In my September 19 blog I talked about the most recent Future Forum II where, in addition to making plans on how to advance the field, the participants tackled the ongoing question of a new name for those who work in the industry. I know it’s an overdone issue for many of you, but in my upcoming October editor’s message I did touch on why it still is important. I’ve been starting to hear again that members of the profession will soon retire and that it is important to bring in new members. A standard name can help with this by providing an easy way for people to search the industry and look for jobs once they graduate.
I got to thinking about the possible names and thought that a name that immediately defines the focus of your work would be important. What came to mind was medical device specialist. Part of the reason for a “new” name is to readily identify what you do. If the new name stems from health care technology management, for me it still doesn’t say what you do—it will require an explanation because technology covers many things.
Each day, you bring your knowledge about medical devices to the important job you do. When you pull up your chair to the equipment acquisition table, you are brining your medical device expertise with you. Whether your day involves researching equipment, offering advice about devices physicians or nurses would like to buy, guiding installation (knowing whether that MRI will work in that area or not, etc), PM, calibration, emergency repairs, assisting with the implementation of the electronic health record, working on connectivity issues, or making decisions about how to dispose of a device—you truly specialize in medical devices. If I knew nothing about what you did, this—or maybe medical equipment specialist—would tell me right away what your expertise focuses on.
Medical Device Specialist—it’s not a complicated name, but it is direct. What do you think? Any other ideas about a new name? I’m interested in your thoughts.
