Biomedical Engineering is the application of engineering principles and design concepts to medicine and biology. This field seeks to close the gap between engineering and medicine: It combines the design and problem solving skills of engineering with medical and biological sciences to improve healthcare diagnosis, monitoring and therapy.
Biomedical engineering has only recently emerged as its own discipline, compared to many other engineering fields. Such an evolution is common as a new field transitions from being an interdisciplinary specialization among already-established fields, to being considered a field in itself. Much of the work in biomedical engineering consists of research and development, spanning a broad array of subfields (see below). Prominent biomedical engineering applications include the development of biocompatible prostheses, various diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices ranging from clinical equipment to micro-implants, common imaging equipment such as MRIs and EEGs, regenerative tissue growth, pharmaceutical drugs and therapeutic biologicals.
Subdisciplines within biomedical engineering
Biomedical Electronics
Biomechatronics
Bioinstrumentation
Biomaterials
Biomechanics
Bionics
Cellular, Tissue, and Genetic Engineering
Clinical Engineering
Medical Imaging
Orthopaedic Bioengineering
Rehabilitation engineering
Systems Physiology
Bionanotechnology
Neural Engineering
Sometimes, disciplines within BME are classified by their association(s) with other, more established engineering fields, which can include:
Chemical engineering - often associated with biochemical, cellular, molecular and tissue engineering, biomaterials, and biotransport.
Electrical engineering - often associated with bioelectrical and neural engineering, bioinstrumentation, biomedical imaging, and medical devices. This also tends to encompass Optics and Optical engineering - biomedical optics, imaging and related medical devices.
Mechanical engineering - often associated with biomechanics, biotransport, medical devices, and modeling of biological systems, like soft tissue mechanics.
Roles Of A Biomedical Engineer In A Hospital
Advise and assist in the application of instrumentation in clinical environments.
Provide leadership, guidance, support and supervision to the section staff and takes responsibility in the day to day operation of the clinics.
Evaluate the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of biomedical equipment.
Ensure that all medical equipment is properly maintained and documented.
Provide engineering and technical expertise on all matters related to medical technology,especially in the process of planning,review,evaluation,specifications of medical equipment.
Install, adjust, maintain, and/or repair biomedical equipment. Evaluate, negotiate and manage
service contracts.
Adapt or design computer hardware or software for medical science uses.
Develop and provide a comprehensive in-service education program on the safe and effective use
of medical equipment both medical and nursing staff.
Advise hospital administrators on the planning, acquisition, and use of medical equipment.
Develop and implement short and long time strategies for the development and direction of the
department to effectively manage medical equipment and technology in the clinics.
Minimize, investigate and rectify hazard risks associated with medical equipment use.
Perform other duties within the scope of the job and his technical capacity and expertise.
Answered By: El Greco ® - 8/5/2012 |