December Guru of the Month - Matt Oetker

Matt Oetker began his career in the HTM field when his recruiter needed to fill a slot and that MOS was a critical need for the state of Iowa at the time. He graduated from USAMEOS in 1994 and obtained his CBET in 2013. Today, he is currently an on-site technician at Montrose Memorial Hospital in Montrose, CO and took the CHTM exam in November! He was recently elected Vice President of CABMET. He previously held this position from 2013 - 2015.

Matt works mostly on patient monitors, telemetry transmitters, and thermometers. You can find Spectrum infusion pumps, a ventilator vaporizer, and a Magellan anesthesia cart on his bench. To keep up to date with the industry, Matt attends the CABMET symposium annually, AAMI Exchange and MD Expo when he can, and enjoys reading TechNation magazine.

“MedWrench is an invaluable resource for information on current and obsolete equipment.” 

Matt has been a MedWrench member for 5 years. He mostly uses MedWrench to find service manuals on equipment. If he could share anything with new and other HTM professionals, he said, “Don’t be afraid to ask questions.  A good portion of troubleshooting equipment can be accomplished by asking the staff questions about how the asset is/isn’t working.  Also, make sure you know what it is supposed to do before you attempt to troubleshoot it. HTM is more than just “fixing” equipment.  At times, you have to fix the user.  Customer service is paramount and perception is king.  If the staff “thinks” you know what you’re doing and doing it well, then you’re the best tech they’ve ever had.  Under promise and over deliver – don’t promise you’ll be the hero, show them you are.  Document everything you do – if you don’t, it didn’t happen.  Finally, learn how to prioritize.”

Outside of work, Matt is a husband and father to 4! He likes to hunt, hike and is learning how to work on his ‘79 Ford Bronco.

Thank you, Matt, for your dedication to the HTM field! We appreciate your input and wisdom in our community. 

Want to be our next MedWrench Guru or know someone that should? Send us an email at mandy@medwrench.com to nominate or be considered!