To be able to understand the complex phenomenons and to continuously improve our quality of living is a key highlight of our very existence. In this regard, the field of Medicines has always been a dynamic and constantly evolving domain. Various medical discoveries as well as innovations in this field stand as a proud hallmarks of human innovation and advancement.
Medical advancements keep happening continuously in tandem with other allied fields, wherein some really exciting and cutting edge research is always taking place right at the intersection of these different fields with Medicine. Medical Technology is thus a highly valued discipline, and is often treated with awe for its almost magical effect for various humanitarian utilizations. It has even ensured giant technological leaps by moving ahead from the invasive technologies to the non-invasive investigation techniques, which has facilitated non-surgical interventions using just external or skin-depth level devices that collect data about the human body.
Electronics here plays a pivotal role in providing technical solutions to many problems which we face in our daily lives. In the field of Medicine and Medical Technology, the subject of Electronics coupled with the techniques used in Electrical engineering, is increasingly gaining traction through various breakthrough researches happening all around the globe. Once considered as two separate streams, the intersection of Medicine and Electronics is now a hotspot for the incubation of latest technological innovations in the enthralling field of Medical Electronics and Bio-Electronics. In order to address numerous humanitarian needs, the ongoing research and product development in this domain also leads to an enhanced understanding of biomedical practices while creating a demand for specialized electronic devices and tools.
Biomedical Electronic Devices
Biomedical Electronic Devices are often employed to obtain human signal data such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data, Electroencephalogram (EEG), Electrocardiogram (ECG) etc., which help in proper identification and diagnosis of different diseases and disorders. These signals are further processed using various signal processing techniques for analyzing their features and for drawing meaningful conclusions. The techniques of Biomedical Signal Processing focus on feature extraction and analysis of these human signals thereby helping immensely in ensuring appropriate preventive treatments and post-treatment monitoring. The field of Biomedical Signal Processing thus accentuates further researches in the fields of speech processing, image processing, neuronal circuit analysis, cognitive neuroscience etc.
Medical Assistive Technologies
Along with signal processing, Human Medical Assistive Technologies also require electronics as a major component in the realization of their products. With the state of the art sensors, actuators, on-board processors and feedback circuits in place, these Assistive Devices help in accelerated patient recuperation and enhanced monitoring of their health conditions. Furthermore with the inclusion of the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, these devices can now transmit data back to a server and hence can be used for patient monitoring and observation purposes.
Surgical Robotics
Surgical Robotics is another closely tied field which depicts the beautiful and synergistic relationships existing between Medicine and Electronics. Intelligently designed automated devices help the surgeons to perform delicate operations and procedures by assisting them in complex maneuvers, location tracking, sensory feedback etc. Surgical Robotics is thus an uprising field which has great potential to solve the problems caused because of the shortage of skilled doctors and assistants.
Conclusion
If a student desires to integrate Electronics with his or her passion to solve humanitarian problems, and wants to contribute to the discipline of Biomedical Technology, there are a plethora of options ready to be explored. Apart from studying the conventional disciplines of Electrical or Electronics Engineering, there are options like Biomedical Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, Medical Electronics etc. as well for facilitating the same intent. In these disciplines, an undergraduate student can take up interesting and innovative projects that will combine both Electronics and Medicines, and can provide solutions that can leave a large, positive and significant impact on the society.
