So, what's a biomedical engineer do?

I'm interested in becoming a biomedical engineer, but I'm not exactly sure what their day-to-day responsibilities are. Is it mostly research, or do they work more hands-on with technology?

Biomedical engineering is a fascinating field because it offers a balance between both research and hands-on work with technology. Biomedical Engineers do vary in their day-to-day activities depending on their area of focus and their specific jobs.

A primary responsibility of a biomedical engineer is the design and development of biomedical devices. This could include artificial organs, prosthetics, medical instruments, and health management systems. They work closely with doctors, scientists, and other medical professionals to understand their needs, and then design solutions to those challenges.

In many settings, biomedical engineers are responsible for the entire lifecycle of a medical device. This includes conceptual design, material selection, prototyping, testing, optimization, production, and even post-market surveillance. Hence, they have a unique mix of hands-on work and high-level thinking.

Moreover, biomedical engineers also delve into research and development. They research the human body to understand how it works, and they use this information to develop better medical devices and procedures.

Lastly, some biomedical engineers also play a key role in quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and product commercialization. They ensure that new products or procedures comply with all relevant regulations and meet high standards of safety and efficacy.

So, to sum up, biomedical engineers combine knowledge from engineering, biology, and medicine to develop new tools and technologies for healthcare. Their work can range from research and development, designing medical equipment, testing, troubleshooting, installing medical equipment, training personnel to use biomedical technology appropriately, and servicing this equipment when necessary. Remember, the exact tasks can vary depending on the specific job and expertise area.