By K. Richard Douglas
The largest provider of pediatric care in the Chicagoland area is the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. With 21 operating rooms, the hospital is committed to research initiatives to advance the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases that impact children’s health.
To ascertain the mission of the hospital is carried out, the management of medical devices is a key component. The hospital’s HTM team oversees this responsibility. Victor Rojo manages this team of professionals.
Rojo works for Crothall Healthcare as resident regional manager at the hospital. Rojo knew from early on that he wanted a career in electronics but did not have an exact career path picked out at first.
“In my early 20s, while working as a patient transporter at Children’s Memorial Hospital, I was also completing my bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering. Feeling unsure about my future, I noticed a gentleman working on infusion pumps, sparking my interest in the field. After befriending him and discovering we shared the same degree, I promptly secured an internship through the director’s office. This marked the beginning of my rewarding career in the HTM/biomed profession,” he says.
Rojo’s area of specialty, during his years as a technician, was imaging.
“After earning my bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering, I began my career with on-the-job training for biomedical tasks, specializing in safety checks for infusion pumps. Over the course of a few years, my employer recognized my potential and sponsored my attendance at imaging school where I became an imaging specialist, working on diverse equipment like X-ray, MRI and CT scanners. As my educational pursuits progressed, I seamlessly transitioned into a managerial role. The culmination of these experiences solidified my commitment to excellence, underscored by the pursuit of an MBA to further enhance my expertise,” Rojo says.
He says that he began his career as a biomed intern, advancing to the role of a progressive biomed, and later became an imaging specialist.
“Following that, I assumed responsibilities as an assistant director before reaching my current position as the director at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, Illinois,” Rojo says.
Putting Cyber Threats into an Arm Bar
The cybersecurity landscape within health care has required an emphasis on this critical focus within HTM and IT. The cyber threat has become so pervasive within health care that it has required special projects and specialists within HTM to address it.
“Recognizing the evolving landscape of cyber threats, our hospital proactively responded by establishing a specialized task force aimed at containing protected health information (PHI) and mitigating cybersecurity threats. As a strategic evolution, we made the deliberate decision to restructure our department, creating two distinct divisions. One division focuses on seamless operations and service delivery, while the other is exclusively dedicated to the realms of cybersecurity, project management and capital planning,” Rojo says.
He says that this strategic separation has proven to be instrumental, and his team takes great pride in the comprehensive oversight provided by the cybersecurity division across all devices within the hospital.
“Their multifaceted responsibilities encompass meticulous project planning and the vigilant monitoring of cybersecurity threats, with a specific emphasis on those related to medical devices,” Rojo adds.
When not on the job, Rojo enjoys his family and martial arts activities.
“I’m part of a close-knit family rooted in Chicago. My parents and siblings also call this city home. In my immediate family, there’s my wonderful wife, a delightful 10-year-old daughter, and a slightly fussy, but lovable dog that adds an extra layer of joy to our lives,” he says.
Rojo has practiced the very scientific martial art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for four years.
“It’s more than just a hobby; it’s been a transformative force in my life, serving as a stress reliever and a source of joy. Engaging in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu sessions with friends is not just physically invigorating but also mentally uplifting. If anyone shares a passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I’m always eager to engage in conversations about it. Feel free to reach out if you’re interested in discussing the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu,” he says.
His enthusiasm for his profession and the environment he works in are genuine. He is also grateful for the support of his employer.
“In my own words, there hasn’t been a single day at Lurie Children’s Hospital where I didn’t wake up fueled to head to work. Even on those groggy mornings, my love for what I do keeps me going strong. Over my extensive 20-year career, boring moments are pretty much nonexistent. Since jumping on board at Lurie Children’s Hospital, the thought of waking up and not wanting to tackle the day is alien to me,” Rojo says.
With that attitude, this HTM leader is an asset to all who come in contact with him. For those on the mat though, it may mean a submission.
BIOMETRICS
Favorite book:
Malcom Gladwell’s “Outliers”
Favorite movie:
“BMX Bandits” (an old movie from the 1980s LOL)
Hidden talent:
I’m pretty good at doing tricks with yo-yos.
Favorite food:
A good rib eye steak
Favorite part of being a biomed?
Collaboration with clinicians. I love finding solutions when a clinician can’t find the right answer or having trouble with their equipment.
What’s on my bench?
My standing desk, speaker, white board, coffee and work planner.