Ten questions with ….

Abstract

I first heard about the HTM field when I joined the U.S. Army. As I looked over the job description and the associated responsibilities, I was drawn to the idea of working on electromechanical devices. It certainly represented an intellectual challenge. I'm sure glad I took that moment to decide how I could best serve my country.My parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles were passionate about their family, community, and professions. So, I believe that people need to determine what they are passionate about and find a way to serve. The TMC is one way that I hope to serve my fellow tech-minded types.As I look at the best organizations, I think it would serve our field well to train each and every professional to be a leader. Leaders don't always lead from the front, but by setting an example. We may wear various hats—technical advisor, customer liaison, project manager, and subject matter expert—but we need to influence and support those who make the ethical and moral choice to help improve healthcare.Mondays. I enjoy my free time, but I get psyched to see my customers and respond to their questions, as well as have others challenge me to do more.Balancing my personal life with my professional one. I care a lot about my boss, coworkers, and radiology department, as well as patients and visitors, but my family always comes first.I think one thing that would surprise almost everyone in the HTM profession is that I was a thespian. So there you have it, I am a closet thespian.My first civilian biomedical supervisor, Stephen Moulding, once told me, “Dustin, it doesn't matter to me what classes you take, because every bit of education makes you a better biomed—unless, of course, you ask me to sign off on underwater basket weaving.”His advice came at a crucial moment, as I had debated taking another year of Latin. I knew that he was right, and his advice assured me that I wasn't alone.There is a way to connect almost every device with an app, a data point, or another system. While some of this connectivity existed when I entered the field, I can say that linear thinking about a problem that occurred with one device is almost outdated in a world of integrated technology.I would like to travel to Norway. Something deep in my genetic makeup must be calling me to live there and visit the fjords.The answer is always 42.