PAMIA Newsletter
Issue #15 May / June 1994
Calendar of Events
June
13 PAMIA Meeting Hewlett-Packard Gas Monitoring Techniques Valley Forge, PA
17 CESP Spring Conference Harrisburg, PA (see article inside)
SEE JUNE MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT ON LAST PAGE
Message from the President
A little over three years ago, the first issue of the PAMIA Newsletter jumped out of the xerox machine.
It grew out of monthly announcements that had been increasingly containing other information besides meeting information. It became obvious that something in addition to the monthly one page mailing would be beneficial. I was involved from day one with the newsletter, seeing the hard work for all of us involved. We were putting such a strong effort into something that we were told had been tried many times before without success, yet we stuck it out.
Then, the PAMIA Newsletter, as Alan Barbell said once, started "writing itself". The newsletter started to be recognized as a regular PAMIA means of communication. We didn't have to dig to find out what should go into the newsletter, it generally came to us. The newsletter arrived. It became a PAMIA mainstay.
As much as the PAMIA Newsletter has come along, it still needs some improvement. In my opinion, I don't really feel that the newsletter is representing the PAMIA Membership as well as it potentially can. It's missing a lot of "news". News items like promotions, newly certified technicians and CE's, new departmental responsibilities, job openings, equipment evaluations and other relevant news items worthy of recognition. Human interest items would also liven up the newsletter. Has anything funny happen to you at work recently that you'd like to share with others?
The PAMIA Board, no matter how hard we reasonably try, cannot obtain this type of information for publication with any kind of timeliness without active participation from the PAMIA Membership. A simple phone call, a posting on ECRInet, US Mail or a fax can easily get information to the PAMIA Newsletter staff for publication.
You may be saying to yourself, "... but, I'm not a writer." No problem! It's not necessary to submit news in a finished or semi-finished format. Make a phone call and verbally tell a board member what you'd like published, or even submit "raw" text or notes. We can take it from there and see that it get written and published if suitable.
Please make the effort to remember that we now have this medium to bring us all closer together, and use it.
Lou Schonder, CBET
1994 PAMIA President
1994 PAMIA Dues
We would like to apoligize for mailing the 1994 Dues Invoice late, and any inconvienience it may have caused to the membership.
The invoices were mailed in March, with a due date of April 15th. As of this writing, quite a few members have not yet mailed their 1994 Dues. Please do so soon! Planning future events and activities is difficult when the PAMIA treasury has a question mark on the bottom line.
Thank you!
PAMIA Meeting Summaries
March Meeting
The March PAMIA meeting was hosted by Temple University Hospital and Nihon Kohden. Forty members signed in.
Bill Ellis of Nihon Kohden explained the clinical theory of evoked potentials. The demonstration unit made quite an impression on those who are familiar with the oscilloscope based EMG units of old. The patient's brain waves are monitored while visual, audio, or electrical stimulation is applied. A diagnosis is made by comparing the data collected to the patient's previous tests as well as data trends in the population. Temple`s Ken Wilde served well as a guinea pig during the demonstration, producing normal brain waves. You read it here first!
April Meeting
The April PAMIA meeting was hosted by ECRI in Plymouth Meeting, PA. Approximately 60 members attended.
ECRI's Tim Ritter, Senior Project Engineer, discussed the clinical applications, operating principles and maintenance of physical therapy instrumentation. The technologies covered included: fluidotherapy, ultrasound, diathermy, electrotherapy, dynamometers and work hardening equipment.
The Exit Poll
What did you think of the last two meetings? Your feedback can go a long way in helping to provide interesting subject matter for presentations. Did you see something you liked, or disliked? Ideas for improvement? Let us know! Send your comments to Alan Barbell at ECRI, 5200 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462. Fax: (610) 834 1275, or E mail on ECRInet (610) 825 9284.
Coming soon! (maybe)
PAMIA AWARDS
In recognition of achievement and excellence of students in Biomedical Equipment Technology programs here in the philadelphia area, PAMIA is honored to bestow the following awards:
PAMIA Academic Achievement Award Two graduating students in each of the two local Biomedical Equipment Technology Programs with the highest grade point averages and/or other criteria as determined by the program director receive this award. Award recipients receive a one year free membership to PAMIA.
PAMIA Excellence Award Recipients of the PAMIA Academic Achievement Awards are interviewed by the PAMIA Executive Committee to determine the student who best exemplifies the qualities of professionalism, communications skills and technical knowledge that are necessary for success in the field. Recipient receives a plaque and a $100 check.
1994 PAMIA Academic Achievement Awards:
1994 PAMIA Excellence Award:
Congratulations to these individuals!!!
We want YOU!
The process to determine the electorial slate for the 1995 PAMIA Executive Board is underway. Preliminary nominations can be taken on any seat. Official nominations will occur during the September PAMIA Meeting. Call PAMIA Vice President Jim Marsala at (215) 335 6600.
Clinical Engineering Online
Your greatest information resource may be slipping quietly under your fingertips. Imagine a resource so powerful that it can tell you how Clinical Engineering departments across the nation are resolving the same problems you are facing today. Imagine having access to this extensive database. What is this giant of a resource and how do you tap into it?
Surprisingly, the resource is YOU, the members of the national Clinical Engineering community. The infrastructure of this resource is a combination of computer networks, bulletin boards, and on line services where clinical engineering professionals meet and share ideas. The on line community is similar to that of a national convention. There are many knowledgeable people present and a plethora of technical discussions in progress. You can become actively involved in these discussions or just "listen in." However, the on line environment does differ from that of the national convention. At a convention you can't hear every lecture, ask all your questions, or meet all the interesting people. Online, you can read every message, ask every question, and send E Mail to anyone! So whether you're second sourcing parts, swapping repair tips, gathering startup information for a radiology program, sharing pre purchase equipment evaluations, posting job openings, interpreting state or federal regulations, or buying/selling used medical equipment, clinical engineering on line is the resource for you.
How do you actually tap into this resource? The answer is simple, through your computer and modem. Specifically, you will need a computer, modem, telecommunications software, and an analog telephone line. Assuming your hardware and software is all assembled where do you actually call? Listed in the next column are three active Clinical Engineering Bulletin Board Systems.
Clinical Engineering BBS's:
ECRInet (610) 825 9284 8,N,1 TechTip (615) 342 2549 8,N,1 Child Link (800) 444 4124 8,N,1
The future? A forum on a major on line service would do much to advance the communication of the on line Clinical Engineering community. A proposal to start a Clinical Engineering forum has been submitted to CompuServe. If a large number of people show interest in such a forum, then the likelyhood of it being implemented increases dramatically. If you would like to support this proposal you may send a brief note to any of the following addresses:
Kelly Souply CompuServe Customer Representative 5000 Arlington Center Blvd PO Box 20212 Columbus, Ohio 43220
E Mail:
CompuServe: 70006,101 INTERNET: 70006.101@compuserve.com
In summary, whether you're a biomedical engineer, biomedical electronics technician, or department director, this clinical engineering resource can help you make informed decisions for your hospital, and greatly expand your horizons. Get the edge!
PAMIA Subsidized Service Schools
Do you have any ideas for local service schools, taught by either manufacturers or fellow PAMIA members? The PAMIA Board is about to discuss a promotion to reward those who organize service or training schools in the Philadelphia Area. PAMIA can very likely provide subsidation. If you think you can help, call a PAMIA Board Member and discuss your idea today!
Puritan-Bennett 7200 Service School
PAMIA is presently trying to gather interest in a Puritan-Bennett 7200 Ventilator service school to possibly be held at Mediq PRN. It is expected that the cost would be a bit lofty. However, if we can produce a good turnout and provide subsidation from PAMIA, it could become a reality. If you think that you may interested, please contact the PAMIA Board. We are not asking for commitments, just a show of hands so we can decide if this is worth pursuing.
Merlin School
Hewlett-Packard may be able to host a Merlin service school at their local Valley Forge facility if the attendance is sufficient. If you are interested, contact John DelGuzzo of Hewlett-Packard at (610) 666-2000 VM Box 2291.
SBET Update
There have been reports of SBET mailings being misdirected to workplaces for members with individual memberships in SBET. If you are experiencing this problem, call Holly at SBET (800) 332-2264 Ex 214 or (703) 525-4890 Ex 214. Request that the "Affiliation/Company" line be deleted from your mailing address. Your mailings should then begin arriving normally at your home.
1994 CESP Spring Conference
Presentations on current regulatory issues facing clinical engineers and others involved with equipment maintenance and OSHA standards will be made by various expert speakers, providing direction for compliance. This conference is being held in June, so if you are interested, call quickly! For more information, call The Hospital Association of Pennsylvania at (717) 561-5347.
PAMIA Tech Tip
IR Remote Control - Here is a quick and simple method of testing an infrared remote control for output. Tune an AM radio to 660 KHz. Then, simply point the remote control at the radio and press any buttons in question. If the remote is transmitting, the radio will make a whirring sound.
Clinical Engineering Riddle Memorial Hospital
1994 PAMIA Directory
Due to the slow trickle of dues payments (and in turn, revision of the mailing list), we are unable to set a date for the distribution of the 1994 PAMIA Directory. We are hoping to make it a summer project during PAMIA's hiatus.
PAMIA Online!
Courtesy of ECRI's "ECRInet"
(610) 825-9284 8/N/1 Up to 14,400 bps ANSI Graphics
ELEC 301, "It's Baaaack..."
ELEC 301, Light and Optics in Biomedical Devices, is scheduled to be offered again at Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) this coming fall. The course will give an overview of the properties of light and explore how these properties are utilized in lasers, spectrophotometers, pulse oximeters, CO2 monitors, fiber optics, anesthesia gas monitoring, etc. We had excellent laser demonstrations presented by East Coast Technologies during the course last year, showing the inner workings of two types of lasers and offering practical repair and PM information. This fall, we will try to provide even more emphasis on the operating principles of medical devices. The course will be on Thursday nights, 5:30 to 8:30 PM, and will start on September 8, 1994.
Registration for ELEC 301 is going on now. If you have previously taken any course at CCP, you can simply register for ELEC 301. If not, you will need to complete an application for admission to the college. Please call Randy Libros at 751-8318 if you have any questions about the course or the registration process.
Jobs Open Looking for People
Msg#:34262 *JOBS* 05 20 94 14:45:11 From: RICK HAMPTON To: ALL Subj: EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
General Biomedical Technician Respiratory Therapy Technician Clinical Laboratory Technician X Ray/Imaging Technician Regional Manager
Successful applicants will possess a minimum of 2 5 years experience (position dependent). Interested professionals (no agencies please) may send a résumé, with geographical preferences and salary requirements in strict confidence to:
COLUMBIA/HCA ATTN: Staffing/JC P.O. Box 550 Nashville, TN 37202 0550
If you wish more information before sending a résumé, please call (800) 251 2561 and ask for Extension 2582.
Msg#:34129 *JOBS* 05 16 94 14:07:53 From: HENRY HAMARMAN To: ALL Subj: CLINICAL ULTRASOUND TECHNOLOGIST
Clinical Ultrasound Repair Technologist
Abington Memorial Hospital's Department of Biomedical Engineering has an immediate opening for an Ultrasound Service Technologist with two to five years familiarity with HP, ATL, GE and similar diagnostic imaging equipment. If you've got the right stuff, this is the right place to make your mark in our startup Radiology Services Group.
For consideration, please forward your resume and salary history to:
Henry M. Hamarman, Director Technology Services Group Biomedical Engineering Abington Memorial Hospital 1200 Old York Road Abington, PA 19001
Voice (610) 576 7555 Fax (610) 884 9328
Equal Opportunity Employer Principals only
People Open Looking for Jobs
Biomedical/Electrical Engineer, BSEE Lehigh '89 Manga Cum Laude, MSBME Drexel '93 GPA 3.93. 2 yrs HW/SW design experience. If you put out the challenge, I'll put out the product! Brad Pedrow, 1006 Whitpain Hills, Blue Bell, PA 19422 (610) 278-2425.
How to Submit Articles to the PAMIA Newsletter
Submissions of whole articles or just ideas can be sent to Kevin Carpenter at Riddle Memorial Hospital, 1068 W.Baltimore Pike, Media, PA 19063. Phone: (610) 891 3162. CompuServe: 73523,2342. ECRInet E-Mail: (610) 825 9284. Do you have any original ideas for the newsletter, or would you like to join the newsletter staff? Get in touch! A lot can be done to improve the newsletter. Are you the person to help bring the newsletter to new heights?
PAMIA 1994 Executive Board
President ..................................................... Lou Schonder CITECH (610) 825 6700 Ex 540
Vice President ................................................ Jim Marsala Jefferson Biomedical Shared Services (215) 335 6600
Secretary .................................................. Kevin Carpenter Riddle Memorial Hospital (610) 891-3162
Treasurer ............................................... Robert Warner, III GHS Technology Management (215) 893-2658
Member at Large ............................................ Alan Barbell ECRI (610) 825-6000 Ex 148
Member at Large ....................................Bridget Chadwick ECRI (610) 825 6000 Ex 527
Member at Large .............................................. Tom Gilroy Lankenau Hospital (610) 645-2140
Welcome New Members!
PAMIA Philadelphia Area Medical Instrumentation Association
June Meeting
Gas Monitoring Techniques
Various techniques of gas monitoring have been utilized over the years, each with it's unique characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. The presentation will cover many of these techniques, explaining theory of operation, typical clinical uses, etc. The speaker will be Walter Hoang, a Hewlett-Packard Design Engineer.
When: Monday, June 13, 1994
Where: Hewlett-Packard 2750 Monroe Boulevard Valley Forge, PA 19482 (see map for exact location of meeting)
Schedule: 5:30 - 6:30 pm Cocktail Hour 6:30 - 7:30 pm Dinner - Courtesy Hewlett-Packard 7:30 - 7:45 pm PAMIA Business Meeting 7:45 - 9:00 pm Gas Monitoring Presentation
R.S.V.P. by June 8th, 1994 to John DelGuzzo of Hewlett-Packard at (610) 666-9000.
Please duplicate and distribute this notice to all members and interested parties in your department/institution.
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