Biomedical Engineering Technical Aid – volunteering with a Cardiac Surgery team in PNG

Mr. Jono Nevile
Consulting Biomedical Engineer

Time: 18 February 2014, 18:00 AEDT (Refreshments from 17:30)

Venue: The Castle Hotel, 56 Courtney St, North Melbourne VIC 3051

Abstract

Continuing in the theme of Humanitarian Biomedical Engineering, Jono will present his recent experiences in PNG. Australian Biomeds are very well regarded providing support outside Australia. This type of work is truly inspirational and highlights the resources of our Biomedical industry.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is home to 6 million people and over 800 languages. Since gaining independence from Australian administration in 1975, PNG has become one of the fastest growing economies in the world, due to natural resources. Despite this, an estimated
one-third of the population still lives in extreme poverty.

Open Heart International ohi.org.au has been delivering and teaching Cardiac Surgery in PNG since 1993. At that time there was no Cardiac Surgery in PNG. Each year a team of over 50 volunteers visit to provide surgery, support and ongoing training.

Jono’s Operation Open Heart fundraising

Medical devices for diagnosis, monitoring and treatment are shipped in and out. To ensure safe and reliable equipment is readily available, biomedical engineers are required on cardiac surgery visits. Sometimes there are two. This may be the highest ratio of biomedical engineers to clinicians that exists anywhere.

The talk examines one engineer’s experience volunteering with OHI in PNG in 2013. It makes the case that the benefits are professional, personal and humanitarian. The talk unashamedly challenges Biomedical Engineers to participate in this or similar programs.

Biography

Jono Nevile is passionate about biomedical engineering. He is a consulting biomedical engineer who has previously worked in the Biomedical Engineering Departments of large health-care networks. His hobbies include scuba diving, surfing, surf life saving and sailing.