Sometimes, it's hard to tell the retirees from the employed. Although some can still be seen on the golf course or in the wood shop, many retired biomedical equipment technicians (BMETs) and clinical engineers (CEs) are staying busy in new and perhaps unexpected ways.
“You can only saw and sand so much wood,” says David McCanna, who retired in 2003 as corporate director of clinical engineering at Forum Health in Youngstown, OH. He now works 32 hours a week as an engineer with a small company that manufactures cables, harnesses and mechanical assemblies.
Since “becoming pensioned” from Oregon Health Sciences Center in 1988, George Johnston has traveled the globe providing biomedical education, training, and mentoring in developing countries. His jaunts range from a few months to as long as a year, and he says he and his wife “really enjoy traveling on someone else's nickel!”
Most recently, Johnston spent four months in Kosovo with Global Assistance for Medical Equipment, a coalition of health technology management professionals. He's worked with several nonprofits and has traveled to locales such as Poland, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuala Lumpur, Belize, India and Tanzania. His only negative experience was the year he spent in Guyana, South America, he says. “This country was so corrupt and crime-ridden that my wife finally went home and I wasn't sure I would get out of the country without being arrested for being a whistle blower,” he explains.
Frank Magnarelli, who retired a year ago from Miami Childrens Hospital, attends class every day at the University of Miami and writes articles on topics that interest him. “I am an avid reader and enjoy learning a wide variety of new subjects,” he says, adding that he found it frustrating not being able to exchange ideas with others. The university filled this void, and as a senior citizen, he has no exams or attendance requirements. “It's just learning for its own sake,” he explains.
Whether it's seeing their grandchildren grow up or having control of their time, retirees are enjoying their golden years. Is there anything they miss? Not much, except the people, they say. “All of the folks I ever met that are BMETs or CEs are very dedicated, good people,” McCanna says.
Looking Ahead
Whatever route you choose upon retirement, take along some tips from those who've traveled ahead of you. Before you make the plunge, make sure you are financially prepared. “Invest wisely so that finances do not become a source of worry,” advises Magnarelli. Consider purchasing long-term care insurance, he adds. “If you purchase these policies when you are young, the annual premium will be much more affordable during your retirement,” he says.
Have plans for what you will do with your time. “Going from 100 miles an hour at the office to zero is dramatic,” says McCanna. “You must be mentally prepared to handle it over the long haul, as a short trip will not fill the void,” he notes. “Be a volunteer, build houses with one of the charity groups, but be sure to plan something,” he adds. Magnarelli recommends creating a file “of all the things you think you would like to do when you begin your new life.”
Remain flexible. Sometimes the best-laid plans change. After retiring, McCanna set out to become a realtor, but nine months in decided he didn't like the job at all. There was “too much stress, drama, and emotion involved for someone who is trying to make believe he is retired,” he says. McCanna, who retired at 59, took the engineering job, in part, for the benefits. “Tried buying health insurance lately?” he asks.
Finally, look at retirement as “the beginning of an exciting new life, and not as the cessation of work,” advises Magnarelli. “Don't let the term ‘senior citizen’ bother you,” he says. “Be proud you have earned that title and wear it as a badge of honor.”
George Johnston (left) works with Sahit Veseli, one of the biomed engineers in the University Clinical Center biomed department in Pristina, Kosovo. Dave McCanna (right) spends free time working in his shop.
George Johnston (left) works with Sahit Veseli, one of the biomed engineers in the University Clinical Center biomed department in Pristina, Kosovo. Dave McCanna (right) spends free time working in his shop.
“Going from 100 miles an hour at the office to zero is dramatic. You must be mentally prepared to handle it over the long haul, as a short trip will not fill the void…be sure to plan something.”—Dave McCanna
“Going from 100 miles an hour at the office to zero is dramatic. You must be mentally prepared to handle it over the long haul, as a short trip will not fill the void…be sure to plan something.”—Dave McCanna