What I've Learned So Far

1) Since I have started working on senior project, I have learned more about Biomedical Engineering and the different kinds of areas you can work in. I am starting to learn a lot about being in field servicing at San Dimas Community Hospital. I am also looking into other, more specialized fields as well. I feel that through my research, I will become more knowledgeable about Biomeds within hospitals and the kind of work they do. I have learned how to communicate, from talking to several people in order to find my service learning, and I have learned that hospital Biomeds, must learn to talk to people. This is because sometimes, hospital employees may become flustered even if the problem is small so you must take control of the situation. I have also learned how to think more analytically by observing objects and figuring out what may be wrong with it.

                                    My San Dimas Community Hospital Volunteer Uniform and Badge.

3) My interviews were very helpful in getting an idea of what a Biomed does within a hospital. Some research I have done has also taught me a little more about the different machines that are used in a hospital so that I may have a better knowledge base when working with the Biomeds.

Independent Component 1 Plan Approval

1) I plan on doing extra community service hours at San Dimas Community Hospital for my independent Component.
2) I believe it will meet the 30 hour requirement because I will be keeping a record as well as having my supervisor signing off on my hours. I am currently on a 2 hour/ week schedule and am planning to increase it to 4 or 6 hours per week.
3) My independent component relates to my topic because I will be working in the hospital with a biomedical engineer. I will be able to see and learn how he does his work and what method seems to be the more efficient. I will also get to see how he improves himself as well as the technologies that he is required to maintain in the hospital.

Defining the Essential Question

1) What is your EQ?

What is most important for success as a Biomedical Engineer?

2) Define the words in your EQ to make sure we are on the same page regarding what your EQ means.

Most Important: The different things that an individual must do in order to become a biomed as well as what he/she must do to always improve and be the most efficient. For example, schooling, training, research, and certain mentality, etc.

Success: I see success as something that gives you a sense of fulfillment. Like being the most helpful to the community, contributing to a new idea, constantly improving to be the best, and also having a career and being proficient enough at it to have a stable lifestyle.

Biomedical Engineer: There are different fields within biomedical engineering. I will most likely be focusing a lot on the BME technicians within a hospital due to that being my service learning and the availability of sources.

3) What are some possible answers to your EQ?

You must apply yourself in school and your career in order to remain up to date with new technology.

You should become BME certified which will allow for many opportunities to arise.

As a BME, constantly talk to other BME's and vendors, staying informed in different technologies and to remain efficient in how you do your job.

4)What has been your most important source and why? Be specific. If it is a person, name them and what they do, if it is an article, book or video, name the title and author.

 My most important source has been Francis Yonzon, a Biomed Engineer at Chino Valley Medical Center. He was my first interview and was able to explain things from experience. I didn't know much about BME technicians and it was a new field to me. After meeting with him, I think that I am a little more prepared for what to expect as I research more and what to expect during my service learning.

Second Interview Questions

1) What exactly is your role in the hospital?

2) What kind of schooling did you have to go through in order to reach where you are now?

3) How long have you been in this profession?

4) What kinds of medical cases does this hospital take or specialize in?

5) Do you feel that your career choice is an enjoyable one? And do you think anybody can do it?