MAY 2008, Vol. 43, No. 5

In Profile: Glen McQuien: Leading a New Organization

With 25 years of biomed experience under his belt, Glen McQuien, clinical engineering manager of the Mayo Clinic Arizona, recently took the reins as president of the newly formed Arizona Medical Instrumentation Association (AZMIA). In this edition of AAMI News, he discusses the creation of the AZMIA and shares a bit about himself.

AAMI News: Where are you from originally, and how did you wind up at Mayo?

Glen McQuien: I originally trained at the U.S. Air Force School for Healthcare Sciences in 1983, and served in the Air Force for five years. Since then I’ve served in a variety of capacities including technical work and program management. I now serve as manager of clinical engineering at Mayo Clinic Arizona. I still maintain my technical skills, primarily on various imaging systems. I’m a native of Texas, spent some time in California, and now live in Phoenix.

AN: You were among the first to volunteer to form a biomedical society in Arizona. Why were you so interested in contributing to this project?

GM: There are many technicians who simply don’t have the resources or information necessary to consistently develop their skills. This organization provides a venue for education while strengthening relationships among biomeds and area vendors and manufacturers. I wanted to be a part of that.

AN: AZMIA recently held its first meeting. How did it go?

GM: The first meeting was a success because several people put a ton of effort into it. I appreciate the efforts of Conquest Imaging and of AAMI and its Technology Management Council (TMC). The California Medical Instrumentation Association (CMIA) also played a very important role in helping us structure a meeting that included vendors and individuals at many levels. We currently have about 50 members, including corporate members.

We named the organization the Arizona Medical Instrumentation Association to better reflect an inclusive effort to bring all of the facets of the biomedical, imaging, and healthcare provider fields together into a single entity. Our goal is to offer the field, as a whole, educational and networking opportunities while advancing the identity of the career field throughout the state.

AN: As president, what do you see as the top challenges facing the group?

GM: The short-term challenges are clear. We must first engage the people who have already joined in the process of developing the group according to the goals and objectives of those members. The role of the board and elected officers is to advance the intentions of the group as a whole. Just getting this fundamental element in place is our greatest short-term challenge.

The initial infrastructure also presents a challenge. We still need to establish our identity by completing our corporate filing, establishing bank accounts, creating a logo, and securing a permanent mailing address. This seems so mundane, but getting the foundation established takes time.

The long-term challenges are different. The geographic layout of Arizona makes it difficult to include everyone who wants to participate. We need to develop education initiatives, form a proactive membership committee, and set meetings that are both accessible and productive for our members. This must include an open forum where ideas are contributed and feedback is provided to ensure everyone is heard.

AN: The creation of the AZMIA was unique in that the initial organization was planned by leaders of CMIA, Conquest, and AAMI. Do you think this process worked well?

GM: Not only did the process work well, but I believe participation from the groups mentioned was essential. Paul Conrad of Conquest Imaging, Steve Campbell of AAMI, Carol Davis- Smith of the TMC, Paul Kelley from CMIA, and I spent hours on the phone going through every detail we could imagine to plan the initial meeting. Changes were being made right up to the last minute as a result of everyone's input. Paul Kelley’s insight into CMIA’s history was invaluable. He also made every CMIA document available to me to review. Conquest Imaging provided funding that opened the door to a spectacular banquet facility that would not have been possible otherwise, and AAMI and its TMC provided input on how to initially present information at the meeting that would be consistent with the long-term goals of AZMIA.

The process provides a template for others who are interested in starting up an association like this. My advice would be to remember that the group should determine its own direction. While assistance from the associations and vendors is important, the group leadership must be prepared to take over the leadership role and provide direction that is consistent with its members’ needs.

AN: What major projects or priorities are you involved with at Mayo?

GM: Most of my time is spent managing the day-to-day operations of the imaging and picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) groups and assisting the biomedical supervisor with the operations of the biomedical group. I participate on the executive committees for radiology as it relates to equipment project planning, PACS planning and oversight, and the radiology electronic environment as a whole. I also spend about 25% of my time performing hands-on service.

AN: Outside of work and society work, what do you like to do in your spare time?

GM: I teach the electroencephalogram (EEG) biophysical measurement course at a local community college. I enjoy reading, exploring the best-kept secrets of Arizona, traveling, and watching the Arizona Diamondbacks.