Expert: Carolyn Primus - 1/6/2004

Question
Hi!
i am currently a student contemplating on what subject to major in and biomedical science is one that caught my interest. I greatly appreciate it if you would take the time to answer my questions. Thanks!
1) What does the study of biomedical science involve and how does it differ from other subjects like medicine?
2) What aspects of jobs do individuals with a biomedical science degree involve?
3) How is your career going so far? Do you find it challenging and interesting?
4) thanks again!

Regards
CzKong

Answer
Biomedical science is a wonderful and diverse career. You can enter it from almost any type of backroound-e.g. science, as I did, or business. (sales and marketing of products). Biomedical science is involved in any equipment, or materials that affect living beings (animals especially). It overlaps with medicine. It includes all the science and development of products for medical practice.  For instance, its the development of new devices, and the equipment to place the device in arteries (stents) to open narrow passage to let blood flow. This relies on engineering (to design and make the device), veterinary science (treating animals to show the device works), and medical practice to prove it is safe and effective in humans.

I have enjoyed my career greatly because it provides benefit to people and their way of life. It has been fun, challenging, and very interesting because I have invented new products,  using ideas I found in other fields and applying them to products for people.   

To be successful you eed to have specific knowledge of a topic- for instance, I studied materials science and engineering,- and applied it to a need that exists for people's health- for instance, dentistry- with a material to treat diseased bone and encourage regeneration of bone to hold teeth in place.  

Science is wonderful and fun, like the greatest neverending puzzle. Its not a lonely lab job. Its an exciting field to work with others to benefit people worldwide,
Good luck!