Biomeds Work in Shadow of Nation's Capital

At Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC, Bhavesh Patel and his biomedical engineering department work behind the scenes to make sure the center's medical technology remains safe and available. Patel is the director of biomedical engineering at Washington Hospital Center—recognized in 2006 by U.S. News & World Report as one of America's Best Hospitals. BI&T recently discussed with Patel his department's contributions to the hospital center's success.

BI&T: How do you feel your department contributed to Washington Hospital Center's recognition as one of “America's Best Hospitals?”

Patel: Away from the limelight, we make sure our equipment is safe, working, and available for our patients. That's our job, to stay out of the limelight.

BI&T: Being located in our nation's capital, surely disaster and emergency preparedness is a primary focus of your department. What are your responsibilities in that area?

Patel: Emergency preparedness is a big piece of our work. We have a ready-room with emergency portable ventilators and monitors, etc., so we have to keep that equipment ready at all times. That equipment must be portable and durable. Naturally, preventive maintenance on that equipment adds to our workload. But it is critically important.

BI&T: What is the primary focus that drives your department?

Patel: Our number one priority is safety. Everything we do is focused on patient and employee safety. We consider safety even before we consider efficiency, and everything else is driven from there. For example, we always conduct proper training before implementing a new technology. Without the proper training, we don't implement the technology.

BI&T: You've been with Washington Hospital Center for more than five years. How has the focus of your department changed over that period?

Patel: First of all, the hospital is more wired than ever before. By that I am referring to both wireless and wired networks. Our telemetry system allows our patients to be monitored everywhere, no matter where they go. So we have to stay on top of those technologies. In terms of our approach as a department, we have placed a greater emphasis on our responsiveness and the urgency of every situation.

BI&T: Given your Washington, DC, location, does the hospital center see its share of high-profile guests?

Patel: That's the beauty of working in biomedical engineering. We never find out. We were told that President Bush paid a visit to the center shortly after 9/11. But we didn't even find out until after he was gone.