The future of clinical engineering

Speaking in his opening address, Professor John Sandham CEng FIHEEM, Chair of EBME Expo, revealed that this year's event attracted around 50% more delegates and featured over 175 exhibitors. The event continues to provide a vital platform to promote the crucial conversations needed to ensure medical device technologies are managed safely, efficiently, and effectively to improve clinical outcomes.

Prof. Sandham pointed out that the landscape of medical technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, presenting both immense opportunities and significant challenges. The overriding message at the event was clear: clinical engineers must take a central role and lead the way in decision making — to achieve this, we must elevate the profile of the profession and secure the recognition it deserves.

High on the agenda was the future direction of clinical engineering and the need to support professional development. Someone with extensive experience of career advancement within the sector is Richard Scott, who recently retired as the Director of Medical Physics & Bioengineering, at the University Hospitals Bristol & Weston NHS Foundation Trust. A clinical engineer by background, he has recently stepped away to take on the role of developing international standards, chairing a committee tasked with rewriting IEC 60601. He is also currently consulting on medical device regulation through a new consultancy which he founded — called Citizen MedTech.