The history of SMBE in WA

History of The Society:

In early 1992, Les Marshall (PMH) brought together corporate members Rob Coopes, Darrell Maroney, Alan Barker and, Mike Flood of BME (WA)-now with TGA- Canberra; et al, to discuss the possibility of forming a Western Australian Faculty of the 'Society of Medical & Biological Engineering'. There were branches in NSW, Victoria & South Australia - at the time.

Thus, in 1992, the Society we know - was `born', and which, has gone from strength to strength. Indeed, nationally it has grown enormously - and the Society hosts a Biomedical Technology Conference annually.

Aims of The Society:

The advancement of the use and understanding of Medical & Biological Technology, through research and practice, the promotion and interchange of ideas, and interests in the field. With this in mind membership of this Society is open to any interested persons from a medical and biological technical, and/or the medical engineering field. Today, it includes a broad spectrum of persons from the medical electronics discipline and associated `commercial' fields; paramedics, medical sales & service representatives, and technicians.

There are no formal educational requirements for membership, so as to promote an `open forum' for discussion and dissemination of ideas originating from any discipline.

Commercial Organisations, are encouraged to take out "Corporate Membership", by virtue of their involvement in the field and their potential major contribution to the practical advancement of the Society. Thus, allowing a number of employees to gain membership, under the appropriate level.