By W. Glenn Scales, CBET-E, President of NCBA
The North Carolina Biomedical Association (NCBA) will be hosting its 38th annual Symposium and Expo August 23-26 at the world-famous Pinehurst Hotel and Resort. Yes, that Pinehurst, which has hosted the U.S. Open multiple times. And of course, the event starts with a golf tournament on Tuesday, August 23 on Pinehurst Course Number One. While golf is a great way to start the Symposium, the real focus is on education, leadership development, collaboration, and the opportunity to see old friends and renew relationships.
The education is divided into six tracks that allow us to focus our programs into a comprehensive series of sessions that enhance the educational efforts. The six tracks are Biomed Track I, Biomed Track II, Imaging, Information Technology, Leadership Development and Safety. Some of our confirmed speakers include John Maurer with The Joint Commission, John Noblitt with Caldwell Community College, Corinne Hoisington with Central Virginia Community College and Jenifer Brown with Health Tech Talent Management.
The five half-day educational sessions are spread out over three days and cover the six educational tracks for a total of 30 educational programs. The NCBA Board of Directors has been planning for over six months to provide specific and targeted programs that are of practical value for our attendees. Prices for the symposium are $150, $200 and $250 respectively for one-, two- and three-day attendance. Students enrolled in a BMET or HTM curriculum only pay $75, regardless of how many days they attend.
Some of the educational sessions include a full-day CRES Review class, a full-day networking fundamentals class, and Bill Franklin with MindSet LLC speaking on “The Leadership Secrets of a Technical Expert.” In addition to the CRES Review, RSTI will present “Diagnosing Problems in a PACS Network Using Software Emulators” and experts from Southeastern Biomedical teach a MAC 5500 troubleshooting and repair class. Another highlight is the “Alcon Infiniti Overview, Anatomy and Troubleshooting” full-day class on Wednesday. Pat Lynch, CCE, the first president of the NCBA will present two classes, “FDA Updates” and “Building Relationships with the C-Suite, and Growing a Positive Department Image.”
One of the highlights of the symposium is the expo and product fair. We are on track to fill the vendor exhibit hall. It opens Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. for a two-hour welcome reception. The exhibition is open from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Thursday.
NCBA will award two scholarships to students enrolled in their final year of an accredited BMET two-year degree programs in North Carolina. The Norman Reeves Scholarship and the Eddy Whisnant Scholarship each award a plaque and a payment of $2,000. In addition, the W. Glenn Scales Scholarship awards a $5,000 scholarship and plaque to a working BMET (must be an NCBA member) who is pursuing an advanced degree beyond their initial educational degree. Drager has graciously donated to fund the scholarship this year.
Additional information about the NCBA Symposium and scholarship programs is available at www.ncbiomedassoc.com.