HTM On The Line with BRYANT HAWKINS SR.
This Podcast is the place where we celebrate the hardworking professionals in the field of Healthcare Technology Management. It's going to be for HTM by HTM, and more importantly this podcast is going to be fun. This is where you will hear HTM professionals getting the exposure and credit they ALL deserve.
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HTM On The Line with BRYANT HAWKINS SR.
Bridging Art and Technology: Jennifer Chester's Story
Have you ever considered how an art major could end up as an avionics technician in the Air Force, and then transition into the healthcare technology management field? Prepare to be impressed as our remarkable guest, Jennifer Chester, shares her inspiring journey through these diverse fields. A mother, a technician, and an influential leader, Jennifer has blazed a trail in the HTM industry, overcoming numerous challenges along the way. She generously shares her insights on the latest advancements and trends, and discusses her unique experiences as a woman in a predominantly male industry.
Jennifer isn't just making waves in the industry, she's also inspiring the youth through her community driven platform "NEXTJENN Tech Mom". Exposing the youth of her community to S.T.E.A.M. - Scienc, Technolgy, Engineering, Art and Math. As they become increasingly tech-savvy, Jennifer disers to launch a podcast project, 'Small Talk, Big Tech,' to encourage kids to explore different career paths in the industry. But her advocacy doesn't stop there. She's also eager to help newcomers to the field, particularly female technicians, find their footing. As we reflect on Jennifer’s resilience and the incredible difference she's making in the HTM industry, we can't help but be inspired by her unwavering dedication to her profession. Tune in and prepare to be moved by Jennifer's story.
You can follow Jennifer on her YouTube page, click here.
This podcast is sponsored by The College Biomedical Equipment Technology. You can find out more information about this outstanding institution at CBET.EDU.
Welcome to HTM on the Line, the podcast that is for HTM by HTM. I'm your host, bryant Hawkins Sr. Today we're thrilled to introduce you to a remarkable individual who has not only defied the odds, but has also carved a remarkable path for herself in the HTM industry. Jennifer Chester, a mother, technician and inspiring leader, joins us to share her incredible journey. Jennifer's story is a testament to courage, unwavering determination and boundless inspiration. She's a shining example of someone who has not only mastered the technical aspects of the HTM field, but has also risen as a respected leader within her community. Her contributions have left an indeniable mark on her profession and on the many young people she comes in contact with, and today we have the privilege of hearing her story. Jennifer, welcome to HTM on the Line. It's so great to have you as a guest. How are you doing today?
Speaker 2:Well, thank you for having me and I'm doing excellent today. Thank you so much for having me on.
Speaker 1:But before we get started, can you tell us a bit about your background and journey into the HTM industry?
Speaker 2:Sure. So I had a very untraditional journey actually into the HTM community. I started out going to college bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, thinking I was going to major in art, and that's what I did. But I realized that art majors don't make very much money, right? So after I got out of college I went to the Air Force as a reservist and I got training to be an avionics technician. So I worked on C-130s for a while and I was trained in C-130s and I learned that I had an affinity for tech and electronics and stuff like that and I really loved it.
Speaker 2:And when I transitioned out of the military I was trying to find something that kind of like worked with both sides of the person that I am. I really like helping people, and then also I had the technology, electronics engineering side of me. So I took a position with Davida. That was my first experience with healthcare technology at all and it was trial by fire, so, but it was amazing because I really felt like I was making a difference. And that was when I was sold on medical devices and just being in this industry, because it's so unique in the fact that we get to deal with high-level technology and then at the same time, we're also very much a part of the patient and making sure they get the proper care, because we're maintaining the machines that they're using to help them sustain the medical industry.
Speaker 1:And the HCM. You mentioned how diverse it was. How do you stay up to date with the latest advancements and trends?
Speaker 2:So, like I said with Davida, it's very much trial by fire. I think that every day in the clinics that I work in now, we're getting new equipment and stuff, and it's a matter of just asking questions, talking to the right people, making sure I stick around and hang out when they're doing installations so I can see what's going on, in addition to just looking it up, sometimes just spending some time reading the technical manuals and stuff like that, trying to make sure you're prepared for the next repair or the next maintenance. And luckily, the company that I work for, croffle, is very good about sending us to training. So if there's anything that we want to be trained on, usually all we have to do is say the word and they try to make it happen for you.
Speaker 1:You see or face any challenges as a female professional in the HCM industry? If you did face a challenge, how did you overcome it?
Speaker 2:So I mean I think I definitely face challenges as a female in the industry, more so because it's the fear of the unknown A lot of people. When we walk in as a female technician and I've got my tool belt around my waist and everything, they're like wait, you're here to fix it, you know, because it's new, it's different, it's like you're not, you don't look like the normal guy that comes to fix it. So there you always have to like build a relationship with your staff like you're. You know the nursing staff, the doctors and stuff almost at the ground level, where sometimes I think that other technicians come in and they automatically assume they know what they're doing. You know what I mean. So it's kind of building. The complicated part is just building that confidence in the customer, letting them know that, hey, you know I also can do this job just as good as anybody who doesn't look like me who comes in here.
Speaker 1:How long have you been in the industry now?
Speaker 2:Oh gosh, I think it's been 17 years now.
Speaker 1:Wow, 17 years.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's been a while yeah.
Speaker 1:So, in the 17 years you've been in the industry, what would you think it's one of your fondest moments that you can reflect upon?
Speaker 2:Goodness, I think when I was field service at my previous position lots of beautiful traveling like I spent a week and I spent several weeks in Hawaii just there to work on medical equipment, which was amazing. It's just thinking how this job can take you to the most amazing places.
Speaker 1:That was leading to my next question. I was going to ask you, you can, because I try to channel my podcast to the young people. So if you, can maybe give some type of advice or encouragement to about made student who's listening to this podcast. What could you give him as far as advice when he comes into this industry?
Speaker 2:I would say to always take steps forward If they are interested in this industry, like in the military, they used to say every day starts with one leg out of the bed. You just keep moving forward, you keep going and don't let anything stop you because you'll run into challenges. There's challenges in every industry, but there are certainly challenges in this one. But as long as you keep pressing forward, you'll see a lot of sunny days.
Speaker 1:Great advice. How do you feel about trade shows like Amy and the Expo? Do you go to any trade shows or take part in that?
Speaker 2:I have been to the trade shows. I went to the ICE conference recently. Now I've been to a couple of other trade shows as well, when I was working in dental. But there's a wealth of knowledge in trade shows, not only just for being there and talking to the different vendors and learning from them and also creating relationships with them, but just all 10 brains is better than one. It's like just having all of the people as a resource, like the people that you meet and the people that you run into and you learn that they're really good at imaging or infusion pumps or something like that. So it's like taking that phone number and saying, hey, I can give this person a call and just creating kind of like a team atmosphere around just the industry as a whole, because I think we all have the same goal. We may all work for different companies and different, you know, and different industries or not industries, but different situations, but I think we all have the same goal and that's better patient outcomes, right.
Speaker 1:So you would definitely recommend that HGM professionals, if they can attend trade shows.
Speaker 2:Yep, go to a show.
Speaker 1:Absolutely, I personally believe in them. Trade shows also. It's great networking Avenue. It definitely will gain knowledge just by going there, because a lot of people be there from different levels of experience, so it's always a win-win. I encourage it also Absolutely. I did a little research on you and I ran across this thing Next GenTechMom. What is this about?
Speaker 2:Tell us about this. So Next Gen TechMom is a nonprofit organization that I started in 2021. I actually started doing YouTube videos in 2020, where I kind of like you know, it was during COVID and I was doing videos and I was doing activities with my kids as well and I was like, hmm, I should start doing some videos. So it started out with just teaching kids electronics online and doing little projects like doing robotics projects and stuff like that, and it just kind of like steamrolled into something amazing. So now Next Gen TechMom is actually hosting live classes at the Woodlands Parks and Recreation at Bear Branch. Recreation Bear Branch, the Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park I'm sorry, that's that's the name. So we do classes and basically we get in there and we just geek out.
Speaker 2:It's just an opportunity for kids to learn the fun side of science. You know, there's like and I'm not taking what I think they have excellent educators here in my area. They go to, you know, science classes and they have a great time. But this, this time is not like school. This time is like if we say we're doing rockets, we're out there firing rockets. You know what I'm saying, having a good time. Or if we're, you know doing robotics extravaganza. We're pulling out some robots and we're going to have a really good time with robots coming up here in November. So it's, it's just been great. And now we have the Next Gen TechMom mobile museum where we actually do marketing events and also we do events with schools where we take the we take Next Gen TechMom to the school and we set up you know hovercrafts and you know robots and everything for the kids to just get their hands on stuff and have some fun.
Speaker 1:I'll give you a little up a second. You just gave me a lot of information just now.
Speaker 2:Let's see if we can do this somewhat.
Speaker 1:You have a YouTube channel. What is your YouTube channel?
Speaker 2:My YouTube channel is Next Gen TechMom.
Speaker 1:I definitely put that in context too, and you host live classes. Now, in what city is this we're talking about?
Speaker 2:It is in the Woodlands.
Speaker 1:Texas, that's North Houston, right, and what days do you offer these live classes on?
Speaker 2:So we do it the second Saturday of every month.
Speaker 1:And for what ages?
Speaker 2:Right now it's from six to 10 years old, but I do allow students that are younger than six, as long as they're accompanied by a parent, because we always build something. Our motto is learn it, build it, play it. So we actually build. If we're working on rockets, we're building rockets and then we're firing them.
Speaker 1:And is there a cost?
Speaker 2:It's $15 if you are a resident in the Woodlands and if you are not a resident in the Woodlands, it is $20 per class.
Speaker 1:How long the classes usually last about.
Speaker 2:An hour. The classes are an hour and they always get something to take home as well.
Speaker 1:And you said also a mobile museum. So that's like a plan or what's your brain stuff set up. What does this mobile museum consist of?
Speaker 2:So the mobile museum is actually. We're working on acquiring a bus right now, but currently our mobile museum is where we just bring all of our exhibits that we do in our classes, like our hovercrafts, our robots, all of our submarines, things like that that we do during classes and we host an event at the schools, the local schools and rec centers, and also like marketing events. We've done marketing events. We just go out and allow the kids excuse me, allow the kids to play, and they love the robots, they love doing that kind of stuff.
Speaker 1:So it's like a pop-up event, more or less, than we have it.
Speaker 2:Exactly, exactly, except. It's just a learning opportunity for them.
Speaker 1:Beautiful. So all this came from you sitting idle during COVID.
Speaker 2:Yes, I know, it's crazy.
Speaker 1:How many people are on your team?
Speaker 2:So it is actually five of us on my team started out with just me, and then it was me and my dad. And then I have my one of my closest friends, dr Jacqueline Yvonne Cook. She is a certified school counselor. She works with me on, you know, curriculum and stuff like that on what to do for the kids. And I have a very, another very close friend of mine, robert Walker, and he is the recreation director for making making Parks and Recreation Director. So he's like the right guy. He's the one who tells me if it's going to be fun, you know, are the kids going to want to do it? And then also my mother is part of my board as well. She's part of my team. She is a certified math teacher of over 30 years, so she knows how to get the kids engaged and she also knows how to implement real curriculums into fun activities.
Speaker 1:But I also read yes, looking you up, you had this acronym S, t, e, a M. What's that about?
Speaker 2:Yes, so it's STEAM. It's science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. Those are all things we try to implement in each one of our classes and in the mobile museum. The reason why normally it's STEM right, so it's S T E? M, but we added the A because, like I had said earlier, when I started out, I was an art major and I really loved art and I realized that art is a major part of who I am too, and it's a really good part of holistic learning as well, so I definitely wanted to add that in there as part of Next Gen Tecma.
Speaker 1:So when these kids let's just say, for instance, we have some kids, parents listening you say you bring the kids there teaching them how to build rockets, what else would you talk to the children?
Speaker 2:about. So basically, I just want to get them excited about science and technology and then also just building things and being able to start something, finish it and know that it's amazing when they're done. You know, like the whole point of it, like one of my biggest hobbies that I love to do. I like robotics kits and electronics kits and stuff like that because it gives you some kind of gratification, right, you start out with all these millions of pieces and then once you've put everything together correctly and everything, and then you have this robot or you have this thing at the end. That's just fantastic. So I really think that it stems from that a little bit and it gives them just a sense of purpose to like actually put their hands on stuff and actively put stuff together and see how amazing it is within that hour. So I think my takeaway is that science is cool, Technology is cool and it's not the boring stuff that we read in a book sometimes. I mean that's part of it, but there's a cool side as well.
Speaker 2:And you know, it's pretty nice.
Speaker 1:I mean you can read about it but actually see it in action. It sticks with you longer and, like you say, they all tie in science, technology, engineering, arts, math. They all like distant cousins. I guess you can say they all blend well. I've never heard it put that way. I'm sitting there thinking about this while we're talking. I think that arts can be incorporated in that and I commend you for what you're doing, because I know it takes a lot of time for you to put something like this together and it's all nonprofit, I'm assuming it's nonprofit, all nonprofit.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that's great.
Speaker 2:I do. That's why I'm next to you in Tecmo, right. So I have two little ones and they're it's Jackson Kennedy. I call them my not so twins because they are one year apart, so they. Everywhere we go, people ask me are they twins, Are they twins? And I'm like no, they're not so twins.
Speaker 1:So are they involved in this process also. I would want to say they are.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. They are very much involved, very much involved. They go to all of my classes because they have to be there, of course. Not only that, I kind of I get a lot of what I do just from working with them. Like I said earlier, like I started out just doing robotics kits with them during COVID too, because we were, you know, we were at home. They weren't at school I was furloughed at the time so we were just, you know, at home doing kits and building robots and stuff like that, and I was like, huh, I bet other kids would like to do this too. This might be a fun thing for the community.
Speaker 1:Definitely it's a fun thing for adults.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's great I mean the kids.
Speaker 1:They're getting all of this knowledge and coming to each each time. You have one of these shows there, there, so eventually they can become instructors as they get up in age with it and keep the keep the family tradition going.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:So what's your future plans for next gen mom, next gen tech mom? Is there any day you could share with us?
Speaker 2:So I am working on some things. Right now, of course, we're trying to get the bus for the mobile museum, but I also kind of have been thinking about starting a podcast of my own called Small Talk, big Tech, and it's basically going to be an avenue for kids to ask people in the industry what they do and just give them you know, have them, give them a platform where they can ask questions that pertain to them, that they want to know about the different careers that are out there, because I feel like that was something that was missing for me as a as a kid, I felt like, you know, my parents came home from work and they acted like they didn't even want to be there, right?
Speaker 2:They were happy to be home. So it wasn't something that I looked forward to. It wasn't like, oh, I can't wait to go to work. You know what I mean. But sometimes you know there can be a lot of fun stuff that our careers entail and that they that they have. So I want the kids to be able to ask some of their own questions and get a real idea of what it is that we all do. I love my job.
Speaker 1:I can tell you that honestly and I'll be able to answer any questions. If you need someone to be your host or be your guest, I can ask me any questions.
Speaker 2:Yeah, the kids are hosting.
Speaker 1:I would love to see who do the editing for your show, right? I think that's great, I mean that will definitely broaden the horizon. So you got the kids hosting. So what?
Speaker 2:you're going to just gather a few kids together and they're going to come up with their own questions and so yeah, so I would basically ask you know, I'll start out with my kids and some kids from Friends of theirs as well, but just give them a couple of questions to go off of, you know, and maybe create a few of their own, just to give them an idea and also so they won't be super nervous, you know, because I know how that could be too. I have those same nerves myself.
Speaker 1:I was part of a career day and they had like 2000 high school kids came and this one group. They all had questions prepared to ask in these words it was a special needs group Right.
Speaker 1:So they had their questions prepared for us and each one asked their question, wrote down the answers. I thought that was pretty cool. So what you're saying it does make some sense and I think if they prepare the questions, I guarantee you won't have a problem finding people, and if you can't find it, let me know I can find a bunch for you also. Is it? Is it strictly?
Speaker 2:going to be HTML professionals.
Speaker 1:You want them to ask questions too. Are you going to be across the spectrum of careers?
Speaker 2:I want to kind of cross the spectrum of careers because although I love HTM and I think that everybody should do it because it's amazing, I also think that the kids should have a broader perspective of what's out there for them. And then also not only that like you know, everybody's not cut out for it. You know, some of us, you know, as far as cut out for it, I mean, like everybody doesn't want to do that, you know. So they may want to be automation technician or you know something like that. So I want to give them let's not cut short HTM.
Speaker 1:now we got about 20 different things you can do. No, I'm not cutting short.
Speaker 2:Like I said, I love it. You can be on cybersecurity side.
Speaker 1:You can be on the networking. I get what you're saying. I'm just giving you a hard time. But I think personally. I don't know who wouldn't fall in love with this industry if they really took time and see what it's about, because it's it's about saving lives pretty much, and that's what I that's my mindset with it. But I think that will be a awesome podcast.
Speaker 1:I'm trying to think if I even heard of kids hosting a podcast or something involving kids it's probably out there somewhere I'm on the shore but, like I said before, I'll be great if you want to use my platform to your first one you're welcome to. I'll be glad to assist anywhere I can, because I think it's a great idea to be given back to the kids.
Speaker 1:OK, and one thing I always ask to, like I said before, I asked you a question about what you can tell a new person that's coming into the industry. What could you? What advice can you give to a female technician who's because you said you've been in the industry for 17 years? What advice you could give to one? Say she's been in the industry eight years and she seems to be stagnated, Not not moving forward but not going backwards. What advice could you give her?
Speaker 2:I would say create your own lane. Sometimes we are fighting in a lane we don't belong in and it could still be an HTM, it could still be in what you want to do, but sometimes you have to create your own lane, exactly.
Speaker 1:Got to get out the comfort zone.
Speaker 2:Yeah, get out of the comfort zone and do what you know, follow your, your, your spirit and your heart and and create your own lane. Sometimes that that's what we have to do as females in the industry and that's what we have to do, as you know, as people period. You know, sometimes it's it's a struggle, it can be a struggle, I'm not going to lie. But you know, when you start creating your own lane and being successful at it, you'll start noticing all the people that, hmm Well, how does she do that.
Speaker 1:You know you want to deal with that big enemy called regret.
Speaker 2:That's right, exactly I would have tried.
Speaker 1:You have to get uncomfortable, you know you can't just stay comfortable and expect things to happen. I tell people all the time you can't expect great things if you're not doing great things. It's not going to come to you. Exactly, make it come to you, that's that.
Speaker 2:Yep, yep. And you have to, you have to be driven, you have to end and, like I said, when you create, when you create that lane, you drive as hard as you can in it.
Speaker 1:You know, no traffic, just go.
Speaker 2:But you put on the pedal Now.
Speaker 1:I enjoy talking with you so much, Jennifer we have to do it again Once you get things moving forward. I'm glad you can come back anytime you like, but before we leave I want you to give some advice to everyone who may be listening, whether it's a engineer or someone who's been in the industry 20 plus. What encouragement can you give to the HTM industry as a whole that you think would be some good encouragement or motivation to them?
Speaker 2:Just never forget who you're doing this for. Remember that our, our patients can be our mothers, our aunts, our grandmothers, our children, our family, our neighbors, our you know the family, our, you know the person that you that checked out your groceries at the grocery store, you know. Just remember that what we do even though sometimes we're not always patient facing that, we're sitting in front of a machine. This machine, it could be a life saving or it could be the device that makes a difference in that person's life. So just never forget that. Keep it, you know, close to you, close to the Well said, well said.
Speaker 1:But thank you once again, Jennifer, and I wish you much success in your HTM career. I mean, I wish you much success in your next Gen Tech mom platform.
Speaker 2:And thank you so much. Any type of health assistance.
Speaker 1:Please don't hesitate to reach out to me, do anything and everything I can to help. Okay, see you next time.
