can be pursued with an associate degree or military training.
Federal government positions offer strong benefits and growth opportunities in career advancement.
Pros:
Dynamic and rewarding work environment
Strong sense of contribution to patient care
Opportunities for professional development and advancement.
Cons:
Federal bureaucracy and budget constraints can be challenging.
May face limitations on resources affecting operations.
The speaker remains enthusiastic about the future of healthcare technology and the integration of innovations like AI into their workflow.
Encouragement for young professionals to consider careers in health technology management for a fulfilling and impactful career.