Empowering the Biomedical/CE Professional
Ultrasound Preventative Maintenance Standards
In this article, ultrasound preventative maintenance standards and intervals will be addressed. This may seem like a straightforward topic, but as you will see, can be very confusing. Let’s begin by looking at what procedures the OEM requires during a PM and at what intervals. “Which OEM?,” you may ask. That is the question as the PM procedures and intervals will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each manufacturer has specific tests and procedures they recommend be completed during a PM. The intervals will also vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, as well as whether the PM is suggested or mandatory. As...
The Seven Triggers
I recently ran across a very interesting topic. It seems that we have been totally wrong regarding how individuals – that means you – make decisions. Aristotle, the old Greek guy, thought that decision-making was driven by logic and reason. He also felt that it was a human failing to be more persuaded by emotions than by logic. He may have been correct that it is a failing; however, research indicates that we in fact make emotion-based decisions. Since we now have all types of live brain scanning devices, we can actually see which areas of the brain are active...
Screening BMET Students for Employability Factors
2011 was both a terrific and a terrible year for us at Texas State Technical College Waco. On the positive side, enrollment has been consistently up and the trend shows no sign of ending anytime soon. On the bad side, we lost a terrific instructor and budgets continue to be cut. 2012 should prove to be interesting as we get closer to implementing the new funding formula. In the past, schools like ours have been funded on contact hours; in other words, the number of hours students spend in the classroom per semester. The more students we have, and the...
Is learning for learning’s sake worth it?
The most popular activity on the Internet these days is StumbleUpon. It is a feature that can be added to any web browser that, when you click on the StumbleUpon button, takes you to a random website. It is like unwrapping a birthday present every time you click your mouse. StumbleUpon has a configuration screen where you can enter your interests so that it sends you to random sites that are likely to have things that you are interested in. Why is this so popular? I use StumbleUpon regularly, both at home and at work. Some of the sites are...
There is a fine line between being determined and being stubborn, as I have learned the hard way on a few occasions. While there are times when it may be advantageous to display one or the other of these characteristics, it is hard to know where that critical line is. Depending on the circumstances, it is usually appropriate to show commitment and determination. At the same time, it may be detrimental if you are perceived by those around you as being stubborn. There is usually a direct, inverse correlation between how emotionally involved I am in the situation and my...
IT Buzzword Busting: The Cloud
If there’s one thing IT marketing and publishing groups are great at it’s coining, reinforcing and misusing technology buzzwords. I don’t aim to be cynical, so I will make an effort to separate the wheat from the chaff on the topic of cloud computing. This buzzword has become mainstream and actually does refer to important trending changes in the computing industry, but much like an actual cloud in the sky, the term also indistinctly refers to ideas that are hazy; vapor devoid of much substance. One of the most important trends that The Cloud refers to is the concept of...
Manners Matter
With the difficult job market and tough competition today, you need to stand out from the others and make a good impression. It is not enough to be technically savvy, smart and experienced to succeed in today’s workplace. If your technical skills are comparable with your peers or your competitors, then the use of common courtesies, or good manners, along with excellent communication skills can put you ahead and ensure you stand out in a very competitive market. You would be surprised that in the world of social media and high-tech tools, the use of common courtesies has declined, especially...
It’s another new year, so once again a time of reflection for me. With every december that passes, i face the harsh reality that we only have one life on this earth, and another year of mine is behind me. I don’t think I have ever accomplished even half of what I had planned for any given year. That leads to a very sobering thought. At that rate, how will I ever be able to achieve my goals? To get over that depression, I shift my thoughts to what a new year may offer. With that comes the beginning of...
The importance of ultrasound system backups
Backing up configuration information on ultrasound systems is the foundation of equipment maintenance. The data saved during a system backup includes: customer presets, network configurations for the system and destinations, system preferences and licensed options files. This information is extremely difficult to restore manually if lost. As ultrasound systems become more computerized, this is more important than ever. The old adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” could not be more appropriately applied than with this topic. The most fundamental backup you can perform is through the system itself. All contemporary systems have some form of...
Securely limiting medical device internet and remote access
Last month’s IT Update addressed how a few key network infrastructure systems facilitate data communication between devices. Building on that, it’s good to be aware of what is being transmitted to and from medical equipment and how that may affect operations and/or patient care. I believe two key starting points on this topic are Internet access and remote access. Thinking through the inventory of network connected medical devices you manage, how many have direct Internet access? Of these, how many require Internet access for the proper operation or support of that device? If there is a big difference in your...
