The MD Expo in New England provided an excellent backdrop for insightful conversations, with numerous HTM professionals gathering to share knowledge, network, and explore industry innovations. On this episode of the HTM On The Line podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with several special guests, each bringing their own unique perspective on the field of Healthcare Technology Management.
My first guest, Ashley O'Mara, shared her enthusiasm for the expo and her work with the New England Society for Clinical Engineering (NESCE). "I'm enjoying it," Ashley said when asked about the expo, noting that she was currently stationed at the NESCE booth. She was there to encourage participation in their upcoming symposium, which will be held on October 15-16, 2025, in Manchester, New Hampshire. "It's right by an airport, so lots of folks can get in there," she added, excited about the opportunities for attendees to meet fellow HTM professionals and vendors.
When asked about the longevity of NESCE, Ashley highlighted its strong foundation. "NESCE has been around for 20-plus years," she explained. The organization offers a blend of in-person and virtual quarterly meetings, allowing members from the New England region and beyond to stay engaged. "We know that some folks can't make the events or want to fight that New England traffic, so we have opportunities for all," she said, acknowledging the flexibility that the hybrid model brings, especially in a post-COVID world.
Ashley emphasized the invaluable nature of networking at these events. "The knowledge sharing is just so invaluable nowadays," she said, touching on how these connections can enrich both personal and professional growth. We also discussed the increasing role of AI in the HTM industry. "When the clinicians come to you with this AI need, making sure that we're doing it safely, there's lots of processes in place," Ashley mentioned, reflecting the ongoing challenges and innovations in the industry.
Next, I had the pleasure of speaking with Danielle McGeary, Vice President of Healthcare Technology Management at AAMI. Danielle shared similar sentiments about the value of networking at expos like this one. "I think it's always great to network and connect with others in the field," she said. Having spent her career in New England, she enjoys the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and peers. "I get to see colleagues from all walks of my career," Danielle mentioned.
Danielle also discussed the changes she's noticed in the HTM industry, particularly in home healthcare and AI. "How do we take our techs out of their hospitals and into homes?" she asked, pointing out the expanding role of HTM professionals in non-traditional settings. The integration of AI is another key development, especially when it comes to predictive maintenance for medical devices. "AI is already playing a big part in healthcare today, but it’s also going to continue to grow," she noted.
We also touched on the Dental Summit that Danielle recently attended. She highlighted the vast opportunities in dental equipment repair, mentioning that there are an estimated 130,000 standalone dental clinics across the U.S. "There’s not really a good mechanism to regulate them right now," she observed, pointing to the potential for increased safety and efficiency in maintaining dental devices.
My final guest of the day, Bokang Motlotle, Director of Clinical Engineering and Technology Planning for Beth Israel Lahey Health System, was attending her first expo. Bokang shared her excitement about the event, having started her experience the day before with a dinner alongside other professionals at the Leadership Summit Reception powered by FSI. "This morning, we had the leadership summit where we got to hear presentations and learn about multi-year planning," he said, reflecting on the wealth of knowledge she gained.
When asked about the benefits of attending expos, Bokang summed it up perfectly: "There’s a lot of material to be picked up here. There’s a lot of new connections to be made, a lot to learn from others that you might not be learning from your own individual site." She emphasized the value of seeing how different organizations across the country approach similar challenges, which ultimately enriches the collective knowledge of the HTM community.
Each conversation reinforced the importance of gatherings like the MD Expo, not just for the educational sessions but for the connections made and the ideas exchanged. These expos bring the LinkedIn connections to life, as Ashley so aptly put it, turning virtual networking into meaningful, face-to-face interactions.
As always, I’m grateful for the opportunity to speak with such accomplished professionals and share their insights with you. Stay tuned for more interviews from 2024 MDExpo New England, as we continue to explore the evolving world of Healthcare Technology Management.
Comments