Nexus: Physician-Assisted Suicide and Health Services Delivery

Two major factors trouble hospital engineering departments today. First, engineers are saddled with a janitor's image, a misconception contradicting the job's rapidly advancing sophistication and formidable academic requirements. Second, a staggering rate of technological advancement complicated by the introduction of energy conservation mandates has been thrust upon the engineer.

Until the mid-1960's, acquisition cost was the only consideration in equipment selection. Given proportionately low energy prices, long term payback considerations and efficiency were of the lowest priority in purchasing deliberations.

System integration was a virtually unknown concept. Today, energy efficiency is a prime concern in the selection of many pieces of equipment. The hospital engineer is looked to for that input.