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Biomedical engineering (BME) is best understood through practical examples. In 1950, Canadian electrical engineer John Hopps designed and built the first external pacemaker, inspired by observations made by cardio-thoracic surgeon Wilfred Gordon Bigelow at Toronto General Hospital.
The 1960s saw the invention of the blood glucose machine, a breakthrough that revolutionized diabetes treatment. Anton Hubert Clemens, the inventor, and Richard K. Bernstein, the first to use the device at home, significantly changed how insulin management was approached.
In 1905, Nikolai Korotkoff made a crucial observation: arteries produce sounds as an inflatable cuff is tightened and loosened. He developed the auscultatory method to measure diastolic blood pressure, providing the final refinement in blood pressure measurement techniques.
What is the job all about?
Biomedical engineers are responsible for a range of tasks, such as:
• Designing equipment and devices such as artificial internal organs, prosthetic body parts, and machines for diagnosing medical conditions.
• Installing, adjusting, maintaining, and repairing biomedical equipment, as well as providing technical support.
• Evaluating the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of biomedical equipment.
• Training clinicians and other personnel in the proper use of biomedical devices.
• Collaborating with life scientists, chemists, and medical scientists to research the engineering aspects of biological systems in humans and animals.
• Developing procedures, writing technical reports, publishing research papers, and making recommendations based on research findings.
• Presenting research findings to a diverse audience, including scientists, executives, clinicians, hospital management, engineers, colleagues, and the general public.
Biomedical engineering encompasses several specialty areas, such as:
• Bioinstrumentation: This area integrates electronics, computer science, and measurement principles to develop devices used in diagnosing and treating diseases.
• Biomaterials: The focus here is on studying naturally occurring or laboratory-designed materials used in medical devices or as implantation materials.
• Biomechanics: This specialty applies principles of mechanics, such as thermodynamics, to solve biological or medical challenges.
• Clinical Engineering: In this field, medical technology is applied to optimize healthcare delivery.
• Rehabilitation Engineering: This area involves using engineering and computer science to develop devices that assist individuals with physical and cognitive impairments.
• Systems Physiology: This specialty uses engineering tools to understand how systems within living organisms, from bacteria to humans, function and respond to environmental changes.
Additionally, some individuals with training in biomedical engineering pursue careers as professors.
What is the job all about?
Biomedical engineers design and develop a wide range of medical devices and systems, including cardiac pacemakers, defibrillators, artificial organs (such as kidneys, hearts, and blood vessels), as well as prosthetic joints, arms, and legs. They also create computer systems to monitor patients during surgery or in intensive care, as well as for monitoring the health of individuals in extreme environments, such as astronauts in space or underwater divers at great depths.
In addition, they design therapeutic instruments and devices, like laser systems for eye surgery or automated insulin delivery devices. These engineers also develop clinical decision-making strategies using expert systems and artificial intelligence. Examples include computer-based systems for selecting seat cushions for paralyzed patients, managing care for patients with severe burns, or diagnosing diseases.
Can I go for it?
Biomedical engineering is an exciting field where advanced technology is applied to solve complex medical and healthcare challenges. To succeed, students need a strong foundation in engineering and a solid understanding of medicine. A strong background in math, physics, chemistry, and biology is essential.
This interdisciplinary program combines engineering concepts and analytical techniques to address biological and medical problems. Biomedical engineers are tasked with designing instruments and devices, integrating research from multiple sources, and developing new procedures and methods. The course curriculum in Biomedical Engineering covers areas such as clinical engineering, tissue and genetic engineering, biomechanics, medical imaging, rehabilitation engineering, systems physiology, and biomaterials.
Is there a future in this Career?
Considering the significant advancements in medical science over the past 50 years, it’s clear that countless lives have been improved. As computer and telecommunications engineering continue to evolve, doctors can now collaborate across hospitals, both in India and internationally, for critical medical procedures like keyhole surgeries.
A great example of innovation in this field is shared by Dr. Abdul Kalam, who recounted his joy when his team of Scientists developed 300-gram calipers made from a lightweight material called carbon-carbon, originally used in ballistic missiles. These calipers replaced the much heavier 3-kilogram versions, allowing children affected by polio to walk more easily.
Global companies like GE are at the forefront of creating new medical devices, such as imaging technologies used in mammography, fluoroscopy, and digital radiography. You can learn more about developments in healthcare at GE Healthcare – www.gehealthcare.com
Where to Begin?
In Goa
After completing your 10+2 in PCMB (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology) in Goa, you will need to pursue further studies outside the state.
Outside Goa
Consider the following institutions for your studies in biomedical engineering:
• KLE Society’s College of Engineering & Technology, Belgaum
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research, University of Delhi
• All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi (Online entrance exam) – www.aiims.edu
• Banaras Hindu University Institute of Technology, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – www.bhu.ac.in
• Jadavpur University, Kolkata – www.jadavpur.in
• Dwarkadas J. Sanghvi College of Engineering, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai – www.djsce.ac.in
• Mahatma Gandhi Mission’s College, Kamothe, Navi Mumbai – www.mgmmumbai.ac.in
• Watumal Institute of Electronics Engineering & Computer Technology, Worli, Mumbai – www.watumull.edu
• Anna University, Chennai
• National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli
• National Institute of Technology, Jamshedpur
• Birla Institute of Technology, Ranchi
• Birla Institute of Technology, Sindri, Jharkhand
• National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar
• D.Y. Patil College of Engineering, Pune
These institutions offer strong programs in biomedical engineering, providing the foundation needed to excel in this exciting and rapidly evolving field.
Employment Opportunities:
Companies involved in product development are always on the lookout for talented young engineers. For example, you can explore opportunities at GE Careers – www.jobs.gecareers.com
Earnings:
The earning potential in this field is substantial for those who are innovative and enterprising. Starting salaries can be around ₹30,000 per month, and with proven results, this can escalate to several lakhs per month.
Don’t settle for just a degree or diploma — enhance your CV by completing online learning programs with certification in areas relevant to your chosen career. This will significantly improve your employment prospects compared to holding only a basic qualification. Additionally, consider boosting your confidence by enrolling in public speaking courses, such as those offered by Toastmasters International.
For government job opportunities, please check: www.employment-newspaper.com
page updated: August 2024