Hiding in plain sight: the unseen impact of engineering in healthcare

Public Lecture 

Biomedical engineering is a hidden, broad-church profession within healthcare. There are many aspects to biomedical engineering. Clinical engineering is responsible for NHS Trust-wide policy, regulatory compliance as well as performing in the research and innovation space. Medical Equipment Management Service (MEMS) handles the day-to-day management of equipment including commissioning, servicing and repair. Radiation Equipment Servicing (RSE) is responsible for the maintenance of radiotherapy treatment machines. Mechanical workshop undertakes design and construction of equipment using traditional techniques and 3D printing. 

This lecture features three hidden areas of biomedical engineering where expertise is key: 

Programme

In Silico Engineering 

Rebecca Shipley, OBE DPhil FIET FRSA. Professor of Healthcare Engineering and Director of the Institute of Healthcare Engineering at University College London. 

In silico engineering is developing rapidly and has the ability, provided it is accepted by regulators, to reduce the number of animals and humans used in clinical trials for drug and device development. 

Engineering Health Systems outside the comfort zone 

Dr Emmanuel Akinluyi, PhD DClinSci FHCS (Hon). Head of Clinical Engineering and Chief Biomedical Engineer, Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust.

Safe and effective engineering of healthcare systems is essential for the diagnosis and treatment of patients as well as to improve patient outcomes. 

Bioengineering and Expert Medical Testimony: Societal Impact in the Most Unexpected Way 

Professor Anthony Bull, PhD FREng. Professor of Musculoskeletal Mechanics, Imperial College London. 

Biomedical engineering is included in interdisciplinary research collaborations following atrocities which have led to societal impacts in relation to equipment, behaviour, medical treatment and compensation. 

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Lecture followed by networking and refreshments

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This lecture is presented by the School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, and the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine.