Hello, my name is Lisa Gonzales, I am the Director of Student Services and Skillbridge Advisor at the College of Biomedical Equipment Technology (CBET). I have been working in education in the HTM industry for three years.
Hello, my name is Lesley Harrington, I serve as the Career Services Supervisor at the College of Biomedical Equipment Technology (CBET) and have been working in education in the HTM industry for two and a half years.
How did you get into the industry? Anything that drew you in?
Lisa: My personal connection to Dr. Richard Gonzales led me to the HTM industry. With over 20 years of experience working in a large corporation in London, UK, as well as a background in education, transitioning to this career field felt like a natural fit. I have always been passionate about serving my community, so the opportunity to help our students obtain their education and serve their communities in this field caught my attention. Before entering this position, the concept of Biomed and the individuals who repair the medical equipment used by healthcare professionals daily to save lives was completely unknown to me.
What captivated me was the commitment I observed from the students, technicians, educators, and HTM Professionals in this remarkable career field, along with their drive to push boundaries within the industry. Their enthusiasm for their work is infectious, and I am thrilled to be involved in this extraordinary profession.
Lesley: I was drawn into the HTM industry through a personal connection. Lisa, who was my friend first outside of work, introduced me to the College of Biomedical Equipment Technology (CBET). Previously, I had spent many years as a Military Spouses, serving various non-profits that supported Military Service members and their families, such as the USO. Before this, I had never heard of a Biomed! Lisa invited me to join her Student Services team at the college, and I was immediately drawn to the enthusiasm and passion surrounding this rapidly growing career field.
What really caught my attention was the incredible community of students, technicians, leaders, educators, and employers I have met along the way. Their dedication and commitment to advancing the HTM career field have been both inspiring and motivating. I feel honored to be a small part of this industry!
What milestones or contributing factors helped elevate you to where you are today?
Lesley: Attending the first AAMI eXchange in 2022 had a big impact on me personally. Witnessing the excitement, innovation, and passion of the HTM industry firsthand was truly inspiring. At CBET, we are continuously innovating and developing new education and training programs to better serve both the industry and our students. Helping our students find employment in the industry and watching their successful HTM careers take off is incredibly rewarding!
Lisa: I am in complete agreement with Lesley. My experience at the first AAMI eXchange in San Antonio in 2022 greatly affected me. Witnessing the genuine enthusiasm and dedication of innovators in the industry as they discussed revolutionary new technology was truly captivating. Engaging with educators discussing the industry’s future and chatting with technicians eager to further their education to better support their customers, patients, and loved ones inspired me to strive to be a part of this exceptional community.
What roadblocks did you have to overcome?
Lisa and Lesley: The industry is evolving rapidly, and not having a technical or medical background can make it challenging to keep up at times. Additionally, it can be difficult to help the more seasoned technicians and leaders recognize that the industry is shifting towards a greater emphasis on customer service and effective communication skills, beyond just the technical aspects of the job.
Even though these issues are not unique to HTM, it can be frustrating to see talented students with excellent communication, customer service, and technical skills struggle to secure positions because companies prioritize hiring those with existing degrees and experience. This raises the question of how these promising individuals can gain experience if they are not given the opportunity to enter the field. While we believe in hiring based on a candidate’s fit for the role and teaching them the necessary skills, our commitment to helping our students succeed often forces us to set aside this perspective. Despite our eagerness to assist all of our students, we recognize that our resources are limited.
What do you feel makes a great leader in this industry?
Lesley: I believe a great leader is someone who trusts their team and avoids micromanaging, while always being ready to step in and offer support or guidance. A strong leader should be confident and decisive, yet empathetic and willing to acknowledge mistakes and laugh them off and improve the next time. I am very fortunate to work alongside Lisa, who exemplifies these qualities as a strong leader, an inspirational woman, and a friend.
Lisa: I think a strong leader is one who motivates their team to think creatively and encourages growth and self-discovery. It is important for a leader to leverage their team members’ strengths effectively rather than confining them to roles that do not suit them. Providing opportunities for team members to voice their opinions and ideas creates a sense of inclusion and value. Building personal relationships with the team allows a leader to better understand their team members’ challenges both at work and beyond. Demonstrating vulnerability and acknowledging mistakes humanizes a leader and fosters connection with the team. Displaying empathy, checking in on team members’ well-being, and fostering a positive work environment, such as through team lunches, promotes camaraderie and laughter. I am grateful for my exceptional team and attribute my leadership skills to their influence.
What advice do you have for the other women in HTM?
Lisa and Lesley: We encourage other women, especially our students, in HTM to be strong and resilient and to build meaningful relationships with their teams and organizations. Recognize the power of networking to build a valuable support base, especially for those just entering the career field. Participate in and join HTM associations and events to truly embrace the industry. There is room for everyone in HTM, and women are making significant contributions with their passion and intelligence, helping to improve the field.
There is nothing that cannot be achieved. The main obstacles we encounter are often of our own making. Balancing work, family, and personal life can be difficult, but a true leader does not shy away from challenges and instead finds new solutions and experiences along the way. You will be surprised by what you can accomplish when you set your mind to it! Stay strong, compassionate, and open to new opportunities. Every day is a chance for growth and learning, so embrace the challenges that come your way. Immerse yourself in your team and become an integral part of it. Lastly, be part of the solution, not the problem.