Seminar in Biomedical Instrumentation

celebrating 34 years of service



Update:

Now that a similar course has been designed and presented (the first session was in August 2006), the Seminar can exit conscientiously.  After thoroughly enjoying 34 years of the privilege of helping BMETs and CEs learn more about biomedical instrumentation, the professors are retiring the Seminar.  

The original plan was to offer two sessions of the Seminar.  Those 2 sessions led to 85 more, at several universities in the United States.  The overall motivation and professional manner of the 3000 participants were truly remarkable.  Appreciation for the course was clear; the evaluations were very high through all the years.  

The professors are truly grateful for the experience of presenting the Seminar.  






What is the Seminar?

The Seminar is a unique, intensive short-course on important topics in the technology of medical equipment. It provides continuing education, which is urged or required by certain standards and accreditation documents in health care.

Who should benefit most from this course?

Biomedical equipment technicians and clinical engineers benefit most, because of the combination of topics in physiology, safety, medical instrumentation, electronics, and microprocessors. Those topics are clearly important in providing and maintaining safe and effective instruments for use by clinicians and researchers.

How many can attend?

The maximum enrollment is 48.   

Where will it be?

The May 16-20, 2005 session will take place at the University of Missouri - St. Louis, in the Millennium Center.  

Who teaches the course?

The principal instructors are:

Charles A. Rawlings, Ph.D., C. C. E.
Professor Emeritus
Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, Illinois 62901
email address: rawlings@siu.edu

Dr. Rawlings' interdisciplinary doctorate is in physiology and engineering; his earlier degrees are in engineering, with electives in life science.  His experience includes teaching and engineering in several corporations, medical centers, and universities.  His research, presentations,  and publications are in cardiovascular and sensory physiology, intensive coronary care, color vision, computer applications, operational amplifiers, and electrocardiography.

John R. Novy, M.S.
Engineering Department
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
600 S. Clyde Morris Boulevard
Daytona Beach, Florida 32114
(386) 226-6755
email address: novyj@erau.edu

Mr. Novy's degrees are in engineering: a bachelor of science and a master of science.  His experience includes teaching, troubleshooting, and designing analog and digital circuits.  He has two patents on electronic devices.  Among the papers he has presented are "Integrating Cardiac Tachometer" and "Cardiac Simulator."
 
 

OUTLINE OF THE 2005 SEMINAR IN BIOMEDICAL INSTRUMENTATION

MONDAY

HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY

        Circulatory systems: paths, "pumps," and functions of blood, lymph, CSF, etc.
REVIEW OF ELECTRIC-CIRCUIT ANALYSIS
        Currents, voltages, and powers in dc and ac circuits
BIOVOLTAGES
        Origin and usefulness of ECG, EMG, and EEG signals
REVIEW OF ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
        Currents, voltages, and powers in circuits containing electronic devices
 
TUESDAY
 
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
        Nervous system: components, connections, and functions
OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS
        Analysis and applications of summers, integrators, differential amplifiers, etc.
ELECTRIC SAFETY
        Facts, fears, codes, and standards
DIGITAL CIRCUITS
        Functions and applications of gates, counters, memories, etc.
 
WEDNESDAY
 
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
        Digestive and excretory systems: mechanical and chemical processes
SIGNAL CONDITIONERS AND DATA CONVERTERS
        Bridges, filters, DACs, and ADCs
ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTATION FOR CARDIAC CARE
        Monitors, defibrillators, and pacemakers
MICROPROCESSOR SYSTEMS
        Fundamentals of operation
 
THURSDAY
 
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
        Respiratory and endocrine systems: ventilation and transfer of gases; endocrine functions
MICROPROCESSOR APPLICATIONS
        Description of useful functions in instrumentation
INSTRUMENTATION FOR CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
        Acoustic, ultrasonic, electric, and electronic devices
TECHNIQUES AND DEVICES FOR ELECTRONIC TROUBLESHOOTING
        Procedures for finding malfunctioning boards and other components; new equipment for troubleshooting
 
FRIDAY
 
TECHNIQUES AND DEVICES FOR ELECTRONIC TROUBLESHOOTING
        More procedures for finding malfunctioning boards and other components
TECHNIQUES AND DEVICES FOR IN-SERVICE TRAINING ON ELECTRIC SAFETY
        Demonstrations, outlines, and advice; survey of available media


NOTICE FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN CERTIFICATION:
The International Certification Commission will provide examinations in the United States on May 21, 2005, in various cities.  St. Louis is one of the cities in which the examinations will be proctored on May 21, 2005.   A booklet and an application pertaining to BMET certification are available from PTC (a testing corporation). The telephone number of PTC is (212) 356-0660.  A web site offering details on BMET certification is http://www.aami.org/
 

Which hotel near campus offers special rates?

The St. Louis Airport Hilton Hotel offers Seminar participants a room rate of $74/day, single- or double-occupancy.  It offers free transportation to and from campus (20 blocks) and to and from the airport (3 blocks).

         St. Louis Airport Hilton Hotel
                10330 Natural Bridge Road
                    St. Louis, Missouri 63134
                    (314) 426-5500
                    (800) 345-5500
                    fax: (314) 426-2924

Advisory note:  To get the discounted rate shown above, you must specify that you will be participating in the Seminar in Biomedical Instrumentation.  The regular rates are substantially higher.

How can I register?

To register, please complete the form below and send it with the fee ($815) payable to the Seminar in Biomedical Instrumentation at this address:
 
                                                                Seminar in Biomedical Instrumentation
                                                                University Programs
                                                                P.O. Box 3153
                                                                Carbondale, IL 62902.

The total registration fee of $815 includes tuition, parking fees, and the cost of the five textbooks, lunches on Monday through Thursday, refreshments at breaks, briefcase, special information sheets, and certain supplies (pens, tablets, etc.).

Registration is transferable at no cost. Full refunds are obtainable until 10 work days before the start of the session; then refunds decrease by 10%/work day.
 


 



 
 
 
 
 
 
 

C. A. Rawlings, Ph.D., C.C.E.

Professor Emeritus
Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale


100 Valley Road
Paducah, KY 42001

email: rawlings@siu.edu
 
 

Updated 11/2/06 cr/rm