HTM Professionals Connect with Future Innovators at the New Orleans Career Center

Yesterday was an unforgettable day for the HTM community as we spent time at the New Orleans Career Center, engaging with NOCC Teacher Allyson McKinney’s engineering class. The enthusiasm and curiosity of the students made the experience truly exceptional. This event highlighted the importance of the great partnerships shared between, YouthForce NOLA, and LCMC Health/Trimedx, whose support helps bridge the gap between educational institutions and the HTM industry. Adding to the day’s excitement, we welcomed distinguished guests, including Madeline Hauck from Junior Achievements, Dr. Richard “Monty” Gonzales and Lisa Gonzales from the College of Biomedical Equipment Technology, and Charlie Hunter from Dental Fix (UptimeServices). Their expertise provided invaluable insights, deepening the students’ understanding of this dynamic field. To enhance learning, we organized small group sessions, allowing for meaningful, hands-on interaction and personal engagement.

Shine Bright Like A Diamond

The students were enthusiastic, but one individual, a junior named Dyimen from Livingston Collegiate, shinned bright like a diamond. ?Dyimen was the only female in her class, but her bright spirit shone through. While in my group, we talked for a minute, she shared that she had only heard of Healthcare Technology Management “probably twice” before, crediting her teacher, Mrs. McKinney. However, her interest grew as we discussed how HTM aligns with her passion for assembling and designing objects. “It’s pretty cool. It’s more aligned with what I want to do in life than I initially thought,” Dyimen remarked.

Our conversation touched on various aspects of the industry, and Dyimen was particularly fascinated by dental equipment repair. “I thought you had to replace the whole thing, but you can just take the insides out and replace it,” she said with surprise. Dyimen also spoke about her future plans, mentioning her interest in dual enrollment classes. “I’m pretty sure I’m going to do that next year,” she explained, noting that it fit well with her schedule since she only has a couple of classes left before graduation next year.

The goal of our conversation—and the event overall—was to inspire students by showcasing real opportunities, even in less-known career paths. Dyimen’s enthusiasm was a testament to the impact these conversations can have, and we look forward to supporting her journey.?

A highlight of the day was the VR headset demonstration from NVRT Labs, which allowed students to virtually interact with medical equipment. It sparked excitement and curiosity, adding a unique, tech-driven element to the experience.

A Moment Of Pride: Jovan's Story

One of my proudest moments came when a Senior from the International High School of New Orleans Jovan, a participant in the YouthForce NOLA/LCMC Health summer internship program, shared his story. During his internship in the biomed department at Children’s Hospital New Orleans, he gained firsthand experience that left a lasting impact. Speaking to the students, he described how witnessing the repair of medical equipment opened his eyes to its life-saving importance. He shared that the HTM professionals he worked with didn’t just guide him—they embraced him as part of their team.

Jovan’s story took an unexpected turn when he recounted a personal tragedy: being hit by a truck. Thankfully, he was okay, but he recalled that while in the ambulance, he couldn’t help but think back to his internship. He recognized the IV pump he was connected to and found familiarity when he underwent an MRI scan—all reminders of what he learned over the summer. Javon credited his newfound knowledge and perspective to the internship, which introduced him to the HTM industry—a world he had never known existed.

Hearing Jovan’s story filled me with pride, knowing that the experiences he gained with my team made a real difference. Moments like these reinforce why I am so passionate about talking to students about the HTM industry. It makes every second worthwhile.?

Thank You To All Our Supportive Vendors

A heartfelt thank you to our supportive vendors for contributing swag that made the day even more memorable: ADEPTO, Advanced Ultrasound Systems(AUS), USOC, AAMI, TECHNATION, UNITED INFUSION, NVRT Labs and the College of Biomedical Equipment Technology. Your generosity helped foster a sense of community and excitement among the students as they explored the HTM world. It was a day of connection, discovery, and inspiration—truly a great day to be an HTM professional.