By K. Richard Douglas
The number of biomeds who found the profession through happenstance is large. Often, it was an existing career in a medical field or electronics field that served as a conduit to discovering biomed. One sailor who found himself in a Navy medical assignment experienced this firsthand.
“In 1988, I was assigned as a Navy Corpsman with 3rd Battalion 9th Marines, Camp Pendleton, California,” says Sal Cruz, CBET, director of clinical engineering, Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas.
Cruz says that while assigned to Division, he had to transport an injured Navy Corpsman to Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton.
“As we were transporting the sailor, I saw an individual working on a portable X-ray unit. I noticed he was a Navy Corpsman, so I was curious and went over to ask him what he was doing. He said he was working on the portable X-ray and had just changed the batteries on it. I asked him if that was his job. He said yes, and I made the comment; How do I get into this career field?” Cruz says.
He says that the very same day, the Corpsman walked him into the shop and introduced him to the Senior Chief.
“The Senior Chief had an interview sheet, asked me some questions, and signed off on it. I went back to my command and put a packet together, along with the recommendation letter, and miraculously got selected to attend the Basic Biomedical Repair Technician School ‘Super G’ Course in Aurora, Colorado,” Cruz says.
He says that at the time, in the Navy, you had to be a Corpsman to apply for the Biomedical Repair Technician Program.
“For the life of me, I wish I could remember that Senior Chief’s name; he helped me change my career trajectory and changed my life! It was truly a blessing,” Cruz adds.
Cruz graduated from the Basic Biomedical Technician course in 1992 and the Advanced Biomedical Repair Technician, 32 week course in 1996.
He served with Fleet Hospital Support Office in Alameda, California, and the U.S. Marine Corps (MEDLOG) Command in Kaneohe, Hawaii. He then moved on to the Naval School of Health Sciences Detachment, Sheppard AFB in Wichita Fall, Texas.
“I served as an Instructor for the Basic Biomedical Equipment Technician School. Assigned to Block 11 (Imaging Systems). Instructor Duty was an absolute great opportunity to give back to the biomed career field. It was an honor and a privilege to impact the future of our career field and I learned so much from the sailors, soldiers and airmen that I taught,” Cruz says.
He adds that he had outstanding mentors in Chief Petty Officer Frank Cabrera and Chief Petty Officer Troy Scott.
Cruz was assigned to U.S. Naval Hospital Rota, Spain (2004-2008) as Leading Chief Petty Officer.
“While assigned in Rota, I volunteered to support Operation Enduring Freedom (2006-2007). We were a four-man Civil Affairs Team assigned to the 10th Mountain Rangers,” he says.
Cruz was assigned as Leading Chief Petty Officer of Support Services. (2008-2009) and he retired after 22 years of Naval Service in November 2009.
He has been in his current role as director of clinical engineering at Cook Children’s Medical center since 2009.
“I am extremely grateful that Cook Children’s gave me an opportunity to serve in this role,” Cruz says.
WORDS OF WISDOM
Off the job, Cruz enjoys some of life’s simple pleasures.
“I love to fish! Also, sitting outside in my backyard with a good cigar accompanied by a good whiskey suits me just fine,” he says.
He has been married to his wife Karen (Katy) for more than two decades.
“My best friend, my rock; I could not be where I am today without her by my side. She has put up with my shenanigans for 24 years and is the best mom to our sons, Aaron, Jaxon and puppy Chip,” Cruz says.
Aaron is 33 years old and did a tour in the Air Force. Jaxon, 22 years old, will be graduating from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor’s Degree in Media Science.
Cruz’s dedication to the profession has paid off with some well-deserved recognition. In 2001, he was selected as U.S. Naval Medical Logistics Command Biomedical Repair Technician of the Year. In 2024, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Healthcare Technology Management Association of North Texas. (HTMA-NTX). He was also awarded a Bronze Star for Combat Support Operations in Afghanistan 2006-2007.
“Becoming a BMET was the best career move I made. It has truly been a blessing. We have access to a plethora of repair knowledge at our fingertips now. Biomed technicians have the ability to set their own ceiling and achieve their goals. There will be individuals who try to impede your growth, but don’t give up, don’t allow them to affect your plans. Further your education span, get certified, and commit to your customers,” Cruz says.
He adds that he is always amazed to hear clinical staff ask, “What is it that you and your team do?”
In response, he has a suggestion for biomeds.
“Round your departments for effect and show your customers how you are committed to maintaining their medical equipment. Own your areas of responsibility, own your career trajectory, be the subject matter expert on your medical equipment,” he says.
He says to be loyal to the people that are loyal to you.
“Accountability begins with ownership at all levels,” Cruz adds. “Show grace and patience with each other and set goals for yourselves.”
BIOMETRICS
Favorite book:
“Beyond Band of Brothers, The War Memoirs” of Dick Winters
Favorite movie:
“Gladiator”
Favorite food:
Street Tacos
Favorite part of being a biomed?
Favorite part of being a biomed is that with the right commitment, passion, and work ethic, you have the potential to positively impact patient care outcomes. You have the capability to own your areas of responsibility and provide great customer service and have the autonomy to do your job!
Why do you read TechNation?
To keep up with industry standards and latest technology insight. Keep my team informed as well!
