24×7 magazine spoke with Khalid Ziada, MSc, CHTM, a project manager at Seder Group, to discuss his role overseeing asset management in hospitals and his motivation for compiling a list of influential clinical engineering professionals. He explained his criteria for selecting experts, the challenges faced in curating the list, and expressed excitement about advancements in healthcare technology.

24×7: Can you please share a little bit about your role as project manager at Seder Group?

Khalid Ziada: As a project manager at Seder Group, I am tasked with leading a diverse team of 91 professionals from various disciplines and nationalities in managing and coordinating the maintenance, repair, and calibration of over 26,000 assets across three university hospitals affiliated with King Saud University Medical City (KSUMC), which together have a capacity of 1,585 beds.

24×7: What inspired you to start noting the names of professionals and experts in the field of clinical engineering?

Ziada: As I advanced in my clinical engineering career and prepared for certifications like CHTM and CCE, I started compiling a list of influential professionals I encountered along the way. This list eventually grew to include 65 notable experts whose work significantly contributed to the field. Upon recently rediscovering this list, I recognized its potential value to my professional network, prompting me to consider sharing a carefully reviewed and refined version on LinkedIn to benefit my peers and colleagues.

24×7: What criteria did you use to update the list, and how did you ensure the inclusion of significant contributors to the field?

Ziada: I followed six main criteria in updating the list, and I don’t claim that these criteria are based on a strict scientific or methodical approach but rather on personal experiences and observations in this field. I acknowledge that this may have led to the omission of some significant contributors, as some colleagues have pointed out in the comments on the LinkedIn post. These criteria include:

  • Published Works: I prioritized individuals who have authored or co-authored essential reference books in clinical engineering.
  • Scientific Contributions: I considered professionals who regularly publish influential articles in well-known journals and magazines like 24×7 Magazine and The Journal of Clinical Engineering.
  • Educational Impact: I included experts who have significantly contributed to the education and mentoring of future engineers, particularly those who have delivered lectures, workshops, webinars, and contributed to professional certification courses.
  • Leadership Roles: Professionals who have held leadership positions in respected organizations like ACCE, AAMI, ECRI, and WHO were also included, as their roles often shape the direction and standards of the field.
  • Innovative Research: I recognized individuals who have developed methods and theories in medical device management or conducted pioneering research that has led to advancements in clinical engineering, such as Dr. Larry’s method for medical device risk classification.
  • Community Engagement: Finally, I valued those who have been active in fostering community and professional networks, sharing knowledge, and promoting collaboration among clinical engineers through social media, conferences, and professional associations.

By using these criteria, I aimed to ensure that the list reflects a wide range of contributions, from educational and leadership roles to research and publication, while also acknowledging that my perspective may have influenced the selections.

24×7: How do you see the impact of educational contributions and leadership roles in clinical engineering when considering experts for your list?

Ziada: When selecting experts for my list of clinical engineering professionals, the impact of their educational contributions and leadership roles is a key consideration. Many of these individuals have made significant strides in both areas.

For instance, Toby Clark is highly regarded for his leadership at the University of Vermont, where he directed the Biomedical Engineering Technology program. Frank Painter is also highly respected for his educational contributions, particularly through his work as a clinical engineering professor at the University of Connecticut. His influence extended through his leadership with the American College of Clinical Engineering (ACCE), where he served as president.

Binseng Wang has made extensive contributions to clinical engineering literature, authoring several influential texts and playing key roles in organizations like AAMI and ACCE, helping to shape industry standards. Similarly, Matt Baretich combines his deep knowledge with leadership in consulting, advising healthcare organizations on key issues related to clinical engineering and technology management.

Larry Fennigkoh has made significant contributions through his research in medical device risk management, establishing himself as a thought leader and educator. Arif Subhan has contributed through his regular writings in industry journals like the Journal of Clinical Engineering, while also playing a leadership role in certification programs for clinical engineers.

Adriana Velazquez is recognized as a global leader in medical device safety, having worked with the World Health Organization (WHO) to develop international standards and guidelines. Her leadership has had a global impact, influencing healthcare technology management worldwide.

And of course, these experts are just a few examples among many others in the field.

24×7: What challenges did you face while compiling and refining the list of professionals in clinical engineering?

Ziada: I faced several challenges. One of the primary challenges was ensuring the list’s inclusivity and accuracy. Given the vast and diverse contributions within the field, it was difficult to capture all significant contributors.

Another challenge was the subjective nature of the selection process. While I aimed to base the list on clear criteria such as educational contributions, leadership roles, and published works, personal biases and limited access to comprehensive data might have influenced the selection, leading to the possible omission of some deserving professionals.

Additionally, balancing the inclusion of well-established figures with recognizing up-and-coming professionals required careful consideration. The final challenge, which was considered somewhat funny, was finding recent and clear photos of these professionals.

24×7: What’s exciting you most about the clinical engineering field right now?

Ziada: Right now, what excites me most about the clinical engineering field is the rapid advancement in healthcare technology, particularly the digital transformation, and the growing integration of AI and machine learning into medical devices. These innovations are transforming the way we approach patient care, making it more personalized, efficient, and accurate.

Additionally, the increasing focus on cybersecurity for medical devices is another thrilling area, as it challenges us to protect patient data and ensure the safety of healthcare systems in an increasingly connected world. The potential to contribute to these cutting-edge developments and witness their direct impact on improving patient outcomes is incredibly motivating.