16 Set Our third International Interview : Virginia Ballarin!
Discover Virginia and her story!
Let’s get to know the BIO of our super guest now!
Virginia Ballarin is Professor at the Electronics Engineering Dept. of the Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata UNMDP, Argentina and Director of the Image Processing Lab. at Research Institute of Science and Technology in Electronics 2011-2023.
She has directed more than 20 PhD theses and 25 undergraduate theses. She is the author of more than 90 papers in refereed journals and more than 130 conference presentations.
She is Director of the PhD Program in Bioengineering at the UNMDP and Editor of the Argentinian Bioengineering Journal 2015-2023.
She was President of the Argentinian Bioengineering Society 2013-2015; President of the Argentinian Chapter of EMBS 2016-2018 and EMBS Representative at the WIE Committee during 2021. Â
She is currently Vice President of IEEE Argentinian Chapter, Vice President of Regional Council of Biomedical Engineering for Latin America and member of the Administrative Council of the International Federation for Medical and Biological Engineering 2022-2028
🔶 What’s your current job?
I am a professor at university and also a researcher. I am also work as volunteer for some non profit societies such as the International Federation for Medical and Biological Engineering (IFMBE)Â
🔶 From what starting points did you depart* to arrive at the activity you are is currently dealing with?
I began working at the university, where I met an outstanding researcher from my country who convinced me not only to pursue a career in research but also to start volunteering for non-profit societies. Later on, I became aware of organizations that support and promote health and quality of life through the advancement of research, development, application, and management of technology. Â
🔶 What are the characteristics and peculiarities that a/an biomedic professionist should have today and for the future in order to collaborate more and more directly with biomedical realities including our/your NHS (national health system)?
A biomedical professional should have interdisciplinary knowledge, combining expertise in biomedical sciences and technology, and strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with researchers and clinicians. They must also be adaptable, with a commitment to lifelong learning and ethical awareness, to address complex problems and contribute to innovative healthcare solutions.
🔶Biomedical job sector is complex for different causes: the kind of required profile, that are most of all unknown, job opportunities. Given these peculiarities, many professionals, especially recent graduates, are led to look for opportunities in different engineering fields such as Automotive, IT, etc., effectively driving away potential aspirations. What changes would you like in order to improve the presence and developments of such an important and skilled healthcare profession inyour country?
✒️ In Latin America, I think three things are especially important:
1) strong communication skills;
2) adaptability to an economic environment that changes all the time;
3) adaptability to AI technologies. Â
🔶 A inspirational pill for those learning about his profession for the first time from this interview.
Never forget that you are precious and deserve all the opportunities to achieve your dreams. You can make a difference by achieving them.Â
We are really happy to jump on this new adventure. If you would also like to tell us your story, write to us at info@wewomengineers.com
 
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