David Scott
CABMET (Colorado Association of Biomedical Equipment Technicians)
David Scott
of
CABMET (Colorado Association of Biomedical Equipment Technicians):
And the Winner is...
7/1/2009 12:00:00 AM
by:
Patricia Walden
Internationally certified biomedical equipment technician, and one with over 20 years of varying experience in the biomedical arena, David Scott is named Medical Dealer magazine’s Professional of the Month. He is currently Senior Biomedical Technician Imaging Specialist at The Children’s Hospital in Colorado. As lead tech, he heads up projects and special problems. However, the imaging equipment is his main area of responsibility. But whether it’s servicing equipment or offering assistance to colleagues, helping seems to just come naturally for Scott.
“I also help out other techs in areas where they might [either] want or need help,” he said. The responsibility of repairing medical equipment is a great one, as it not only affects the patients who have need, but also the families of those patients. “It is very satisfying to know that maintaining reliable equipment has such an impact on the community,” relayed Scott.
While a biomedical equipment technician’s work is mostly behind the scenes, the service/s they provide have an impact on so many people… so many lives. “It means a great deal to me to have highly effective medical equipment so that other medical professionals can perform their jobs at the highest level,” commented Scott.
 Scott noted that there is a very real possibility of a shortage of qualified technicians in the industry. And as such, has worked with high school youth through The Children’s Hospital Career Days to let students know what goes on in the industry – in hopes that an interest might be sparked. The Children’s Hospital also employs interns through the help of Hospital Shared Services (HSS) – an outside contractor. Scott has had the opportunity over the years, to work with interns, and has also enjoyed it. “I am very proud of the work I have done to help younger people,” he stated.
Acknowledging that he did not necessarily choose the field, but grateful to be in it, Scott explained how the field chose him… “I was going into the Army and I had a list of several jobs that I had filled out. I think biomed was actually the 3rd or 4th choice on the list of jobs I wanted.” When all the other job selections were taken, Scott was given biomed. So in essence, the field chose him. “Looking back, the other jobs I had listed would not have been nearly as fun or rewarding as biomed has been!” said a proud Scott.
With so many changes over the years in technology as it relates to medicine, Scott has seen his share. “I think the neatest changes have been the integration piece. I think it is really cool that statistics from monitoring, imaging, labs, etcetera, can be automatically imported into a patient’s e-record,” he said. Even some simple changes in technology – have changed the way everyday work is done. And, there was a time when these tools were not available. Having to imagine life’s daily duties performed without these advances to date is almost unimaginable to Scott. “I don’t know what I would do without email, voicemail, computerized maintenance software, cell phones, PDA, notebook PC and other items that make our jobs easier,” said a pensive Scott. Ultimately, the changes in technology have made the jobs of biomedical technicians easier. Knowing that the work he does helps so many people is one of the most meaningful parts of David Scott’s job. Scott not only accepts challenges, but he also enjoys them from time to time.
David Scott is also president of CABMET (Colorado Association of Biomedical Equipment Technicians). In this role, he is responsible for vendor and member relations, scheduling meetings, newsletters, events, education, and overseeing the well being of the organization. He also runs the CBET certification study groups. The organization is an association of individuals who are interested in the advancement of biomedical equipment technology ‘dedicated to better patient care’. Founded in 1974, the association encourages a free exchange of information between BMETs, hospitals, and vendors. “I think if techs want to increase their leadership skills, then joining their local biomed association is a good way to do [that],” says Scott.
According to Scott, continuous training is a part of re-certification. “To me, it is the most important part… even more than passing the certification test, although the test can cause the most heartache. It is to every biomed tech’s advantage to keep track of their training and education.
These are things that follow you everywhere you go and can not be taken away from you,” said Scott as he cited a list of areas in which biomed techs should receive training. “I think biomed techs should also get training on writing, email-etiquette, phone skills, and public speaking and customer relations. They should also know how to effectively use office products like Excel, Outlook, Word, etc. If techs want to advance in their jobs, I think these are important assets to have as part of their knowledge base – along with technical training.”
 Scott manages and instructs the largest and most successful biomedical certification prep class in the nation. And, over half of the techs in the nation in 2008 who received their certification participated in the CABMET CBET Study Group. “I am willing to help out almost anyone [who] asks me for help - time allowing. I have sent countless people notes and certification information. It means a great deal to me to see other people’s names on the list of certified technicians and know that CABMET played some part in their success,” said an honored Scott.
And, speaking of honors, the well-deserving David Scott received the distinguished award as the AAMI/GE Biomed of the Year, 2009. “In my profession as a biomedical equipment technician, this is the highest honor I can think of for anyone to be awarded. To me, it is like being named the MVP of a professional sport,” says Scott – who is the first and only person from the state of Colorado to ever win this award. A resoundingly humbled Scott said, “I am highly honored!”
Reflective of some of the things to which he could connect his success and with selflessness he said, “It’s teamwork. It is all the people I have worked with and have been associated with in my life. It is the insight, motivation and expertise I get from all of them. I have worked with some great people over the years, and I have learned from all of them.”
What a way to share the honor.
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Posted by:
Ruth
on
7-08-2009
Way to go! You have earned it and definitely deserve the Professional of the Month and Biomed of the Year. If they had a "Nice Guy Always " Award it would be yours also. I'm Proud to be your friend!!!
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