Clinical engineering strategies for career development

In the continuing development of clinical engineering, new problem areas are beginning to emerge. Issues related to career development are gaining prominence, and job satisfaction, career advancement, and "burnout" are becoming increasingly important. To address these issues, clinical engineers must assume personal responsibility for their own careers. They must broaden their perception of clinical engineering to include a managerial perspective. The extent to which they assume managerial responsibilities is a function of their personal interests and talents. This involvement can range from a consultative role in decisions involving high technology to a position in the institution's top management staff. This broader definition will significantly benefit not only the field of clinical engineering but individual practitioners as well.