by
Christina Hwang, Contributing Reporter | May 18, 2016
From the May 2016 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
Patrick Harning:We make sure every time we buy capital equipment, we get training for our people. When we go out to buy a piece of equipment, we negotiate with the vendors to make sure training is included in the purchase. We should negotiate not only clinical training (end-user), but also technical training for our folks in the department.
Curt Rodriguez:By networking, attending and speaking at events such as the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), CMI and MD Expo, to name a few, and, of course, training. We also participate in clinical trials for new medical equipment. As new medical equipment technology is being considered we are typically involved with providing the options available for the technology, quotes, capital purchasing, implementation and support.
We offer input regarding interoperability, device integration, serviceability and the various options medical equipment-wise. We are directly responsible for the care and service documentation of medical equipment
in the hospital, whether it is through OEM contracts or in-house support.
HCB News: What values do you think are most important for an HTM professional?
Gary Barkov:Having a holistic focus on safety is vital. Not just with the work that we do, but we also need to have an awareness of the environment that the equipment operates in. I think biomeds need to have the same values as health care workers, which includes a calling to serve the well-being of people and to promote healing. You also have to be very inquisitive, enjoy problem-solving, have a questioning attitude and have confidence in your mechanical and/or electronic skills.
Izabella Gieras:The ever-evolving technology and exposure to it brings a great number of opportunities, including medical device integration. I also enjoy the world of human factors engineering, which is a great asset when you evaluate new equipment and look at its design and any anticipated medical errors when in use. The other big thing is the people that you work with. Whether it is the people that you work with in the hospital, or professionals you may meet outside. Having the ability to interact with them and network with them makes you realize how much you can learn from your colleagues.
Heidi Horn:I would say a good work ethic, more than anything. We are investing in our training and our people, but you can’t train a good attitude. What we found is that if we hire a person for their attitude and willingness to learn, we can succeed. If you hire a highly skilled person, and yet they don’t have a passion for what they’re doing and view it just as a paycheck and cut corners, then you are going to pay for it in the long run.
