Wowwu: The research on "The Future of Anatomy and Physiology" by this Uniosun 300Level Student is currently making rounds across Social media [See Here]

Name of the Researcher: Okelola Victor ( V.Josh)
School: Osun state University
Department: Human Anatomy department.

THE FUTURE OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

Anatomy and physiology are very interesting fascinating courses within the college of health sciences in all schools. There have been a lot of questions rising from undergraduate students who find themselves in these courses as to what to do after graduation. It is to this end that this article is written to broaden or perception and perspectives about it even beyond what we know.

Today,  we shall be talking about the future of anatomy and physiology in respect to two emerging fields that one could opt for after first degree, build and have a successful career in life. These fields include:
1. Biomedical science/ engineering
2. Biotechnology

Biomedicine, sometimes Biomedical Science (or “BioMed”), is an academic field dedicated to the advancement of human medicine. It is a very diverse discipline - offering students an opportunity to explore the biological sciences and to work towards a career that can make a real difference in the world. The discipline is very wide-ranging, and there are three general areas of specialty – life sciences, physiological sciences, and bioengineering

The broadness of this discipline gives graduates many opportunities to specialise already during their studies, and thus offers many career options. It is a very ‘real-world’ discipline

Some of the course content of what you cover during your studies include but not limited to:

Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology
Microbiology, Cell Biology
Toxicology, Pharmacology
Epidemiology, Virology, Bacteriology, Immunology
Biochemistry, Molecular Biology
Phlebotomy
Genetics, Embryology
Bioinformatics
Bioengineering

Examples of careers you can have with a qualification in Biomedical Sciences include:

*Research scientist*: Make new discoveries and develop cures, treatments, and diagnostic techniques. Research scientists can work in nearly every industry, not just healthcare.
*Biotechnologist*: Have a deep understanding of the building blocks of life. Use this knowledge to discover and develop novel uses and treatments for cells, tissues, and organs.
Forensic scientist: Use science to identify and analyse evidence from accidents and crime scenes.
*Bioengineer*: Build artificial organs, design machines and devices for healthcare.
*Lab Technician or Lab Manager*: Run a laboratory and support researchers in their work.
*Toxicologist*: Investigate toxins and their effects. Work in healthcare or help protect the environment.
Virologist: Study, identify and fight viruses.
*Clinical scientist*: Be able to test for and identify a wide range of samples, research and develop new techniques for diagnosing illnesses.
Medical chemist: Be an expert in how medicines work, discover and develop new medicines.
*Microbiologist*: Study and work with microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, algae, yeast, etc.
*Epidemiologist*: Study and analyse how diseases spread and advise on how to contain and treat them.
*Phlebotomist*: Know how to test blood for diagnostics, conduct transfusions, and take donations.
Remember that this is just a small sample of the careers you can pursue with a qualification in Biomedical Science.

When applying for jobs – especially at the beginning of your career – laboratories will prefer candidates with strong lab skills. It means they can trust you to perform tasks, and that saves them time and money. Experience and skills in laboratory work are highly desired and transferable across all areas of science.

For those interested or with good mathematical knowledge can dive into the field of engineering medicine

Biomedical Engineering, also referred to as Bioengineering, BioMed or BME, is a multidisciplinary STEM field that combines biology and engineering, applying engineering principles and materials to medicine and healthcare
The study of biomedical engineering involves a broad array of diagnostic and therapeutic applications. This branch of engineering and sciences is a fascinating multidisciplinary area of study that entails the application of engineering techniques in order to assist practitioners like doctors and physicians in their healthcare practices. Study of this branch also helps them in the rehabilitation of disabled patients

To become a Biomedical Engineer you don’t necessarily have to study or major in Biomedical Engineering specifically; you can study a related field such as, physiology and Anatomy as first degree.

You can do a MS in Biomedical Engineering with a Bachelors degree in Physiology.  Some Universities have a specialization in Systems Physiology and Modeling/Integrated Systems Physiology/Molecular Pharmacology and Receptor Biology. *All you will be required is for you to maybe asked to take a course related to engineering( maths, physics, computer programming)  in post graduate diploma course (6 months) before going for your Master's program*

A few examples of some of the subdivisions of Biomedical Engineering include:

Biomedical Electronics

Biomaterials

Computational Biology

Cellular, Tissue and Genetic Engineering

Medical Imaging

Orthopaedic Bioengineering

Bionanotechnology

Passive medical device

Biomedical signal processing and clinical engineering.

The combination of engineering principles with biological knowledge to address medical needs has contributed to the development of revolutionary and life-saving concepts such as:

Artificial organs

Surgical robots

Advanced prosthetics

New pharmaceutical drugs

Kidney dialysis

*Career options with Masters in Biomed*

1. *Biomaterials Developer*
Biomedical engineers may develop biomaterials, which can be either natural living tissue or artificial materials, for the human body to use. Tissue engineering, biomedical implant development, drug delivery and nano implants are all areas that a biomaterials developer may work in. Biomaterials can be used to either repair or replace lost function to the body, or to detect and image disease.

2. *Manufacturing Engineer*
Manufacturing engineers are involved with the design and production of products, striving to create goods that are low-cost and high-quality. In the biomedical field, these products are typically developed for use in the healthcare industry.

They can include laboratory or hospital equipment, prosthetic limbs, imaging tools and more. Manufacturing engineers with biomedical engineering backgrounds can take leadership positions in the design of these products, or manage teams who are creating them.

3. *Independent Consultant*
Independent consultants in the biomedical engineering field work with medical organizations and research institutions to provide guidance and recommendations. Their input can affect how processes are executed, what type of equipment to use, how to organize a workforce and other crucial decisions.

Independent biomedical consultants may work with a variety of businesses, and they sometimes consult with organizations for long periods of time. Consultants can grow relationships while also reaping the benefits of diverse experiences with a variety of stakeholders.

4. *Biomedical Scientist/Researcher*
Biomedical scientists and researchers use clinical trials to conduct research for improving human health, carrying out scientific laboratory tests to find solutions to medical problems. They research information that aids in the development of biomedical technology and test products so that they are safe for consumers.

Biomedical researchers may also work in the field of biomechanics, which involves simulating medical problems and body systems to aid in the creation of biomedical devices.
5. *Rehabilitation Engineer*
If you choose to specialise in this sub-field, you can help improve the ability and quality of life for physically-impaired individuals.

6. *Clinical Engineer*
As a clinical engineer, you will be able to help hospitals and medical institutions in applying technology for healthcare purposes. Your responsibilities will include maintaining and managing equipment records and digital databases of medical equipment.

This job may even give you the opportunity to work alongside physicians to oversee the adaptation of equipment based on the unique requirements of the hospital and its physicians. You can also find work in medical product development and manufacturing companies and get involved in various activities, from product design to sales and support.

As a rehabilitation engineer, you will produce technology for people with disabilities. You can design better walkers, exercise robots, and therapeutic devices to improve physical movement and flexibility.

*Happy Reading*