Biomedical engineering is a field that brings the principles of engineering together with life sciences. It does this by creating life-changing and life-saving medical devices.This technology has emerged as a boon not only to human life but also to animals, flora, and faunas through their constant innovations. Many of these innovations have already proved to be of so much help to the entirety of mankind but, the process is still ongoing.Do you know how impactful this journey of medical engineering has been? Do you know how many undisclosed facts are associated with it? The field of biomedical engineering developed as an academic subject in the ’70s.Here are some more interesting facts about biomedical engineering!Facts About Biomedical EngineeringBiomedical Engineering has emerged as a great career option for people who love either engineering or biology as their chosen field. It has empowered them to choose what they love and at the same time help mankind. Listed here are some of the facts regarding the subject.To become a biomedical engineer, a student needs a Bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering or bioengineering or a related field. This is one of the most advanced degrees in medicine and engineering.The average working hours of biomedical engineers are around 40 or more, hours. However, you will always be on call to attend to urgent matters.It is a small but effective field and holds a lot of career opportunities in the future. According to the U.S. Bureau Of Labour Statistics(BLS), the demand for biomedical engineers has grown by 14% in 2020 and it continues to grow with an average annual growth rate of 6%.The average annual salary of biomedical engineers is around $92,620, from May 2020, as per BLS data. This number is the minimum payout and it could be increased based on a candidate’s knowledge, exposure, and experience.In the U.S. alone, this job is high in demand and there were 19,300 vacancies was in 2020. Around 1,400 vacancies of biomedical engineers and bioengineers are expected annually in the U.S. market alone. As technology progresses, the number of job vacancies will continue to rise.The main areas of employment for biomedical engineers are pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, laboratories, scientific research organizations, and organizations involved in the research and innovation industry.Biomedical Engineering ApplicationsBiomedical engineering is a combination of engineering and technology with life science to create devices, machines, appliances, software, and computer systems that can support health care requirements. The application of bioengineering can range from a small sensory device to elaborate life-support systems.Biomedical engineering can be applied to develop new medicines and therapies.It can be used for the development of advanced computer software, such as a CT scan, laser surgery, and three-dimensional x-ray machines.Biomedical engineering can help in nanotechnology, in building lab chip devices that will help in analyzing the performance of implantable microdevices, and in biosensors within the human body.This technology is used to develop artificial organs such as artificial pacemakers, artificial hearts, hearing aids, artificial legs, and artificial arm systems. The efficacy of these devices is a matter of debate but, it is a slow start.This technology can also be used to provide technical support for medical equipment.Biomedical engineering can also help in genetic engineering to figure out the hidden facts behind human genetics. It can also lead to solutions for several genetic diseases.The technology can also help with studying thermodynamics and cell structures to solve problems in human biological systems.A biomedical engineer can also help in the research of biomaterials. Biomaterial researchers help in the development of biomedical applications. Biomaterials mainly focus on the interaction of cells and biomolecules. These biomaterials can help in wounds, the healing process, prostheses, and artificial organs.Famous Biomedical EngineersBiomedical engineers have earned respect around the world, not only from doctors and surgeons but, from the general public. Some of the famous biomedical engineers are listed down below.The evolution of biomedical engineering in health care devices and equipment dates back to the 19th century when the works of sound transmission systems by the famous inventor, Alexander Graham Bell, had helped in the emergence of the first tabletop hearing aids.The first portable hearing aids were developed by William Shockley and his team.The father of biomedical engineering was Otto Schmitt, who invented Schmitt’s Trigger. Apart from Schmitt’s Trigger, he has made important contributions to electrophysiology.Herman P. Schwan holds a degree in biophysics and bioengineering. He is known as the ‘founding father of biomedical engineering’ and made significant contributions to the developing field.Robert Jarvik, along with Willem Johan Kolff, and William DeVries, was the engineer behind the development of artificial hearts.Willem Einthoven was the innovator of the ECG(electrocardiograph). He received a Nobel Prize in 1924.Willem Johan Kolf was the innovator behind kidney dialysis systems.Rene Laennec was the innovator behind stethoscopes.Wilhelm Roentgen invented x-rays.Forrest Bird was the biomedical engineer behind the mechanical ventilator.Graeme Clarke, a Bachelor of Medicine (MB) and a Bachelor of Surgery (MS), was the inventor behind the cochlear implant.Silvestro Micera, a nuclear engineer, along with his team, was involved in developing a bionic hand with implanted sensors that could feel stimulations.One common thing in all the medical and biomedical engineers was their determination to create something that aided medical care industries, with the help of computer science, medical engineering, research, and technology. All their contributions in the field of medical devices had proved their capability and expertise in the subject.Biomedical Engineering ScienceBiomedical engineering science is a broad subject that combines two different streams of science, biology and engineering principles. Biomedical engineers apply their skills to create and design equipment. These devices bring positive changes to the medical and healthcare industries.Concerning educational requirements, students must develop an interest in biology, chemistry, physics, and math at the high school level.When considering a Bachelor’s degree, they could enroll in biomedical, bioengineering, or any other engineering field as this will help them find a career in the field.Students can also pursue a master’s degree if they want to gain in-depth knowledge about the subject.To sharpen up their skills and knowledge, students can also take internships in labs, research organizations, and hospitals. They make start early in working towards developing medicine, healthcare devices, and equipment.Biomedical engineers can work in multidimensional fields. They can research new software devices or computer systems, work in the field of nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, and can teach other students.The scope for biomedical engineers is not limited to a job in the hospital or a lab but, could extend to a managerial position, medical scientist, professor, patent officer, and many more.The expected upward annual employment opportunities in the field of biomedical engineering for the upcoming years from 2020 to 2030, would be somewhere around 6%. The number of job vacancies for the year 2020 was 19,300, which means that biomedical engineers can expect annual growth in the upcoming years.
Biomedical engineering is a field that brings the principles of engineering together with life sciences. It does this by creating life-changing and life-saving medical devices.
