The field of engineering as a whole is an innovative field – coming up with ideas leading to everything from skyscrapers and automobiles, to aerospace and sonar. The field of biomedical engineering narrows its focus to innovating advances that improve human health and health care at all levels.
Aspects of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, and engineering are all intertwined with human biology in biomedical engineering to improve human health.
A biomedical engineer analyzes and designs solutions to problems in biology and medicine, with the goal of improving the quality and effectiveness of patient care. There is an increasing demand for biomedical engineers, due largely because of the general shift towards the everyday use of machinery and technology in all aspects of life.
Biomedical engineering is now considered a field in itself (it is no longer an interdisciplinary specialization) and has recently emerged as its own study in engineering.
A biomedical engineer will typically do the following:
– Design systems and products
– Install, adjust, maintain, repair, or provide technical support for biomedical equipment
– Evaluate the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of biomedical equipment
– Train clinicians and other personnel on the proper use of equipment
– Work with life scientists, chemists, and medical scientists
– Research the engineering aspects within the biological systems of humans and animals
Biomedical engineering (BME) takes engineering principles and design concepts and combines those principles and concepts with medicine and biology. By closing the gap between engineering and medicine (combining design and problem solving skills with medical biological sciences), this field of work attempts to advance both diagnostic and therapeutic health care treatment.
Biological knowledge combined with engineering principles to address medical needs has greatly contributed to the development of both life-changing and life-saving concepts and products such as: artificial organs; pacemakers; artificial hips; surgical robots; advanced prosthetics; kidney dialysis; MRIs; EKGs; ECGs; pharmaceutical drugs; and therapeutic biologicals.. There are now even more futuristic technologies available such as stem cell engineering and the 3-D printing of biological organs.
Also included under the umbrella of biomedical engineer is the keeping of current medical equipment in hospitals within current industry standards. This may include periodic testing, maintenance, new equipment recommendations and acquisitions, and even equipment disposal.
The work of these engineers spans many professional fields. For example, although their expertise is based in engineering and biology, they often design computer software to run complicated instruments, such as three-dimensional x-ray machines.
In industry, they may create products where an in-depth understanding of living systems and technology is essential. Some biomedical engineers design electrical circuits, software to run medical equipment, or computer simulations to test new drug therapies. Some also design and build artificial body parts to replace injured limbs. In some cases, they develop the materials needed to make the replacement body parts. They also design rehabilitative exercise equipment.
Alternatively, many of these engineers use their knowledge of chemistry and biology to develop new drug therapies. Others draw heavily on mathematics and statistics to build models, in order to understand the signals transmitted by the brain or heart.
Some biomedical engineers prefer to stay in academia and become professors.
A biomedical engineer can work in a variety of settings. Some work in hospitals where therapy occurs, and others work in laboratories doing research. Still others work in manufacturing settings where they design biomedical engineering products. Additionally, these engineers also work in commercial offices where they make or support business decisions.
Where and how biomedical engineers work is often determined by others’ specific needs. For example, a biomedical engineer who has developed a new device designed to help a person with a disability to walk again might have to spend hours in a hospital to determine whether the device works as planned. If the engineer finds a way to improve the device, the engineer might have to then return to the manufacturer to help alter the manufacturing process to improve the design.
A person working as a Biomedical Engineer in Kenya typically earns around Ksh123,000 per month. Salaries range from Ksh56,400 (lowest) to Ksh195,000 (highest).
Due to the small size of this occupation, the expected significant growth in the field will result in limited openings. Within this framework, however, biomedical engineers will likely see greater demand for their services because of the broadness of both their profession and their training. Scientists, researchers, and manufacturers in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors will continue to call upon biomedical engineers to address injuries and physical disabilities; to develop advanced prostheses and artificial body organs; and to improve healthcare technology and rehabilitation practices. As baby boomers live longer and remain active, there will be increased demand for biomedical devices and procedures, such as hip and knee replacements.
Students should take high school science courses, such as chemistry, physics, and biology. They should also take mathematics, including calculus. Courses in drafting or mechanical drawing and computer programming are also useful.
Biomedical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from an accredited program to enter the occupation. Alternatively, they can get a bachelor’s degree in a different field of engineering and then either get a graduate degree in biomedical engineering or get on-the-job training in biomedical engineering.
