A postgraduate diploma course specifically designed for training biomedical engineers from developing countries

The difficulties associated with managing medical equipment in developing countries have been widely reported. The resolution of these problems needs contributions from many sides. One fundamental requirement is the need for more trained staff and this paper presents the experiences gained over 8 years of providing biomedical engineering training at postgraduate level in London. The course provides education on technical and management subjects and includes exercises to develop practical skills from the knowledge gained. The students are usually senior biomedical engineers from Ministries of Health and over 60 have attended from 27 countries since the course was started. The academic standard required to join the course are flexible and professional experience can be counted in lieu of a first degree.