Optimization of biomedical engineering within a comprehensive cancer center

Rapidly changing technology coupled with the financial impact of organized health care, has required hospital Biomedical Engineering organizations to augment their operational and business models to increase their role in technology research, and optimize the manner in which they provide and manage services. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center has implemented a strategy to optimally utilize the expertise of Biomedical Engineering to provide support in technology/equipment management, device repair and preventive maintenance and in addition to participate in the investigation of new and evolving technologies and in research and development Specifically, Biomedical Engineering is an integral component of the Medical Physics Department which provides comprehensive and integrated support to the center in advanced physical, technical, engineering technologies This organizational structure emphasizes the integration and collaboration between a spectrum of technical expertise for clinical support and equipment management roles. Equipment management responsibilities have expanded to high-end, high cost devices minimizing response time, maximizing uptime and significantly reducing service cost. Specifically focused groups within Biomedical Engineering have been established to participate in the investigation and deployment of new and evolving technologies. This case study details the dynamics of these expanded roles, future initiatives and benefits for Biomedical Engineering and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.