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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 involving medical equipment. 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 wide variety of medical equipment ranging
in electronics, electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, plumbing and hydraulics. From minor equipment such
as suction devices to more complex diagnostic imaging machines. 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 manager, I wanted to provide more insight into this exciting and ever-changing field. It began
with my efforts to declare a special week dedicated to the individuals who work in the biomedical equipment
field. In the year 2004 I submitted a petition to our state Governor who declared a
week in September as Biomedical /Clinical Engineering Week. I furthered my efforts to introduce this profession
to the high school students at two local vocational technical career centers. By inviting biomedical
managers from other local hospitals we were able to hold a career day presentation at these centers to meet with
students enrolled in electronics, computer and health occupations. Continuing on, I decided upon an emblem
and worked closely with a graphic artist to create a design that would give an impressive and dynamic
appearance to embolden the biomedical field and give recognition to the biomeds. We have since been delivering
these patches nationwide to hospitals, colleges and biomedical service companies.
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