Biomedical engineering in China. A look at the growth of the BME Society, and advanced education

In 1978 the Chinese Institute of Electronics asked Dr Qin to organise the Chinese Biomedical Engineering Society. Looking back on 14 years of the Society's history, 13 conferences have been held, and more than 600 technical papers presented. Student paper competitions stimulated students and young investigators to attend the conference and join the Society. The authors also discuss formal BME education including accreditation and curricula. The universities which have BME programs can be mainly classified into two categories: (1) universities of science and engineering, (2) universities of medical science. The curricula can also be divided into: (1) engineering oriented, and (2) clinically oriented. Most engineering oriented curricula are based on electronic engineering around a central task of instrumentation design. Besides the engineering courses, basic anatomy and physiology are offered for the purpose of communication with physicians. Most clinical oriented curricula are executed in medical schools, they are based on the applications of medical instruments and computers, but the hospital internship is a special required subject. Todays typical BME faculty differs quite significantly from the faculties that began the BME effort in China. Members tend to be interdiciplinarians, capable of understanding a broad range of areas. A significant number are bearers of graduate degrees, both bachelors and masters, from both inside and outside of China. Nearly 300 students are presently enrolled in the country's biomedical engineering programs.<>