New in 2004
The editorial advisory board is an important resource for us at 24x7, and we keep them busy. They regularly contribute articles and columns, such as ICC Prep, and review articles that have been sent to us for publication. They also review each issue and suggest ways to improve the magazine and keep it focused. I rely on them to answer questions about biomedical equipment technology as I learn more about the field. Now I am delighted to introduce two new editorial advisory board members.

Matthew F. Baretich, PE, PhD, is president of Baretich Engineering in Fort Collins, Colo. Baretich has more than 20 years’ experience applying engineering and managerial skills in health care facilities. His firm provides consulting services for health care facilities in the areas of safety, facility, and medical-equipment management. Baretich holds a PhD in hospital and health administration from the University of Iowa, and an MS in biomedical engineering from Iowa State University. He is a licensed professional engineer, a certified clinical engineer, and a certified health care facility manager. Baretich has been active in numerous professional organizations over the years, and, as cochair of the AAMI Medical Instrumentation Maintenance Committee, he developed and edited a consensus report that was published in 1993 as the official “Guideline for Establishing and Administering Medical Instrumentation Maintenance Programs.”

Michael R. Kauffman, CBET, is biomedical equipment manager at the 620-bed Reading (Pa.) Hospital and Medical Center. His is a familiar name to those of you who subscribe to the Biomedtalk-L Listserv, a worldwide forum for the biomedical professional that boasts 2,150 members in 27 countries. Kauffman has 25 years’ experience in the clinical engineering department as a biomedical equipment technician and manager. He earned his associate degree in specialized technology at Lincoln Technical Institute in Allentown, Pa. He is a certified electronics and biomedical equipment technician, holds a first class Federal Communications Commission license and radar endorsement, and was named AAMI BMET of the year in 1999. Kauffman was also active in the development of the Mideastern Pennsylvania Clinical Instrumentation Society and served as its president from 1992 to 1994.

I am sure you will agree that both Baretich and Kauffman will be valuable additions to our board, and we look forward to working with them in 2004.

mbenjamin@medpubs.com