Biomedical Engineer Career Information

Biomedical engineering may be defined as the application of engineering to medicine.

Biomedical engineers apply the concepts of biology as well as physics and chemistry to develop products and devices, which are used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

A Biomedical Engineer uses traditional engineering expertise to analyze and solve problems in biology and medicine, providing an overall enhancement of health care. The biomedical engineer works with other health care professionals including physicians, nurses, therapists and technicians.

Here are some speciality areas that you can work in the field of Biomedical engineering:

Bioinstrumentation This is the application of electronics and measurement techniques to develop devices used in diagnosis and treatment of disease. You will make newer and better instruments that can look through the body such as X-rays, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) etc. Your work will also involve developing cameras and other devices that will help surgeons get a better look of the inner body during operations.

Biomaterials This includes both living tissues and artificial materials used to replace diseased organs. You will find out which living and non-living materials are compatible and make devices that mimic the operations of the organs of the body like an artificial heart. You will also be involved in 'growing' organs from tissues and cells in the laboratory.

Biomechanics Here you will apply mechanics to biological or medical problems. You will study the flow of bodily fluids such as blood. This will help you in deciding the specifications for the various devices such as artificial joint replacements, pacemakers etc.

Cellular and Genetic Engineering Here you will look at medical problems at the microscopic level. You will develop miniature devices to deliver medicines to precise locations to promote healing or inhibit diseases.

Tissue Engineering You will apply the principles of Biology and engineering to develop tissue substitutes to restore, maintain, or improve the function of diseased or damaged human tissues. For example you will use cells from an individual's healthy kidney and put it in the diseased kidney thus causing the growth of new, healthy tissue.

Clinical Engineering In this field, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining computer databases of medical instruments and equipment records in hospitals. You will also be involved in the testing, purchase and use of sophisticated medical instruments.

Orthopedic Bioengineering Here you will use engineering for the understanding of the function of bones, joints and muscles, and for the design of artificial joint replacements. Orthopaedic bio-engineers analyze the friction, lubrication and wear and tear of natural joints to develop artificial limbs just as good as the real thing.

Bone Implant Technologies You will research new technologies and materials that will make bone, joint, and tooth implants almost as good as nature's own versions.

Robot Technologies You will develop and look after fully programmed robots that will be used in operating rooms for reaching vital organs that may be damaged permanently due to human error.

Navigation Systems You will use software tools and specialised imaging equipment to create a digital picture of the inside of a patient's body. This will help surgeons determine the best possible way to go about the operation.

Specialized Laser Technology You will develop new laser technologies for applications in routine and specialised operations, dental surgery as well as in skin related disorders.

Rehabilitation Engineering Rehabilitation engineers enhance the capabilities and improve the quality of life for individuals with physical impairments. You will be involved in the development of home, workplace and transportation modifications like motorised wheelchairs that enhance seating, positioning and mobility for those with physical disabilities. Job Opportunities

You will work in :

• Companies manufacturing equipment used in hospitals and diagnostic centers. Here you may work in the research and development (R&D), manufacturing, quality control and testing, installation, maintenance or sales and marketing departments.

• Large hospitals to select, handle and maintain sophisticated equipment. You will also build customized devices for special needs.

• Institutions involved in research.

• Government agencies where you will be involved in product testing and safety, as well as establishing safety standards for devices.

Career Prospects

Biomedical engineering is one of the hottest careers these days along with Bioinformatics and Biotechnology. The opening of the insurance sector has indirectly helped the healthcare industry. Anticipating the high quality medical care, which will be made available to millions of Indians, there has been a steady demand for bio medical engineers in India. There has been an increasing use of the combination of medicine with cutting edge technology in the treatment of diseases. Increasingly doctors are utilizing the power of computers and other devices such as MRI scans, sonography devices, etc. The field of healthcare is all set to witness a period of sustained technological growth.

If you are keen on research work and developing cutting edge technologies then pursuing a postgraduate course abroad is your best bet.