Engineering in a Clinical Setting
At IBBME, clinical engineering is a vibrant research area that advances patient care through excellence in applied science and engineering.
This theme traverses the continuum of care, from prevention through to palliation, and extends over the entire life span, from neonates to older adults. Exciting programs of research led by core faculty include:
- the study of medical device usability using state-of-the-art high fidelity simulated clinical environments
- the development of advanced body-machine interfaces for children and youth with severe disabilities
- the design of technologies for mobile and home monitoring of patients with diabetes, heart failure, and other chronic conditions
- development and evaluation of enabling technologies that help disabled children to participate more fully in physical activity, play, arts, and music in and outside of healthcare facilities
- the development of advanced technologies to support independence of people with physical and cognitive disabilities and to assist both professional caregivers and family caregivers
- the study of safe and accessible environments in all weathers including slopes, cross-slopes and pedestrian crossings. This project includes the development of safer footwear and clothing for use in winter.
- the development and testing of systems to improve infection control including specifically hand hygiene behaviour and methods of managing human waste
- development of at-home diagnosis of sleep apnea and new forms of treatment
The Clinical Engineering program has a strong relationship with all 10 academically affiliated teaching hospitals. As a consequence, students benefit from rich learning environments in state-of-the-art hospital-based laboratories, instrumentation suites, surgical theatres and clinical care areas.
Our mandate is to provide students with:
1. Advanced education and training in the application of engineering principles to the clinical environment and patient care and safety;
2. Working knowledge of the Canadian healthcare system, human physiology, human factors, systems analysis, measurement, and instrumentation;
3. An understanding of clinical practice; and
4. An excellent interdisciplinary applied science research experience.
Clinical Engineer Career Path and Opportunities
Graduates start their careers in clinical engineering prepared and skilled. IBBME Alumni have made great achievements in the medical device industry, hospitals, medical research facilities and educational institutions, regulatory bodies, government and industry associations. There’s also the option to further advance academically by pursuing degrees in research (PhD) or medicine (MD).
Professors focused in this area include: