A Day in the Life Working in HealthTech in Milwaukee
Tech is reshaping industries, and healthcare is no exception. HealthTech, where healthcare meets technology, is transforming how we approach medical care, making it more efficient, personalized, and accessible. Milwaukee is a hub for GE Healthcare Technologies, a key player in cutting-edge research, technology, and solutions that are driving the future of healthcare.
For those passionate about technology and a desire to make a difference in people’s lives, HealthTech offers an exciting non-clinical career path. Here’s a glimpse into what a typical day looks like for a Software Engineer at GE Healthcare in Milwaukee, where digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are at the forefront of breakthroughs in healthcare.
What is HealthTech?
First, what is HealthTech? HealthTech, which is short for healthcare technology, is the integration of advanced technologies into the healthcare industry. The goal is to enhance the efficiency, quality, and accessibility of medical services. HealthTech covers a wide range of innovations, from AI-driven diagnostics and wearable health devices to electronic health records, software, and telemedicine. This field is transforming how healthcare is delivered, making it more personalized and effective, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and advancing medical research.
Morning
8:00 a.m.
Coffee Ritual
On a beautiful summer morning in Milwaukee, I start my day by riding the elevator down to the street level. I head to Anodyne Coffee for an Americano, which I enjoy as I stroll along the Milwaukee River, watching kayakers paddle by and soaking in the fresh morning air. Afterward, I hop in my car and drive to the GE office for an in-person meeting with my team. I spend two or three days a week at the office, with the rest of my work done remotely.
9:00 a.m.
Prepping for the Week Ahead
As a Software Engineer at GE Healthcare, my day begins with reviewing the week’s project goals. My team is focused on developing the next generation of Mobile Digital Health products, specifically working on a new monitoring platform that enables seamless connectivity between patient monitoring devices and microservices. This platform is designed to improve the ability of healthcare professionals to care for their patients more effectively.
10:00 a.m.
Collaborating with the Team
My first meeting of the day is a stand-up with the software team. We gather to discuss progress, troubleshoot any issues, and set priorities for the day. Today’s focus is on refining a critical component of our monitoring platform’s architecture to enhance scalability and performance. As a senior team member, I’m responsible for driving these design and development efforts, ensuring they align with the overall product roadmap and meet strict security guidelines.
10:30 a.m.
Focus Block
With the day’s objectives set, it’s time to dive into coding. One of the key tasks today involves coding a new feature that allows real-time data from patient monitoring devices to be securely transmitted and analyzed. It’s challenging, but knowing that this feature could help save lives makes it incredibly rewarding.
Afternoon
12:30 p.m.
Connecting and Learning
Lunch at GE Healthcare is an opportunity to connect with colleagues and learn something new. The company hosts “lunch and learn” sessions where experts from various departments share insights on the latest trends in HealthTech. Today, I’m attending a session on advancements in medical imaging, which is particularly relevant to my work. After the session, I like to take a quick walk around the neighborhood to clear my mind before tackling afternoon tasks.
2:00 p.m.
Problem-Solving and Collaboration
The afternoon is typically dedicated to problem-solving and collaboration. If a bug is discovered in the software, it’s my job to troubleshoot and resolve it. This involves debugging code, running tests, and working closely with the quality assurance team to ensure the software meets all necessary requirements. Collaboration is crucial in HealthTech, and I often review feedback from clinicians to understand their needs and challenges. This feedback loop ensures that our software not only works technically but also adds real value in a clinical setting.
3:00 p.m.
Strategic Planning and Innovation
As the day winds down, I shift my focus to strategic planning and innovation. Today, I’m working on a long-term project that aligns with GE Healthcare’s vision of creating a world where healthcare has no limits. We brainstorm new features, explore emerging technologies, and plan for future software updates.
5:00 p.m.
Enjoying Milwaukee’s Best
After wrapping up my work, I take a moment to review what was accomplished and set goals for the next day. Then, it’s time to log off and unwind. Living in Milwaukee offers a wealth of options for after-work activities. On a nice evening, I might head over to Bradford Beach for a walk along the lake or catch a Brewers game at American Family Field if they’re playing. Other nights, I’ll grab dinner with friends in the Historic Third Ward, where the city’s food scene never disappoints. Whether it’s a burger at Sobelman’s or trying out a new spot in Bay View, there’s always something delicious to enjoy.
Why Work in HealthTech?
If you’re passionate about technology and healthcare, a career in HealthTech offers the best of both worlds. This field allows you to use your technical skills to develop tools that directly impact people’s lives and shape the future of healthcare. It’s challenging, innovative, and incredibly rewarding. And it’s a rapidly growing field.
The knowledge that the software you help create could one day save lives or enhance patient care is a powerful motivator. Each day ends with the satisfaction of knowing you’ve contributed to something truly meaningful. If you’re ready to make a real difference through technology, HealthTech might be the perfect path for you—especially with all that Milwaukee has to offer.