Biomedical engineers are proficient scientists who use the principles
of engineering and life sciences and conduct research on the biological
aspects of human and animal life. They may be called upon in a wide range
of capacities to design instruments, devices and software, to bring together
knowledge from many technical sources to develop new procedures, or to
conduct research needed to solve clinical problems. Specialists in this
field are concerned with developing imaging systems such as magnetic resonance,
ultrasound and x-ray machines, techniques and devices to automate or control
body functions etc.
Biomedical Engineering has many well established areas of specialisations
and some among them are :
Bioinstrumentation - It specialises in the application of electronics
and measurement techniques to develop devices for diagnosis and treatment
of diseases.
Biomechanics - Biomechanics is the application of mechanical
principles on living organism and also the analysis of mechanics of
organisms.
Biomaterials - This area of science is about the natural or manmade
material used for the medical application.
Molecular, cellular and Tissue Engineering - It deals with the development
of artificial materials and tissue that used for artificial blood vessels
and organs, replacement of skin and bone.
Clinical Engineering - It deals with the develop and maintain computer
database of medical instruments and equipment record in hospitals.
Orthopedic Bioengineering - This science helps to understand the
function of the bones, muscles and the joints. It also helps to design
and develop artificial joint replacement.
Navigation Systems - It is a specialized branch, that use software
tools and specialized imaging equipment to create a digital picture
of the insides of a human patient's body.
Rehabilitation Engineering - It is used to design, develop, adapt,
test, evaluate, apply and distribute technological solutions to problems
faced by individuals with disabilities like communications, hearing,
vision. The Rehabilitation engineers improve the capabilities and develop
the quality of life for such individuals.
Systems physiology - It is the study of living systems including
molecular processes, isolated tissues, organ systems and the whole organism.
This study also includes the analysis of how various organs interacts
and function.
Bio-medical engineers and technologists can find job openings in a
wide range of global industries which may include modern health care,
hospitals, medical equipment manufacturing units, industrial firms,
educational and medical institutions, pharmaceuticals, government regulatory
agencies and so on. In hospitals, they have to work closely with
other healthcare professionals like physicians, nurses, therapists and
technicians. They develop customised devices and provide advice for
selecting, handling and maintaining medical equipments. In industries,
Biomedical Engineers use their understanding of living systems and technology
to design and test new products. Government positions often involve
product testing as well as establishing safety standards for devices.
Biomedical engineers are required in institutions engaged in medical
research. They are also appointed as technical advisors for marketing
department of medical equipment companies. The fast growing rehabilitation
and orthopedic engineering fields apart from computer-assisted surgery
and heavy research in molecular, cellular and tissue engineering also
need the service of Biomedical engineers.
Enormous opportunities are awaiting Biomedical professionals specially
in the field of research and development (R& D), in carrying out advanced
research at universities, research institutes and government agencies
in India and other countries. They supervise laboratories and equipment,
and participate in, or direct research activities in collaboration with
other researchers. Bio medical professionals may be employed by companies
like BPL, Larsen & Toubro, Wipro Medical and Siemens into their R&D
section or into sales and marketing, depending on their skills and preferences.
Biomedical engineers especially clinical and rehabilitation engineers
are in massive demand out side India. Abroad, there are courses of
2 or 4 year duration in Engineering Technology that would help a candidate
get into this career. But as Engineering graduates are required to be
licensed in the US, these kinds of courses will not help one to register
as a Professional Engineer (PE). Apart from an engineering degree accredited
by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), a successful
completion of a State examination, four years of work experience are other
requirements needed to be a Professional Engineer.
