Training the Next Generation of Biomedical Engineers for Additive Manufacturing

Conference Abstract: The biomedical engineer, often described as a “jack of all trades, but a master of none”, curricula at the university level may just skim the surface of tissue engineering, biomechanics, biomaterials, and cellular or microbiology. This broad-spectrum approach may lead to well-rounded students graduating without any specialized knowledge base. Graduates can encounter the entry level challenge of competing with other engineering disciplines for the same positions, and being passed over for engineers that have a more specialized skillset. What are the requirements and knowledge base needed to enter the exciting field of additive manufacturing for patient-specific applications? This presentation will propose criteria of training curricula to bolster the entry level biomedical engineer with skills needed to advance their career and to be translatable across various specialties of the medical additive manufacturing industry, such as product development/R&D, production and operations, business development and commercialization, quality, and regulatory affairs.