Volume 19, Number 6________________________________________March 2001

Message from the President

Welcome to March,

      My thanks go out to Methods Automation, Pace Inc. and Techni-Tool for sponsoring the February meeting. I would also like to thank the members who attended, and apologize to those of you who didn't get the newsletter. We will find out what happened and attempt to keep this from happening in the future.

The current Executive Committee is looking for people to become the future Executive Committee. If you don't know what kind of work is involved in the positions, approach us and we will help you understand the importance of becoming an officer. There will be a reminder in each month's newsletter and it is important to find individuals interested as early as possible.

The January meeting was canceled and subsequently pushed back the results of the Bylaw vote. There was a total of 11 members who participated in the vote. The results are as follows:

Proposed Change

  # 1    11 yes    0 no
  # 2    10 yes    1 no
  # 3      8 yes    3 no
  # 4    10 yes    1 no
  # 5    10 yes    1 no
  # 6    11 yes    0 no
  # 7    10 yes    1 no
  # 8      7 yes    4 no
  # 9    10 yes    1 no
  #10   11 yes    0 no

Therefore all changes passed. The changes will take effect as of the March meeting and the revised copy of the Bylaws will be given to members when it is complete. I ask you to direct any questions, comments, or complaints to the Executive Committee. I think the changes will help bring in members and allow the organization to grow.

Well, enough said for now, enjoy life and find time for a BMET meeting.

PACE, Inc.
February's BMETS Meeting

   Mr. Ted Hersey of Methods Automation and Mr. Bill Paskun of Techni-Tool hosted last month's meeting which featured a demonstration of PACE's line of products in the latest techniques for soldering and desoldering surface mount components. In case you missed it, let me assure you that it is now possible to easily repair pcbs that employ surface mount technology. Our members tried their hand at soldering at this interactive meeting and were able to perform the job without cold solder joints or bridges. In fact it was very difficult to discern between a manufactured or repair job.

For a free demonstration of PACE products in your facility please contact either Mr. Hersey at 410.581.0093, tedh@methodsautomation.com or Mr. Paskun at 800.295.8665 ext. 2465, sales@techni-tool.com. A sincere Thank You to Mr. Hersey and Mr. Paskun for hosting a GREAT meeting last month.

Terry Tracy
Secretary, BMETS

About PACE - A Worldwide Commitment

With offices worldwide, PACE, Inc. is a recognized world leader in the development of solutions for the assembly and repair of highly advanced electronics. Their expertise extends back to the dawn of the modern electronics industry. In 1958, PACE introduced training programs for the repair of the printed wire assemblies, and soon after, revolutionized the industry by creating the first self-contained vacuum desoldering system.

Today, PACE continues to provide innovative solutions, products and training for the rework, repair and testing of printed circuit assemblies. Their unique capabilities and evolving vision have provided universal solutions to thru-hole and surface mount assembly and rework problems for the most advanced electronics.

Additionally, PACE manufactures Fume Extraction systems to reduce exposure to harmful particulates and gases created from hand soldering operations. PACE Fume Extraction systems effectively remove these contaminants from the worker's breathing zone thereby reducing or eliminating health risks.

Their strong commitment and history of achievement has resulted in an unparalleled range of Assembly, Repair and Fume Extraction solutions to meet your needs whether working to IS0-9000, industrial, military or your own internal specifications. Whatever the challenge, PACE stands ready to set a new standard for you.

AAMI 2001 Information Technology Track to focus on Convergence and Change

At the AAMI 2001 Conference and Expo, June 9-12 in Baltimore Maryland, the Information Technology Track will contain content never presented before at an AAMI Conference. The educational sessions are designed to provide new insights into the integration of medical and information technology.

Educational programming on Saturday, June 9 will cover an array of timely issues facing information technologies in the healthcare setting. One session will delve into clinical information systems from a systems engineering perspective, introducing the audience to the concept of Application Service Providers (ASP) and describe its benefits and pitfalls. Saturday will also provide an overview of Health Level 7 (HL7) message structures and their use in communications between systems and examine the clinical information system meta pyramid.

The session titled, Clinical Engineering and Information Technology: Collaborating for Success, will include teams of clinical engineering department managers and chief information officers from the same hospital describing how they have developed successful techniques for partnership.

The session Managing the IT Resource will include the technical support of distributed IT technologies, an update on IT security issues and career development to encompass the emerging IT opportunities.

Other IT sessions include Leadership in the Digital Convergence Revolution, IT Decision Support Tools for Healthcare, Real-World Wireless Applications in the Healthcare Setting and many more.

For more information about the Information Technology Track and other educational offerings at AAMI 2001, including a full conference schedule, please visit www.aami.org.

AAMI 2001 Keynote Speakers to Lead the Way in Technology Management and Support

               Keynote - History of the Future
               Monday, June 11 8:30 am-10:00 am
               Jaron Lanier - Virtual Reality Pioneer

Get prepared to be captivated by Lanier's groundbreaking work in the scientific, engineering, and commercial applications of virtual reality. Lanier, coined the term "virtual reality" and is one of the originators of real-time surgical simulation and telesurgery.

How will Information Technology Change the Shape of Medical Care in the Future

               Tuesday, June 12 8:00 am-9:30 am
               Henry J. Soch, Vice President Consulting Services & E-Business Development,
                              Philips Medical Systems North America

As information technology takes on an increasingly important role in the health care sector, it will change the industry from top to bottom and from inside out. This presentation will give you a sense of the pace of change in technology and how this pace will be incorporated into tools that can improve medical care and change the economics of the health industry.

               Dwight E. Harken, MD, Memorial Lecture
               Regulatory Trends Affecting Medical Technology Management
               David M. Link, Executive Vice President, Expertech Associates and
                              AAMI Lifetime Honorary Member
               Sunday, June 10, 11:30 am- 1:00 pm
               Wyndham Baltimore Inner Harbor Hotel

The federal government and quasi-regulatory and standards bodies are increasingly targeting health care and medical equipment for new forms of regulation, guidance and reimbursement procedures. Find out how regulations and standards will increasingly affect the utilization and management of medical technology.