BIO MEDICAL ENGINEERING

BY YASSIN NASSAR
OVER VIEW
WHY BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING?

Biomedical engineers harness their own creativity to shape the world of tomorrow.
Some bioengineers design innovative tools and devices (such as prosthetics and
imaging machines) to aid medical care, while others work to improve the processes of
health care delivery (through new drug therapies, for example). Bioengineers also
study signals generated by organs such as the heart and brain in order to understand
how the body functions and how biological systems work. Many build artificial
organs, limbs, and valves to replace failing tissues. Bioengineers are involved in
rehabilitation by improving the designs of therapeutic devices to increase performance.
HISTORY

The second half of the 20th century paved the way for the modern era of bioengineering yet to
come. Major strides in medical devices were seen. Willem Kolff, Ph.D. conducted research and
experiments that led to the advent of kidney dialysis in the late 1940’s. Charles A. Hufnagel, M.D.
invented the first artificial heart valve, which was successfully implanted in 1952. In 1953,
Philadelphia surgeon John H. Gibbon, Jr. performed the first successful human heart surgery
assisted by a heart-lung machine. Then in 1958, the first external cardiac pacemaker was
successfully used. By the late 1960’s, the first biomedical engineering departments were formed
at the University of Virginia, Case Western Reserve University, Johns Hopkins University, and
Duke University. These institutions have remained active in educating students and conducting
cutting-edge research today.
 MILESTONES OF INNOVATION
The AIMBE Milestones of Innovation showcases the seminal advancements in both Medical and
Biological Engineering over more than the past 100 years. These technologies represent the great
achievements of the bio/medical engineering community. The great achievements of the AIMBE
College of Fellows are also represented in the more recent technologies but the spirit of innovation
and the goal of greater human health and happiness is found in them all.

The time references reflect the decade in which each innovation came into common use. For some,
initial development actually had come years earlier – but this chronology denotes their wide
acceptance by medical professionals.

Scroll through the AIMBE Milestones of Innovation or select a Milestone to learn more.
ARTIFICIAL KIDNEY
1950 – 1960 – 1970 - 1990
CAREER OUTLOOK

Bioengineering Career Trends:

Careers in bioengineering are expected to rise over the next decade.
Chart
$88,040
The median annual wage for bioengineers in 2017.
7%
The projected growth rate of Biomedical Engineering careers from 2016-2026.
 The projected growth rate of Biomedical Engineering careers from
2016-2026.
4500

4000

3500

3000

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0
California Massachusetts Illinois Texas Minnesota

The projected growth rate of Biomedical Engineering careers from 2016-2026.

BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING SALARIES
Salary By $

Colleges and Universities

Pharma Manufacturing

R&D

Medical Equipment Manufacturing

0 20,000 40,000 60,000 80,000 100,000 120,000

Salary By $
EMPLOYMENT IN BIOENGINEERING
Salary $

Pharmaceuticals Research and Development

Medical Equipment Manufacturing Colleges and Universities
 THANKS

References: Navigate the Circuit (aimbe.org)