What motivates me is knowing that the work I do in the background can really help patients and support caregivers.
After a career as tester in telecom network industry in Portugal, Sandra Silva now develops and executes test protocols for itemedical’s medical software and bedside device integrations. Together with the R&D team, she ensures systems work as intended, are reliable and meet regulatory requirements. Ten years in, her focus on patient safety and quality remains unchanged.
Read on to discover how Sandra combines attention to detail with a commitment to quality to shape the software clinicians rely on every day.
From telecom network to medical devices
Sandra joined itemedical ten years ago, coming from telecom network testing at Nokia and Siemens in Portugal. With a background outside the medical domain, she accepted a new challenge. “It’s quite different because with medical devices, what we do directly affects patient safety,” she says. “Medical devices are strictly regulated, and we must follow strict rules. What motivates me is knowing that the work I do in the background can really help patients and support caregivers. She adds: “By doing my best, I help ensure our solutions save time, streamline workflow, and contribute to better patient care.”
Growing into test lead
Sandra started as a software tester for MediScore, gained experience across multiple projects and got involved into development of new software applications such as MDDG. Her role naturally expanded. “I got the opportunity to work on all our solutions. That helped me understand how systems, processes and regulations connect,” she explains. This broad experience led to her role as test lead, where she contributes to testing, quality processes, internal and external audits regulatory compliance. “Regulations are not a side issue. They are embedded in everything we do.”
Testing is important to ensure the quality of our medical software solutions.
The impact of testing
For Sandra, testing is inseparable from patient safety. “We identify potential risks and make sure the solution does what we promise. We must meet strict regulations and our own product requirements. For medical devices like the new itemobile app, usability matters too. “Users need to understand the system quickly and clearly. ”That requires accuracy, end-to-end testing and a clear understanding of clinical scenarios.”
Memorable milestones
Looking back, Sandra highlights key milestones. “One of my most memorable projects was the MDDG, our first platform we helped certify. That was a big milestone for me,” she says. “It meant stepping up and taking responsibility. Later, working on MDR certification was another important achievement.”
Testing itemobile and beyond
Sandra’s current focus is the mobile app itemobile, a project that combines functionality, safety and user experience. “We start with functional requirements and test end-to-end,” she explains. “From the moment an alarm is raised to how it’s escalated and displayed: we make sure every step works.”
Hospital collaboration plays a key role. “Configuration is very important to make sure alarms reach the right caregiver. We work closely with our Clinical Application Specialist and the hospital to define default scenarios and fallback options. So, the system works reliable in all situations.”
You can’t test everything, that would be endless. You need smart testing techniques and clear boundaries.
Staying motivated
Ten years in, what keeps Sandra motivated? “It’s the challenge and knowing that I can help others,” she says. “I’m very detail-oriented, so using my skills to make a difference keeps me going. I try to do my best and make sure nothing is overlooked.
Sandra is known for combining attention to detail with an overview of the whole system. By testing components first and then reviewing the full workflow, she ensures quality without losing sight of the bigger picture.
Looking ahead
After ten years at itemedical, Sandra remains focused on the customer. “We are a small and flexible company and I think we always have the customer in our minds, and that’s our main point.”, she explains.” We want to improve workflows and keep systems working well. Projects like itemobile and itelogic for rules-based workflows are ongoing. There is still a lot to do, what makes it challenging.”
Life outside work
Switching off after work isn’t always easy for Sandra. “I usually take my work home with me.”, she admits. She finds balance in spending time with her family. Sharing meals, laughing together, talking about the day. “Those are the moments that really count.”
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