Merger Aims to Combine the Best of CE, IT Worlds

Abstract

I n 2007, Robert Rinck—a healthcare information technology (IT) expert with 20 years’ experience— decided to make a leap into the world of clinical engineering (CE). From his slot as an IT applications manager with Spectrum Health, Rinck had seen firsthand the challenges of trying to work with clinicians from his office in a data center 15 miles away. He was impressed by the CE department’s strong reputation and close relationship with the clinicians, and knew that cooperation between CE and IT would be key to meeting many of the health systems’ biggest challenges. An opening at the top of the CE department and the news that the group would soon be reporting to his boss caused him to take the step. With his IT expertise, appreciation of the value of biomed, and willingness to watch and learn, he turned out to be the right person in the right place at the right time. He took over the top spot in the CE department and from there helped to guide the successful integration of the group into the health systems’ Technology and Information Solutions (TIS) department.