Ensuring that biomedical engineers are ready for the real world

TLDR

Biomedical engineering curricula often lack real‑world experiences, leaving students frustrated and graduates unprepared for the multidisciplinary, regulatory, and practical challenges of industry. The study identifies numerous mechanisms to prepare biomedical engineering students for real‑world problem solving.

Abstract

Discusses preparing biomedical engineering students for real-world problem solving by putting theory into practice in the curriculum. It is concluded that mechanisms for preparing biomedical engineering students for real-world problem solving are numerous. Failure to incorporate such real-world experiences throughout the curriculum creates frustration for the student, particularly for the freshman or sophomore undergraduate who lacks the experience to draw a connection between theory and practice. Upon graduation, the biomedical engineer is suddenly confronted with real-world problems and design challenges that require a team of experts, project planning and execution, regulatory and quality control, financial support, and a satisfied customer. Too often, graduates are unprepared for this transition to real-world engineering.