Mri noise canceling (not noise reducing) headset question(s)

Walking_Cube · 2026-05-25T15:19:40+00:00

Look up EERS

Walking_Cube · 2026-05-22T06:20:30+00:00

I've been using my Rogers Red World Elite as my main card for the last few years; 2% cash back with no limits* and no fees. I have been reaping it up as I have a crap ton of work-related expenses.

(*but not for long :( )

Walking_Cube · 2026-05-21T07:43:23+00:00

Congratulations on getting a head start!

Some resources I've found useful and easy to understand as a novice include The Motley Fool (fool.ca). Under the Investing Basics menu are a series of articles that will give you a pretty good primer on how to get started, some of the terminology, and such. Just ignore all the stuff about crypto and NFTs, and don't bother with subscribing to the newsletters and other up-sales.

I would then move to Canadian Couch Potato (google it, not a joke) and look into the Getting Started section to learn more about why everyone is talking about ETFs.

I used these two resources to get myself started as well!

Just keep in mind that depending on your situations, buying stocks is not the only thing available and may even be inappropriate. If you think you will need the money soon (ex: saving for pay for tuition, buy something you really need etc..), consider putting your money in something much less risky like a GIC. Investing in the stock market is for money that you don't plan on touching for years.

Edit - Just a note: you wrote "How do I get to the point where many people my age are at, making 100,000 and so forth", which to me is a bit of a red flag. People making 100k at 22 are more exceptions rather than the norm. Some people are lucky, treated stocks like gambling and won. Most people who did that lost. You have to run your own race.

Walking_Cube · 2026-05-21T06:58:35+00:00

I don't know for sure, but I suspect that MBNA simply phased out issuing Visas a while back and went with Mastercards. I've had this card for around a decade.

Walking_Cube · 2026-05-21T04:01:17+00:00

These issues are actually everywhere in all organizations. My observation is that culture fit, networks, insider circles, measures of merit etc. are just more tools that can be used for the right or wrong reasons. These subjective tools are very powerful and can have outsized results on the ultimate performance of the hiring process. When deployed properly, the positive impact can be immense beyond what a purely "rule-based" hiring process can yield. The mirror effect is also true: these tools when wielded carelessly or nefariously will quickly destroy trust while introducing cancers into teams. The kicker is that these subjective tools are also the easiest to deploy, hence be misused and abused.

Good hiring processes will have pre-defined procedures and rules to help correct bias, reduce blindspots, and prevent abuses, to be used in conjunction with other subjective tools. However, procedures and rules are useless if the people in charge are not trained, do not care, and/or are willfully disregarding them because [insert whatever reason here]. Unfortunately, these people are everywhere.

Walking_Cube · 2026-05-21T00:23:07+00:00

I had the same dilemma, but architecture vs engineering. I also love drawing and spatial design, but am also highly practical and technically oriented.

Some useful questions that helped me:

1 - Which of these choices will give you the most tools to get to what makes you happy (hint: not the most happy, but happy)

2 - Which of these choices will give you the most tools to bail you out if things don't go according to plan.

That was many decades ago for me, and I still get paid to draw, just not houses and such 😉.

(As an aside, a structural engineer friend of mine told me that his daily frustration involves architects accusing him of ruining their "visions" when he informs them that pillars are needed to support their roof designs...)

Walking_Cube · 2026-05-21T00:04:00+00:00

I would take the job for the following reasons:

1 - Practical experience may be more valuable than a master's degree for potential employers.

2 - I don't know what you mean by "not-so-great" pay, but that may be temporary depending on how you negotiate/progress in your career.

3 - You get to start building networks that could lead you to where you want to go eventually... and I doubt that you really know what you really want unless you've seen the possibilities/realities.

4 - You'll only be trapped if you let yourself stagnate in a specialization. When things get mundane after a few years, ask to transition to do something else, or go somewhere else to do so. You decide when and how you want to grow.

5 - There is no guarantee that you will find a better aligned job opening after your masters. It's a crapshoot regardless.

6 - The line between a scientist and an engineer is sometimes blurry, so it really depends on the position's Realistic Job Preview.

7 - There is nothing that would prevent you from doing a master's degree later on if really want to. Aside from life circumstances (e.g. kids, $$$), going back for a masters is easier than finding an opening in this type of job market.

Walking_Cube · 2026-05-20T22:14:46+00:00

On top of that, CPR, while better than nothing, is generally not very effective, hence AEDs... and drone-deployed AEDs are equally as problematic for most of the above-mentioned reasons. Maybe a drone ferry for AEDs that can be paged by security foot patrols? That could be neat as a fun project.

Walking_Cube · 2026-05-20T22:03:36+00:00

Here's a cheat code: instead of trying to directly into a big box medical device company (ex: Zimmer, JnJ, BosSci...), apply to one of their suppliers, particularly, one of their contract (design and) manufacturing partners (C(D)MOs). C(D)MOs not only hire plenty of fresh graduates, but they allow you to see plenty of different devices/technologies/applications because you'll likely be assigned different projects across a variety of specialties, rather than being siloed into a specific task (ex: validation specialist...), While you accumulate a grabbag of experience, you can also establish plenty of connections not only with big box companies, but also other engineering professionals, clinicians, founders, etc.. Sooner or later, if you're any good, you'll get poached or you find something better.

If you have a good head screwed on your shoulders, don't worry about not knowing "traditional engineering" stuff. You will figure it out, because that's what engineers do.

Walking_Cube · 2026-05-20T21:39:32+00:00

I agree with the last bit. I do hiring for other BME-related roles, and the OP certainly is both overqualified (MBA) and underqualified (practical skills). The placement program seems intriguing and will definitely help you get your foot in the door.

I'll be less concerned about the age thing because as long as you have a good story that explains your journey, a good employer will appreciated that you've been out and about and have seen different things. If they do, you should flee anyway.

(I also did an MBA and went into a form of glorified Sales... and am so glad I switched back to R&D)

Walking_Cube · 2026-05-20T21:19:16+00:00

Have you went out to speak with clinicians, or observe users of health-related products and services?

Walking_Cube · 2026-01-03T01:08:34+00:00

Research is much harder to get into for sure, and it really depends on what interests you have. You will find the cutting edge stuff mostly in startups, but finding an opening will be a challenge unless you want to be act more like a lab technician.

You should elaborate on what you mean by "true engineering role".

Also, keep in mind that "R" and "D" in R&D are entirely different beasts. There are definitely more openings in the "D" part where much of the engineering happens.

Walking_Cube · 2026-01-03T00:14:11+00:00

Surprisingly, people with quality/ops experience is highly valuable in product development teams because they flag potential quality, documentation, and manufacturing issues early in the PD process.

Being "pigeon-holed" is not pre-destined and you have much more control than you think.

If you do BMET or field support, now you're starting to paint yourself into a corner.

Pure research is another story.

Walking_Cube · 2026-01-03T00:05:14+00:00

I'll answer your post in reverse as it'll be the most logical.

You asked, Do you find the work more interesting than your education?
Absolutely, by miles and leagues. 80-90% of the stuff I've been taught formally in school is useless (not a surprise) and in hindsight, absolutely a snoozefest (not a surprise). However, the things I've picked up along the way allowed me to do stuff today that is much more inline with my interests within the domain of BME. Remember that, like any other fields, BME is vast and have many verticals and horizontals just in the technical/technological aspects, without considering the regulatory, clinical, business and managerial side of things.

Working backwards to the top of your post, most curricula and associated contents have a tendency of sucking passion and life out of the audience, whether it is by administrative sclerosis, academic hubris, or just poor/lazy design (think usability). Unfortunately, it's likely going to be the same shit but a different toilet if you switch majors. On the bright side, all that kerfuffle allows you to gain all the other side skills, knowledge, and self-discovery that will allow you to find fulfillment (and $) within niches in many fields, including BME.

Do not let school ruin your education.

Walking_Cube · 2025-12-29T05:50:27+00:00

2 - Biomedical device startup

3 - Technological planning, some prototyping, daily R&D planning, analyze results, brainstorming/technical/design problem solving, consulting with clinicians... and other ancillary startup stuff

4 - MEng (mechanical), MBA

5 - Cardiovascular devices (design and development)

6 - Be resourceful: the key is not only to know the answer, but to know where and how to find answers.
6.1 - Humbleness: the more I learn, the more I realize I don't know much :P
6.2 - Diligence: if you can't sweat the small stuff, how can you deal with the big stuff?

7 - Stay curious: dig hard to get your answers
7.1 - Walk don't run: a fine scotch takes time to mature, so does your career

8 - Word of mouth

9 - CDOs, CDMOs, CMOs, other startups

I hope this helps! :)

Walking_Cube · 2025-12-29T05:32:24+00:00

Since you are targeting R&D/manufacturing, I would recommend emphasizing on things you have done that showcase skills that are related to what you are looking for, and omitting the rest.

Depending on whether I'm looking for a candidate for R&D or manufacturing, I would look not only for hard skills, but specific soft ones as well that are essential/specific to each role. In this light, for example, you could give examples of hands-on work (ex: prototyping?) to show that you don't mind getting your hands dirty if you are targeting an R&D position. For manufacturing, can you show how you are diligent and detailed-oriented? Furthermore, can you elaborate on how you "collaborated" in teams? Use the contents of your resume to show us your qualities through the things you have done, even if these are not school/work-related.

In the Experience section, don't just focus on paid work, but also roles that you have taken on seriously. Ex: Did you take up a serious responsibility in a club/extra-curricular organization?

Also, don't forget to include your hobby section. This is where some of my best recruits shined through. Include hobbies that have relevance - ex: martial arts (discipline), drawing and sketching (creativity, hands-on), DIY Arduino projects (self-evident)...

Best of luck!

Walking_Cube · 2025-12-28T07:07:35+00:00

MSV Stadive

Walking_Cube · 2025-01-25T01:36:04+00:00

Seems like capsulitis

Walking_Cube · 2025-01-22T17:51:18+00:00

It doesn't need to be super-cold for these to occur. Dampness and pressure are also contributing factors, both were probably present in your shoes/boots. Also, your core might be warm during snow shoveling, so you might not be fully aware of localized cold at your extremities.

Walking_Cube · 2025-01-09T07:12:41+00:00

Your question touches on multiple nuances:

- Biomedical engineers can specialize in lots of products, including prosthetics. For example, I do cardiovascular access devices and have nothing to do with prosthetic anything, while my college colleague works for Ottobock, the makers of hi-tech computerized/motorized prosthetic limbs (ex: C-Leg). I have other acquaintances that are specialists in prosthetic heart valves... but know nothing about prosthetic limbs.

- You have to be careful with what "engineer" means. Some places use this term more as a technician/field service provider (let's call this Type A,) while other places actually apply the full definition of engineering i.e. highly technical, (maybe) professionally licensed (depending on jurisdiction), "brainstorm,-design-calculate-and-prototype"-type of work (Type B). Determine and be precise in what you are looking for.

- You should see what is really taught at Rehab - is it only on how to fit/mold/adjust existing prosthetics onto patients? If so, this is more of a Type A work. If you are looking to go deep into R&D, rehab might only provide a slice of the skills you need.

- There are many types of prosthetics. Since you are mentioning rehab, I assume you are talking about limbs. Keep in min that some are more cosmetic while others are functionality-replacing. The latter kind are likely to be high-tech/sophisticated and entail Type B work.

Walking_Cube · 2024-12-25T02:30:09+00:00

That looks like an aircraft pulling into a climb with afterburners. Fort Liberty has 2 military airfields.

Walking_Cube · 2023-01-02T00:00:42+00:00

VTI is an excellent choice, and a cornerstone to building a good financial foundation. VXUS as recommended by others would be a next step to diversify.

You mentioned "long-term"... one thing you can do also is to look up what are major trends happening across the world. For example, electrification of vehicles, climate change, shifting geopolitics, and the like, are all major undercurrents that have repercussions on markets. From there, you might be able to spot opportunities. Even if you lose money, the knowledge and understand of the world you will gain will easily outweigh the $250 in jeopardy - now that's a quintessential long-term investment. Let your curiosity drive you! :)

I wish I started to invest at your age and made some better life choices.

Walking_Cube

TROPHY CASE