By K. Richard Douglas

Vikrant Massey, a well-known actor in India, once stated: “Recognition is a reward in itself. Any form of appreciation, even a small word, is important.” 

Massey’s insight reflects an international truth that transcends cultures.

Professional recognition among peers is widely considered a vital component of career satisfaction and retention. Peer recognition significantly boosts job satisfaction by increasing engagement, motivation, and a sense of value, fostering stronger team bonds, reducing burnout, and improving overall well-being, making employees feel seen, appreciated and more connected to their career field.

It acts as a powerful intrinsic motivator, reinforcing positive behaviors and creating a positive, supportive culture where people feel acknowledged for their contributions, leading to higher retention and productivity. 

Within any career field, there can be appreciation for those who are willing to lend a helping hand, departments who work beneficially as a team, leaders who care about their people and groups that give back to the profession.

In HTM, appreciation fosters a sense of belonging and validates the essential role that HTM professionals play in patient safety and healthcare efficiency.

TechNation magazine is once again shining a spotlight on the dedicated professionals who power the healthcare technology management (HTM) industry. Now in its third annual iteration, the Tech Choice Awards – informally known as the “Wrenchies”– serve as a premier platform to honor the outstanding individuals who constitute this critical profession.

A community-driven honor, the 2026 Tech Choice Awards are uniquely significant because they are the “people’s choice award” for the HTM community. In a field that requires deep technical expertise and relentless dedication, being recognized by one’s peers and co-workers carries a special weight.

TechNation serves as a resource for over 12,000 medical equipment service professionals, including biomedical, imaging and IT specialists. For these professionals, the Wrenchies offer a rare moment of visibility.

Being nominated by a colleague signifies that one’s hard work, so often performed behind the scenes, has not gone unnoticed by those who truly understand the complexities of the job. Because the winners are determined 100 percent by the number of votes received from the community, the award represents a pure consensus of professional respect.

For that reason, finalists are honored to be nominated and a part of a distinguished group.

The enthusiasm for the 2026 awards has been unprecedented. HTM professionals across the country generated over 1,500 nominations, resulting in the selection of the top five finalists for each of the 14 categories.

We asked some of the finalists in the ICON, Professional of the Year, Influencer, Educator and ISO Professional categories to reflect upon what their nominations mean to them and how the recognition might have a bearing on their careers.

TELLING THE BIOMED STORY
In an era where communication can be more widespread and instantaneous than ever before, influencers have reached large audiences with information that can change lives. The Internet has provided one avenue for achieving this end alongside more traditional outlets like books. The influencer award pays tribute to these talented individuals.

“Being nominated for Industry Influencer of the Year is deeply meaningful to me because it comes from my peers. People who understand the work, the challenges and the heart behind it. I don’t do this work for recognition, so to be seen and nominated by colleagues in the HTM community is incredibly humbling,” says Jennifer Chester, senior project manager.

She says that it affirms that the stories she is telling, the programs she is building through NextJenn TechMom’s Mobile Discovery Museum, and the character of Bella the Biomed, are resonating in ways that matter.

“I’m truly grateful to everyone who has supported, encouraged and believed in this journey along the way,” Chester says.

She says that winning would be an honor, but more than that, it would be a shared victory.

“It would represent the collective belief of this community in the importance of visibility, education and storytelling within HTM. It would shine a light on the idea that our industry isn’t just about equipment; it’s about people, impact and the next generation. If even one young person sees this and thinks, ‘There’s a place for me here,’ then the win means something far bigger than a title,” Chester says.

She added that advancing as a finalist validates her goals.

“Being named a finalist, and potentially winning, reinforces my commitment to continue bridging the gap between healthcare technology and the communities we serve. Representation matters. This recognition sends a powerful message that diverse voices, creative approaches and nontraditional paths belong in this field. For the remainder of my career, it fuels my responsibility to keep showing up, mentoring, and creating opportunities so that the next generation, especially little girls who may not yet see themselves reflected in HTM, know that their ideas, their voices and their contributions will matter too,” Chester says.

While Chester has made her mark as an author and creator of a mobile tech museum for kids, Justin Barbour, director of business development, created a YouTube channel and website to tell the biomed story.

“I am honored for all the support the industry has given me over the past seven and a half years of producing clinical engineering content,” Barbour says.

“Winning Influencer of the Year [would be] another reflection that my efforts are paying off. My brand and mission are growing fast and more people are learning about clinical engineering around the world,” he says.

How does being named as a finalist impact one’s career? Barbour shared his perspective.

“I have invested much into the Better Biomed YouTube channel and the growth has often outpaced my time or ability to produce the content that I want to make. I am more motivated than ever to make 2026 an exceptional year with larger channel partnerships, more giveaways, and better videos focusing on equipment repair,” Barbour adds. 

GIVING BACK
The ICON category says much in a single word. The word isn’t prone to interpretation; it means someone is an icon. This is a person worthy of veneration. In this case; someone who has achieved this stature within HTM.

HTM veteran Mike Busdicker, MBA, CHTM, AAMIF, FACHE, is an HTM professional with 43 years of experience. He shared his thoughts on being nominated.

“It is truly an honor to be nominated for the ICON award. This type of recognition is not a result of individual work and accomplishments. It is a reflection of the encouragement, collaboration, inspiration and mentoring of so many individuals in the HTM industry. Also, to have my name included among such talented and dedicated peers is humbling,” says Busdicker. 

He says that winning the ICON Award would be an honor, but more importantly it would be a reminder of the journey, the sacrifices, and the countless people who believed in him along the way.

“It would be evidence that the work completed, the risk taken, the stories told, and the barriers broken, have made a difference,” Busdicker says.

He says that one of the mentors he had during his 40-plus years in healthcare, discussed with his team the difference in leaving a “legacy” and leaving an “impression.”

“A legacy is individual achievement in a career, while leaving an impression impacts the entire industry and those involved in the field. Therefore, winning the ICON award would represent leaving a lasting impression on the industry and paving the way for those to come. This would mean much more to me than leaving a legacy and would prove that the work time, volunteer time, study time, and other items outside the work environment were worth the effort,” Busdicker adds.

Busdicker has many achievements in HTM and said being named as a finalist for a Wrenchie motivates him to do more.

“Winning this award or just being nominated as a finalist is not the last step in my career. This nomination provides motivation to continue striving for excellence, to push boundaries, and to make contributions in moving the healthcare industry, and specifically the HTM field, into the future. In my mind this recognition supports the fact that icons are not born – they develop through passion, perseverance and purpose,” Busdicker adds.

Another ICON nominee, like Busdicker, comes out of a career of HTM leadership.

Sheila O’Donnell, retired senior vice president of the Technical Resource Group at Intelas, shared how she found out about her nomination.

“I learned the news shortly after my retirement while I was at the beach, quietly working on a puzzle. The nomination came as a complete and unexpected surprise,” says O’Donnell.

“Over the years, I have been fortunate to know Steve Cannon and his legacy, Ed Sloan, Ray Dalton and Mike Busdicker. This group of nominees brings different talents to the table and has made rich contributions to HTM by building businesses, strengthening teams, and teaching and mentoring others. What a group,” O’Donnell says

She says to be nominated by her peers and recognized by the HTM community is humbling and deeply meaningful. It feels like recognition of the relationships and shared passion for HTM that have defined her career.

O’Donnell says that if she were to win she hopes it encourages others in HTM to accept a challenge and push themselves to do more.

“If winning helps encourage someone to take a risk – to finish a degree, write an HTM article, advocate for Right to Repair, or speak at an MD Expo, AAMI conference, or IAMERS meeting – then it would mean a great deal to me,” O’Donnell says.

She says that taking those kinds of steps helped her overcome her own fears, build confidence and experience opportunities she never imagined.

“If my journey can inspire someone else to take that next step; that would be the real reward,” O’Donnell says.

“This chapter of my career is about stewardship – helping sustain the values, people, and sense of purpose that make this industry strong, while trusting the next generation to carry it forward. This is something my father was always great at doing and I feel that I am carrying on his work,” O’Donnell says.

She says that through her role as a board member of the AAMI Foundation, she remains committed to “advance the development of health technology professionals and the safe use of technology to improve health.”

“Being named a finalist or winner would strengthen my resolve to remain accessible, supportive and focused on the future of this very special HTM community,” O’Donnell says.  

ADMIRABLY REPRESENTING THE PROFESSION
The professional category represents in-house biomeds and support personnel who have been recognized by their colleagues for their dedication and value to the team.

TechNation asked, “What did it mean to you to be nominated for this award?”

“Being nominated for the Professional of the Year Award is a profound honor. I often remind my students and teams that you never know who is watching, so lead with respect, grace and integrity in every interaction. This recognition reinforces that principle – it’s a testament that our actions matter, and that the way we treat others leaves a lasting impact. It reminds me that excellence isn’t just about what we achieve, but how we inspire and uplift those around us,” says Allison Woolford, CBET, operations manager.

She says that winning this award would signify that her fellow HTM professionals believe in her vision and commitment to advancing and growing the HTM profession.

“It would affirm that together, we can elevate this field and inspire the next generation to see its value and impact,” Woolford says.

“Being named a finalist for the Professional of the Year Award is more than an honor – it’s a powerful reminder that passion and perseverance truly make a difference. It shows me that the long hours, the commitment, and the drive to excel are not only worthwhile but recognized by those I respect most. Winning this award would be a catalyst, fueling my determination to keep pushing boundaries and raising the bar. My vision goes beyond personal success – I want to inspire future generations to see this career as a path of purpose and impact. My goal is to see it discussed in high schools and households as often as professions like engineering, medicine and law,” Woolford adds.

Eight hundred and 30 miles south of Woolford is another professional finalist.

“Being nominated was incredibly meaningful and emotional for me. It felt like a moment where years of hard work, dedication and perseverance were truly seen and valued. This recognition is deeply inspiring and reminds me why I am passionate about what I do. I am extremely grateful for the nomination and for the people who believed in my journey,” says Mayra Becerra, CBET.

She says that winning this award would represent much more than a personal achievement.

“It would reflect the support, encouragement and guidance I have received from so many people along the way. I know I have not accomplished this on my own, and this recognition would belong to everyone who has supported me, believed in me, and pushed me to keep going. If I were to win, I would dedicate this honor to every person who stood by me and supported me from the very beginning,” Becerra says.

“It would validate my efforts and inspire me to continue moving forward. Winning this award would open another door on my path to creating a meaningful impact through the work I have yet to do. I am humbled and honored and, more than anything, I hope it inspires others to follow their dreams and believe that all things are possible,” Becerra adds.

IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION
Educating the next generation of HTM professionals or providing on-going training for existing biomeds puts the spotlight on the importance of education. The Educator of the Year Award recognizes that effort.

“It truly is an honor to be nominated, especially since it comes from within the HTM field. This recognition is particularly meaningful because of the incredible group of finalists I’m alongside. The accomplishments and impact of each of them are inspiring, and I’m grateful to be considered in such outstanding company,” says Joie Nicole Marhefka, Ph.D.

She says that winning would be a great honor. 

“I also think it reflects the many wonderful students that I’ve had the opportunity to teach over the years and the great colleagues that I work alongside,” Marhefka adds.

She adds being a Wrenchie finalist is inspiring. 

“It motivates me to keep working to do the best job I can to educate my students and to help prepare the next generation of HTM professionals,” Marhefka says.

Todd Boyland from RSTI says being among the finalists for the Educator of the Year Wrenchie “is incredibly meaningful and humbling.”

“This field is filled with experienced, hardworking professionals who understand what it takes to build and sustain technical excellence. To be recognized by those colleagues tells me that the work we are doing in the classroom truly matters,” Boyland says. “This nomination is truly a team nomination, as I feel this nomination is reflective of RSTI’s commitment to delivering high-quality, hands-on education and the collective efforts of our entire instructor team. If anything, it reinforces that investing in students and strengthening their technical foundation ultimately strengthens our entire industry.”

He later said, “The most rewarding part of teaching is watching students build confidence, master complex systems and leave RSTI ready to contribute immediately as service professionals. Knowing that our graduates are strengthening healthcare teams across the industry is what makes this work so fulfilling.”

He adds that being a finalist keeps his desire to support and grow HTM grow stronger.

“The greatest impact of this nomination is the opportunity it creates to further advocate for strong, practical technical education within HTM. It reinforces the importance of preparing students not just to pass a course, but to succeed confidently in the field long after graduation,” Boyland says. “Any recognition I receive helps elevate the work RSTI does every day and shines a light on the instructors who are equally dedicated to developing skilled, capable engineers. A win for me is really a win for RSTI, our students, and the employers who depend on their technical readiness.”

RECOGNIZING ISO PROFESSIONALS
The contribution to HTM by independent service providers is invaluable. It is a vital component of the profession that is reflected in the ISO Professional Award.

“Being nominated was genuinely humbling. Recognition from peers in the HTM community means more to me than any individual achievement. It reflects the collective work of the teams I’ve been fortunate to support, along with the mentors, technicians, and leaders who have shaped my perspective over the years. To be acknowledged by people who understand the challenges and responsibility of this field is an honor I don’t take lightly,” says Eric Massey, regional director of operations at Intelas.

Massey says that winning would be a meaningful affirmation of the values he strives to lead by: service, accountability and developing others.

“It wouldn’t represent a finish line, but rather encouragement to continue raising the bar in how we support our hospitals, our teams and, ultimately, patient care. I would view it as recognition of the work being done across the organizations and people I represent, not just myself,” Massey says.

Massey was asked how this experience will impact his future.

“Being named a finalist reinforces a responsibility I already feel: to continue investing in people and advancing the profession. Whether I win or not, this recognition motivates me to keep mentoring future leaders, advocating for the value of HTM, and pursuing thoughtful innovation in how we deliver service. If it opens doors to broader conversations about leadership in HTM, I would see that as an opportunity to give back to a field that has given so much to me,” Massey adds.

Another finalist from the ISO world reflects on being nominated.

“It honestly took me by surprise. I have spent my career trying to be a voice for our patients and advocating for what is right, and to see others believe and support me in that is just a very humbling experience,” says Brandi Caton.

“Winning to me would just be confirmation that the things that I am passionate about, that I am a proponent for, matter; it would mean that I am having a positive impact on the industry that I love,” Caton says. 

“I think this award brings visibility to the nominees/winners and that it creates a platform/stage to bring awareness to the efforts and impacts that the nominees/winners are trying to make on the field. I love this field and if I have a platform to inspire, lead, guide, and empower others in the industry, it will make every tough moment of my career worthwhile,” Caton adds. 

The 2026 Tech Choice Awards are more than just trophies; they are a testament to the collective strength and excellence of the healthcare technology community.

Winners are announced in this issue. Following the announcement, a live award ceremony is planned for the MD Expo Baltimore in April, where the winners will be celebrated in person by their friends, family and industry colleagues.