Ms. Biomedical Engineer: A New Professional Opportunity for Women

Biomedical Engineering (BME), the application of engineering concepts and technology to living systems, is expected to experience explosive growth in the next decade. The effective introduction of technology, by well trained engineers, will alter the practice of medicine and made access to the health care system viable for all 220,000,000 United States residents. The activities of the biomedical research engineer employed by the university and the development engineer employed by biomedical industry are discussed. In addition, the duties of the clinical engineer employed in a hospital and who deals with problems relating to patient care is presented. Three curricular approaches to preparing for the biomedical profession, " classical," "interdisciplinary," and " new discipline," are outlined. Factors which make BME a desirable occupation for women are emphasized.