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My career began as a biomedical equipment technician 25 years ago. I worked as a bench technician for 16 years
before being promoted to managing a clinical engineering department for a community hospital. As a technician,
I felt there never seemed to be enough recognition for the biomeds and the work they accomplish in repair, calibrating
and sometimes modifying the many components of medical equipment service. We were available 24x7 to provide service
to the various departments that keep a hospital running such as Intensive Care, Telemetry, Operating Room, Emergency
Department, Labor & Delivery, Med-Surg Floors, Laboratory, Respiratory Therapy, Physical Therapy and more. To be
a skilled biomed means you must have the expertise and knowledge to repair a very wide range of medical equipment ranging
in electronics, electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, plumbing and hydraulics. From devices such as suction
gauges to diagnostic imaging equipment. A good combination of electronics background and mechanical
ability is a rare find and something a qualified biomedical technician will possess. When I became a supervisor,
I gave myself the challenge to provide more insight into this exciting and ever-changing field. It began with my
efforts with our Governors office that declared a special week dedicated to the individuals who work in the biomedical
field. I furthered my efforts to introduce this profession to a local vocational high school using a career
day presentation to meet with students enrolled in electronics, computer and health occupations. Continuing
on, I decided upon an emblem and worked closely with an artist to create a design that would give an impressive and
dynamic appearance to embolden the biomedical field and give recognition to these individuals. We have since been
delivering these patches nationwide to hospitals, colleges and biomedical service companies.
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