The evolution of biomedical equipment technology.

This feature article presents an overview of how the biomedical equipment technology field developed. It begins with some of the early medical equipment breakthroughs, such as the discovery of X rays. The article then traces the key role of the military in electronic technology design, leading to the concept of specially trained individuals to maintain medical equipment. The Technical Education Research Center is discussed, along with the evolution of BMET schools. Formal BMET education had a strong advocate in Ralph Nader, whose concerns about electrical safety in hospitals supported the need for trained technicians to test medical equipment. BMET certification, BMET careers, and Clinical Engineering are discussed. The article concludes with some speculation on healthcare reform and its possible effect on the biomedical equipment profession.