Biomedical Engineering And Biomedical Technology: Reality and Facts

 

▪ Engineering and Technology are intertwined terms in society. To understand the difference between engineering and technology, one needs to know what the meaning of each word:  because if engineering’s role is more visible and better understood more people would be attracted to it as a career

▪ ENGINEERING

 In a simple term Engineering is a field of study. Engineering is the profession in which knowledge of advanced mathematical and natural sciences gained by higher education, experience, and practice is devoted to the creation of new technology for the benefit of humanity. Engineering education for the professional focuses primarily on the conceptual and theoretical aspects of science. 

 And engineering aimed at preparing graduates for the practice of engineering closest to the research, design, development, and conceptual functions. 

▪ ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

 Technology is an application of knowledge gained through science and engineering fields to make or produce complex structures. So Engineering Technology is the profession in which knowledge of the applied mathematical and natural science gained by higher education, experience, and practice is devoted to application of engineering principles and the implementation of technological advances for the benefit of humanity. 

 Engineering technology education for the professional focuses primarily on analyzing, applying, implementing, and improving existing technologies and is aimed at preparing graduates for the practice of engineering closest to the product improvement, manufacturing, and engineering operational functions.  

 Engineering Technology deals with the same topics as engineering, but the knowledge is more applied, as opposed to theoretical knowledge.  It lies in the occupational spectrum between the craftsman and the engineer at the end of the spectrum closest to the engineer.

▪ BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 

 The branch of Biomedical Technology concerned with the application of engineering design and principles to medical and biological issues is called biomedical engineering. It is also discipline that advances knowledge in engineering, biology and medicine and improves human health through cross inter disciplinary activities that integrate the engineering science with biomedical sciences and clinical practice 

▪TYPICAL FUNCTIONS OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

1⃣ Research in new materials for implanted artificial organs

2⃣ Development of new diagnostic instruments for blood analysis

3⃣ Computer modelling of the function of the human heart.

4⃣ Writing software for analysis of medical research data.

5⃣ Analysis of medical device hazards for safety and efficacy.

6⃣ Development of new diagnostic imaging systems.

7⃣ Design of telemetry systems for patient monitoring

8⃣ Design of biomedical sensors for measurement of human physiologic systems variables.

9⃣ Development of expert systems for diagnosis of disease

 Design and control systems for drug administration and delivery.

1⃣1⃣ Modeling of the physiological systems of the human body.

1⃣2⃣ Development of new dental materials

1⃣3⃣ Design of communication aids for the handicapped.

▪BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

 Biomedical technology is a broad term that combines engineering and technology to solve biological or medical problems involving humans, especially the design and use of medical equipment used to diagnose and treat various diseases. 

 Biomedical technology can also be broken down into smaller sub-fields, like biomedical informatics, engineering, science and research. 

▪ TYPICAL FUNCTIONS OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIST Include The Following

1⃣ Development of new diagnostic imaging systems.

2⃣ Improving the existing and redesigning medical equipment/processes.

3⃣ Troubleshoot complex medical equipment.

4⃣ Supervision and management
Interpretation/ evaluation of data analysis for healthcare system  

5⃣ Production and marketing
Testing, and carry out  quality control, 

6⃣ Estimating, surveying, inspection and diagnostic evaluation,

▪BIOMEDICAL TECHNICIAN

 Biomedical Technician, typically an Electro-Mechanical technician who ensures that medical equipment is well maintained, properly configured, Calibrate and safely functional. 

 There are also refer to Biomedical Engineering Technician or Biomedical Technologist or sometime Biomedical Equipment / Engineering Specialist (BES or BMES) In hospital or clinical environments BMETs often work with Clinical Engineers, although as in most technical fields there is a professional and legal distinction between engineers and engineering technicians.

▪ CORE FUNCTIONS OF BIOMEDICAL TECHNICIAN 

1⃣ Troubleshoot and repair general / low-risk clinical equipment

2⃣ Calibrate equipment

3⃣ Order parts per policies and procedures

4⃣ Perform scheduled maintenance and safety testing

5⃣ Assure inspections performed in accordance with requirements and standards.

6⃣ Use specialized test equipment and tools

7⃣ Document actions and results

8⃣ Know / comply with departmental policies and procedures.

9⃣ Participate in performance and quality improvement activities.

 Perform in a manner consistent with mission.

1⃣1⃣ Perform incoming inspections and setup.

1⃣2⃣ Assist with projects such as installation, relocation of equipment.

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▪Various BME Job Categories

General Domains

1⃣ Clinical Engineer (MBA in Hospital Administration is added advantage) 

2⃣ Sales Engineer (MBA in Marketing is added advantage) 

3⃣ Service Engineer

4⃣ Application Specialist

5⃣ Procurement Engineer (MBA in Material Management is added advantage) 

6⃣ Self Entrepreneur (MBA in Finance / Marketing is added advantage)

7⃣ Consultation Businesses (Technical Consultation / Valuation consultants)

8⃣ JCI or NABH consultanT for Hospitals (Certified course in Accreditation) 

9⃣ Healthcare Finance (MBA finance / marketing could add values)

 Healthcare IT (Skill on Software Programing for Healthcare IT related development)

1⃣1⃣ Rehabilitation Engineer (Developing new assistive devices; required 3-D modelling skills)  

1⃣2⃣ Patents (Intellectual Property Rights; required PG Diploma course on IPR) 

1⃣3⃣ Academic (Teaching & Training; required Masters/PhD Degree) 

1⃣4⃣ Scientist (Research and Development; required Masters/PhD Degree) 

Manufacturing Domain

1⃣5⃣ Product Design Engineer (related to non-electronic equipments, Example: Orthopaedic Implants / Biomaterials; need 3D modelling skills)

1⃣6⃣ Quality Control Engineer in manufacturing unit (candidate need to go for Short term (6 month to 1 year) course on QC)

1⃣7⃣ Validation and Verification Engineer

1⃣8⃣ Market Research Analyst (team research/ individual research, product / design / concept research; MBA in Health Care Management is added advantage)
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▪ All Job Categories are equally preference to female candidates. 

▪ If any job category missing please give comment. 
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By, 
Ibrahim S Usman
Biomedical Technician 
461 Nigerian Air force Hospital 
Kaduna Nigeria