I’ve been going to AAMI for such a long time I can’t even remember how many years it’s been. However, this year I noticed a trend that I haven’t seen in the past.

It seems to me that HTM professionals are more engaged and perhaps feeling more empowered.

I think there’s a feeling of apathy that we all have about politics. The system is too big and out of our control.

I’ve always suspected that HTM professionals had that same feeling about the directions that their institutions take.

However, this year I observed a more engaged and more outspoken group than ever before.

Biomedical engineering departments are actively defining their relationship with IT and their ability to provide service while also emphasizing the importance of the patient.

Mike Busdicker said it best at our panel discussion, I think, when he noted that it’s important to keep in mind that it’s the patient that counts and we all need to have the common goal of providing better patient care.

I see this as a really positive development because greater engagement on the part of the HTM community means improving healthcare where the rubber meets the road.

I also want to mention that if you weren't able to attend our Breakfast Symposium, we will be publishing an article highlighting the event as part of our ongoing coverage of the AAMI meeting, so stay tuned.