In de spotlight

What does a medical technician's workday look like?

On average, we spend about 30% of the time in the car. The other 70% divides between administration and hands-on performing repairs and maintenance. This includes preventive maintenance to prevent wear and failure, diagnosing and solving technical problems, and accurately calibrating equipment to ensure optimal operation. We also install new equipment and perform safety checks to meet regulatory standards, such as the MDR.

Administrative tasks

We keep detailed reports on maintenance, repairs and performance and advise healthcare professionals on the proper use and capabilities of the equipment.

Often our job is also to explain to customers the importance of proper preventive maintenance. Many devices are misused or not maintained at all until they break down. That awareness is also part of it.

Can you tell something about the challenges in your work?

Every day, as a medical technician, you face unique situations that require a wide range of skills as well as a good dose of stress-resistance. Not only do you have to solve technical problems, but you also have to navigate through heavy traffic to get to the location on time, constantly adjust your schedule and flexibly deal with unforeseen circumstances.

This is a serious challenge but also very rewarding, because our work has a direct impact on the quality of life and care.

Why is your role essential for medical practices or hospitals?

Working with medical equipment comes with great responsibility: the technologies must function flawlessly to ensure patient safety and health. This requires not only thorough technical knowledge, but also the ability to continuously monitor and learn new technologies.

In this regard, we fill an indispensable gap in many organizations, which often have neither the manpower nor the expertise to manage the diversity of devices. From blood pressure monitors to advanced diagnostic systems, the variety of medical equipment places high demands on both knowledge and flexibility.

Thanks to our broad deployability and specialized skills, we ensure that organizations can function optimally while contributing to patient safety and quality of care.

What developments do you see in your field?

Innovations in the medical industry follow each other in rapid succession, and keeping up with these developments is essential to remain effective. We are also seeing newer equipment becoming more reliable, with longer maintenance intervals. This is positive, because it means less pressure for hospitals as devices are unavailable less often. We attend regular training, read service manuals thoroughly, and maintain good contacts with suppliers. This is essential to keep doing our job well and to always be prepared for new challenges.

How do you work with clients?

In hospitals, you work with very diverse clients: doctors, bioengineers, nurses, department heads, etc. Each client needs a different approach depending on their needs. Therefore, I am as flexible as possible and try to come up with solutions as quickly as possible.

Often clients are happy when they see me come in because they feel reassured that the problem will be solved. It's nice to feel that confidence; it's very satisfying.

What would you like to give medical practices and hospitals about maintenance?

Make sure your equipment is and stays compliant. Everyone thinks it makes sense to send a car for regular maintenance, but it should be just as obvious with medical equipment.

Small defects, such as a loose screw, can be easily detected and fixed during a maintenance. This prevents major repairs or even dangerous situations. Fortunately, we don't see serious cases very often, but prevention is always better than cure.