Some moments remind us why we do what we do—why our work matters beyond the day-to-day grind. That’s exactly what happened on Friday, December 13, 2024, during HTM On The Line's visit to Poinciana High School in Kissimmee, FL. Over 200 students in the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program welcomed us with curiosity, enthusiasm, and open minds.
This college preparatory initiative is all about equipping students with the tools they need to succeed, and it was a privilege to share insights about an industry close to our hearts: Healthcare Technology Management (HTM).
Our day started early—6:30 a.m. to be exact—with a warm welcome at the school. By 7:15 a.m., we were in the classroom, meeting wave after wave of motivated students eager to learn. Over the course of six sessions, from early morning until 1:15 p.m., we introduced the students to the world of HTM—a field that combines technology, purpose, and the opportunity to make a difference in healthcare.
Building Connections: Making It All Possible
This great event was made possible with the assistance of Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans, who I work closely with to engage high school students in New Orleans. When I mentioned that I would be attending an HTM conference in Orlando and expressed a desire to speak with high school students in the area, Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans connected me with their counterparts at Junior Achievement Central Florida.
Through their efforts, I was introduced to Carol G. Jones, Secondary Learning Experiences Specialist, who went above and beyond, putting in the legwork to connect me with 13 schools to choose from. After reviewing the options, I chose Poinciana High School, and that’s when the collaboration with Ms. Erika Ide, M.Ed., AVID IV Teacher & Program Coordinator, Health Champion at Poinciana High School, began.
Ms. Ide was instrumental in ensuring the day ran smoothly, coordinating every detail to give us the best opportunity to engage with the students. Her constant support and commitment to her students’ success made this experience truly special.
Building Bridges: Making HTM Tangible
I was joined by an incredible team:
Glenn Garrett, Director of Recruiting for Intermed Group from Wesley Chapel, FL,
Zachary Silas, Senior Site Manager from Albany, GA, and
Lynesha D. Sweeney, DBA, MBA-PM, Senior Project Manager from Orlando, FL.
Zach, Lynesha, and I all work for Trimedx, and together, we brought a dynamic perspective to the students.
Glenn painted a compelling picture of HTM’s career paths, showcasing roles from biomedical equipment technicians to leadership positions and field service and imaging engineers. His insights helped students envision the possibilities for growth and success in this dynamic field.
Zach captivated the students with his detailed explanation of CT and MRI machines, leaving them amazed at how critical these technologies are in saving lives. One of the most memorable moments was when Zach shared that a CT scanner makes a complete circle 172 times in just one minute, explaining that this equals approximately 0.35 seconds per rotation. This visualization not only highlighted the speed and precision of the technology but also gave students a deeper appreciation for its role in diagnosing and treating patients.
Lynesha demonstrated the diversity of the HTM industry, sharing her role as a Senior Project Manager and emphasizing the importance of leadership and strategy. Her story underscored that the HTM field isn’t just for those with technical skills—it offers opportunities for planners, problem-solvers, and visionaries too.
I also shared a personal story about my son’s journey into the HTM industry. At just 19, he graduated with an Associate of Science degree from the College of Biomedical Equipment Technology and had three job offers waiting for him. Today, at 22, he currently works for G.E. Healthcare, living proof of the opportunities HTM can provide. This story resonated deeply with the students, bringing the possibilities of HTM to life.
Connecting HTM to Purpose
One student asked, “What keeps you motivated on tough days?” It was the perfect opportunity to share a story from my career. I told them about the parents in the NICU, sitting by their babies who can’t go home yet. "Their day is a bad day," I said. "What we experience are just challenges—moments we can work through. Our work makes their day just a little better, and that’s why we do what we do."
We also stressed that HTM professionals are like the doctors of medical equipment. Without precise and functional equipment, healthcare systems can’t deliver quality care. This perspective helped the students see the critical role HTM plays in patient outcomes and the broader healthcare system.
A Call to Action
This was a very long day, but I would do it again in a heartbeat. Out of the 200-plus kids we spoke with, only one was even slightly familiar with the HTM industry when the day began. By the time we left, every student had an idea of what the industry does and the opportunities it offers. I was especially encouraged by a few students who expressed genuine interest in becoming HTM professionals.
To the AVID students at Poinciana High School: thank you for welcoming us into your world and for your curiosity about the HTM industry. Your questions reminded us that the future of HTM depends on passionate, driven individuals like you.
To other educators, parents, and industry leaders reading this: programs like AVID show that investing in young minds is the key to building a stronger future. We need more partnerships, more conversations, and more efforts to bring HTM into classrooms across the country.
Here’s to breaking barriers, inspiring futures, and creating pathways for the next generation of healthcare technology leaders. Together, we can ensure the work we do today continues to make an impact for decades to come.
To watch a short trailer showcasing the amazing day at Poinciana High School, Click here.
Poinciana High School students proudly hold MD Publishing ICE magazines, featuring insights into imaging technology, industry advancements and career opportunities.
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