One Man’s Journey to Become a Biomedical Engineer
How do you become a Biomedical Engineer? If you are interested in engineering and want to work within healthcare?
This article focuses on one man’s journey to become a Biomedical Engineer – from childhood to working with medical equipment to improve patient care and safety.
Jerry (Klenam Kojo) Amegatse is a Biomedical Engineer and works for HealthTech Ghana Limited. Jerry is based in Accra in Ghana. In this article, Jerry shares his path into engineering and why working in healthcare gave him the drive to become a Biomedical Engineer.
How to become a Biomedical Engineer
Background
Have you always liked knowing how things work? Any examples from when you were young?
Yes, I’ve always been curious about how machines and devices work. As a child, I used to take apart gadgets; even when I couldn’t always put them back together. That early curiosity led to a lifelong interest in engineering and problem-solving.
Have you always liked fixing things? Any examples?
Yes, I enjoyed fixing basic household items growing up. Sometimes I caused more damage, but
I also successfully repaired a few things, especially radios and small electronics. It was a trial-and-error learning experience that sparked my passion for engineering.
Who inspired you toward engineering?
A combination of natural curiosity, and support from mentors, particularly the technicians and engineers at 37 Military Hospital. As well, admiration for professionals who used technology to solve real-world problems.
Who do you consider to be the greatest engineer or scientist ever?
I was inspired by pioneers like Nikolaus Otto and Karl Benz, whose invention of the internal combustion engine revolutionized transportation and industry. Their ability to solve real-world problems through innovation and engineering sparked my passion for the field.
Engineering
Why did you decide to become a biomedical engineer rather than a different type of engineer?
I wanted a career that merged engineering with healthcare. Biomedical engineering allows me to work on life-saving devices that directly affect patient outcomes.
Is it important for you to help others, and why?
Absolutely. Helping others through engineering is the most rewarding part of my job. Biomedical engineering isn’t just about equipment, it’s about making healthcare safer, faster, and more effective.
What are three reasons you would recommend being a biomedical engineer to someone else?
The three reasons are as follows:
- The field is dynamic and constantly innovating.
- It combines hands-on technical work with problem-solving.
- It directly contributes to improving lives in healthcare environments.
Equipment
What are the types of equipment you work on (and have worked on)?
I have worked on a range of equipment including:
Dialysis machines,
Ventilators,
Anaesthesia machines,
Infusion pumps,
Radiant warmers,
Phototherapy units,
Ultrasound systems,
ECGs,
Patient monitors,
Imaging systems like X-rays and CTs.
What is the best piece of equipment you have ever worked on?
The Baxter AK98 dialysis machines.
Leading their installation during the Ministry of Health’s turnkey project and seeing their impact on patient care was deeply fulfilling.
What has been the most difficult piece of equipment you have ever worked on?
Advanced imaging systems, especially mobile and C-arm X-rays, where troubleshooting hardware-software integration presented unique challenges.
Is there a piece of equipment/instrument you would like to work on in the future?
Yes, I would like to work with manufacturers to produce cutting edge medical imaging system and even new dialysis machines that better improve patient outcome.
Typical Week
What’s your typical week like?
My week involves a mix of equipment installations, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, site inspections, documentation, and training healthcare staff.
How much of your time is spent ‘hands-on’ and how much doing other things?
About 60% is hands-on: working on devices, installations, or repairs.
The remaining 40% involves documentation, SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) development, and planning.
Who gives you support when you need it?
I rely on colleagues both past and present, manufacturer technical teams (e.g., Baxter, Mindray, Philips), and my mentors.
What are your tips for the best ways to share knowledge and experience with other engineers?
There are four tips I have learnt.
- Document solutions and lessons learned.
- Be very curious about everything.
- Conduct and attend training sessions.
- Create SOPs and be open to mentorship.
Building Relationships with Customers
How do you start to build a relationship with a new customer?
By listening actively, being responsive, and showing professionalism and reliability from the start.
How do you develop the relationship beyond ‘supplier’ and ‘customer’?
By providing proactive maintenance, sharing insights, offering training, and positioning myself as a subject matter expert by staying informed and up to date with the latest developments.
What are your tips for explaining technical issues clearly?
These are the tips I use:
Use clear, non-technical language.
Provide analogies and real-world examples.
Use diagrams or visuals where possible.
Most Challenging Part of the Job when you become a Biomedical Engineer
What do you find most challenging—technical issues or working in a busy environment with people talking to you?
Technical issues in high-pressure environment, like solving a technical issue for a critical care piece of equipment. Staying calm, methodical, and focused is key when become a Biomedical Engineer.
What has been your most challenging job to date?
The turnkey dialysis project for the Ministry of Health. It involved large-scale installations, coordination with multiple stakeholders, and tight timelines; but it was incredibly rewarding. This kind of project was the reason I wanted to become a Biomedical Engineer.
Have you ever arrived on site and found that it was easier than expected?
Yes, sometimes it’s as simple as reconnecting a power cable or restarting a machine. It’s a reminder to always check the basics first.
How do you keep everything calm when a job is very urgent?
I stick to a structured troubleshooting process, keep communication clear, and manage my time carefully. Staying calm helps others stay calm too.
Personal Life
How do you relax when you are not at work?
I enjoy listening to music and podcasts on history. I also enjoy attending car shows and art exhibitions.
Further reading on how to become a Biomedical Engineer
One man’s journey to be a Roche Service Engineer
Spotlight on biomedical engineering in Kenya – 1 student’s view
If you want to become a Biomedical Engineer you can join our networking group, ‘Biomeds – Biomedical Engineers and Technicians.’ As well our networking group called ‘Medical, pharmaceuticals, life science, bioscience’. Both groups have hundreds of community members who also wanted to become a Biomedical Engineer, and now are. People you can ask for tips and advice when you become a member of The Field Engineer Community.
Responses