UPPER BURRELL, Pa. -- Myron Hartman, coordinator and senior instructor for the biomedical engineering technology (BET) program at Penn State New Kensington died May 4. He was 56.
Hartman, a 1979 graduate of the campus’ BET program, joined the New Kensington faculty in 2001. He was responsible for a program that is known for producing well-qualified and knowledgeable technicians. Under his tutelage, more than 200 students earned their BET degrees. Health care providers, including hospitals and clinics, rely on biomedical engineering technicians to operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair medical equipment. Technicians' tasks include inspections and calibration.
“Myron's commitment, determination, and dedication brought his students closer to him,” said Hira Mian, a second-year BET student who graduates in August. “Myron wasn't just a teacher; he was a mentor, a role model, and most importantly a caring friend to all of his students. I'm sure my classmates would agree when I say Myron was a great individual with a good heart. Myron contributed to so much not only in his students' lives but the whole community. Myron will truly be missed.”
Hartman presided over one of only four programs in the nation to be accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission for the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
“Myron was an amazing man,” said Kevin Snider, chancellor of the campus. “He built a BET program that is known nationally, and he was loved by colleagues and students alike. He gave his time constantly to anyone in need, and he was passionate about his discipline and teaching.“
A student-centered teacher, Hartman partnered with MD Publishing in 2011 to establish a $500 award for BET upperclassmen. Hartman was on the editorial board for two of MD Publishing’s magazines, Medical Dealer and TechNation. His yearly stipend for the articles he wrote for TechNation funded the award. The company supplemented the annual awards. During the past five years, six students have earned the awards, which are based on essays by the students. The winning essays were published in TechNation.
“Myron Hartman’s legacy is one of quality education and leadership,” said John Krieg, president and founder of MD Publishing. “He leaves an indelible mark on the field for up and coming generations.”
Hartman was active in the biomedical profession and served on local, state and national committees. He presented and published over 200 technical papers in the field of clinical engineering, facilities management, environment of care, leadership, health care reform and other related health care topics.
"Myron was an important part of our campus community, and he will be greatly missed by his colleagues, but especially by his students,” said Andrea Adolph, director of academic affairs at the campus. “He was a true mentor for so many students who have gone out into the field and established our program as one that produces high-quality technicians. Myron has left behind quite a legacy in his many students. They always made him proud, and they will continue to be wonderful examples of the work that Myron accomplished while at Penn State."
In 2011, he went to the Republic of Liberia to repair medical equipment and train personnel at local hospitals. The trip spawned a collaborative program to send a Liberian technician to the United States to develop and maintain skills under Hartman’s supervision. That summer, the Liberian technician stayed with the Hartman family and acquired the knowledge to teach his fellow technicians at the Liberian hospitals. For Hartman, every moment was teachable.
“Even as he got bad news in his battle with his disease, he worried about students first and talked frankly about his illness, not to complain, but to teach them and anyone else, including his doctors and nurses, about the technical aspects of a procedure or a piece of equipment,” Snider said. “We have lost one of our greatest teachers, and he will be missed by all who knew him.”
Hartman was recognized with numerous awards, including the "Outstanding Teaching Award" for excellence in teaching and for contributions to the art of teaching by the Penn State Engineering Alumni Society and the Donald M. Sauerman Award by the Pennsylvania Society for Health Facility Engineers.
Prior to working at Penn State New Kensington, Hartman was the director of technology for the South Hills Health System in Pittsburgh. He was responsible for clinical engineering, materials management, warehouse/storeroom, capital budgeting process, and environment of care.
Hartman earned a master’s degree in health services administration at the University of St. Francis and three undergraduate degrees: a bachelor’s in electrical engineering technology at Point Park University, and associate degrees in electrical engineering technology and BET from the New Kensington campus. He held several certifications: Certified Clinical Engineer (CCE), Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET), Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist (CRES) and a Certified Medical Gas Installer.
Hartman lived in Irwin, Pennsylvania, with his wife Amy. They raised three children, Scott, Brian and Katie. Katie and her husband, Matt, and Brian and his wife, Carol, were to be married later in the year. They exchanged vows in Myron’s hospital room on May 2. Amy and Myron also renewed their wedding vows.