The Department of Biomedical Engineering at Texas A&M University organized and sponsored the first of its type industry luncheon at the 2016 Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) annual meeting. The event took place on Oct. 7, at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
The luncheon, featuring three nationally prominent industrialists attracted approximately 340 guests, many of whom were undergraduate biomedical engineers seeking insight into possible careers in industry. Dr. Anthony Guiseppi-Elie, TEES Professor and head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Texas A&M, who had a 15-year career in industry, introduced the department, talked about Texas A&M's innovative joint engineering and medicine degree program with Methodist Hospital (EnMEd), and moderated the three presentations.
Dr. Michael Hill, vice president of corporate science, technology and clinical affairs at Medtronic Inc., gave the keynote presentation that recounted the importance and significance of innovation in the history of Medtronic. Hill used the Earl E. Bakken story to emphasize Medtronic’s enduring commitment to innovation. Paul Torres, chief strategy officer and president for Hospital Housekeeping Systems (HHS), also highlighted innovation within his presentation, daring attendees to celebrate their differences as a source of inspiration for innovation.
Dr. Balakrishna Haridas, director of commercialization at the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) and a professor of practice who presented on pathways to excellence through innovation stated, “We have to think differently if we want our students to excel.”
Haridas’ presentation noted that the success of students is not merely a degree plan assembled by a university, but rather an encompassing growth platform that provides solutions to the problems students are facing.
Visitors to the event mentioned that the quality of the presentations, the speakers who were selected and the possibility of a luncheon next year, all coincided to produce a strong turnout.
“The luncheon was a huge success,” said Maria Lyons, senior academic advisor for biomedical engineering at Texas A&M. “Increased engagement with industry at the BMES annual meetings has consistently been requested by attendees. We look forward to hosting this event again at the 2017 annual meeting in Phoenix.”
In addition to the luncheon, faculty and students from the department contributed to 35 presentations throughout the three-day conference, while also meeting with prospective students at the BME@TAMU booth. The department also hosted an evening reception where refreshments and fellowship were shared among approximately 125 faculty, staff, prospective, current and former students, and other supporters.