A Leap Towards Addressing Emerging Healthcare Challenges: How VIT SHINE School is Responding
According to Forbes, #healthcare is the third fastest-growing industry, already a multibillion-dollar giant poised for double-digit growth in the next decade. But what makes this sector truly remarkable is its deep reliance on the synergy between engineering and medical science—a partnership that is constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
The Power of Collaboration
Take the COVID-19 pandemic as a prime example. As the world came to a standstill, clinicians found themselves on the front lines, battling an invisible enemy. They had some existing tools, like RT-PCR tests and X-rays, but what truly turned the tide was the rapid-fire integration of engineering innovations. This fusion cut RT-PCR processing times from hours to minutes, saving countless lives around the globe.
This wasn’t just a temporary alliance; it was a paradigm shift. The collaboration between engineers and clinicians unleashed a wave of innovations that helped speed up the recovery of a world brought to its knees. Vaccine production ramped up to astonishing levels, hundreds of rapid screening tests were developed, and mammoth sanitization strategies were employed, utilizing every conceivable engineering possibility.
Engineering: The Silent Hero
#HealthcareEngineers became the silent heroes of this story, working tirelessly behind the scenes to create solutions that would bolster the efforts of clinicians worldwide. From designing advanced personal protective equipment (PPE) to developing AI algorithms for better diagnosis and treatment planning, their contributions have been nothing short of revolutionary.
VIT SHINE – For Mentoring a Generation of MedTech Engineers.
Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) is offering a #BTechHealthSciencesandTechnology program to leverage technology in healthcare to give clinicians an engineer’s perspective of the treatment process. This program by the #SchoolofHealthcareScienceandEngineering (SHINE) is launched for the academic year 2024-2025, making it one of the pioneering programs in the field of “Health Sciences” in India.
Pioneering the Future of MedTech: A B.Tech Program Like No Other
This B.Tech program is tailored for a unique group of students poised to fill a significant talent gap in the #MedTech industry. In India, there are few, if any, programs specifically designed to shape healthcare professionals whose expertise is needed in Research and Development, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Technical Healthcare Management, #ITinHealthSciences and Regulatory Affairs. This program is a multidisciplinary bachelor’s degree crafted as a blend of several engineering disciplines, with direct support from various industries and hospitals. It incorporates constant feedback from key demand hubs to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
What's in the program
The curriculum for the B.Tech in Health Sciences and Technology program at VIT Vellore combines foundational courses in engineering, biology, and medicine. Here’s a broad overview of the subjects covered:
- Core engineering subjects (mathematics, physics, and chemistry)
- Biology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Biomedical engineering
- Medical imaging
- Healthcare informatics
- Healthcare management
- Telemedicine
Students can also delve deeper into specific areas of health technology through electives, such as:
- Biomimicry & Biomimetic
- Regenerative Engineering
- Medical Device Regulation
- Tissue Biomechanics for Human Applications
- Engineering Design
- Lasers in Medicine
- Biosensors & Wearable Devices
- Medical Biophysics
- Microfluidics
- Medical Device Regulation
- Advanced AI & ML in Healthcare
- Mathematical Modelling
- Data Analysis and Archiving
- Medical Robotics
- Data Visualization & Analytics
- Cell & Gene Therapy
- Human Oncology
- Nutrigenomics
- Medical Immunology
- Precision/Personalized Medicine
- Evolutionary Medicine
- Neurobiology
- Drug Design & Discovery
- Human Toxicology
- Medtech Entrepreneurship
- Public Health & Epidemiology
- Behavior & Cognitive Science
- Healthcare Law & IPR
The B.Tech in Health Sciences and Technology program is designed to bridge the knowledge gap for students from both science and non-science backgrounds. It achieves this by offering foundational courses in mathematics, programming, chemistry, and biology during the initial semesters.
Dean Speaks
According to Prof. Geetha Manivasagam, Dean of SHINE, VIT, and Director of the Center for Biomaterials, Cellular, and Molecular Theranostics at VIT, this groundbreaking program “covers everything by integrating both medical and engineering (MedTech) programs.” She describes it as “a comprehensive approach that aims to equip young engineers with the skills they need to develop cutting-edge #technology for the healthcare sector.” As Prof. Geetha puts it, “We are bridging two worlds—engineering and medicine—to create future innovators.”
Imagine a curriculum where students learn about instrumentation and gain the expertise to develop apps and medical devices that could change lives. This program’s unique selling point is its integration of clinicians and industry experts into the training process. Prof. Geetha highlights this by saying, “The unique USP of this program is that clinicians and industry experts will be involved in training the students, and they will get to pursue internships in clinics and the healthcare sector.” She adds, “Our students will learn from the very best in the field, gaining insights that are not available in traditional classrooms.”
The integration doesn’t stop there. As healthcare increasingly relies on technology, the program includes a strong focus on AI, machine learning, and data sciences. Students will be prepared to enter software and IT jobs, meeting the demand for tech-savvy professionals in healthcare. “Since the program will be integrated with a lot of AI, ML, and data sciences in healthcare, students can get into software and IT jobs,” says Prof. Geetha. She also notes, “Our graduates will be the ones who drive the digital transformation of healthcare.”
This is a pioneering effort in India, marking the first program to address emerging global trends in the healthcare sector. It’s not just about keeping pace; it’s about setting the pace. As Prof. Geetha states, “This is the first program in India that will address the emerging global trends in the healthcare sector.” She emphasizes, “We are trailblazers, creating a blueprint for others to follow.”
One of the most exciting aspects of the B.Tech in Health Sciences and Technology program is its potential impact on patient care. With advanced training in data analysis, students will be equipped to identify “at-risk” patients who require immediate attention by detecting abnormalities, fractures, or tumors, contributing to timely interventions and saving lives. In a world where healthcare and technology are increasingly intertwined, this program offers an education that is not only relevant but revolutionary. It prepares students to lead a new era in healthcare innovation. “We are crafting leaders who will redefine the boundaries of healthcare and technology,” concludes Prof. Geetha.
A Promising Career Path with B.Tech in Health Sciences and Technology at VIT Vellore
A B.Tech in Health Sciences and Technology from VIT Vellore opens doors to a promising career in a variety of fields, each offering unique opportunities to make a significant impact in the healthcare industry. Graduates can look forward to pursuing roles such as:
- Biomedical Engineer: Design and develop cutting-edge medical equipment and devices.
- Medical Device Designer: Innovate and create new medical technologies to improve patient care.
- Healthcare IT Specialist: Enhance healthcare systems through information technology solutions.
- Public Health Engineer: Work on infrastructure projects that improve community health.
- Clinical Research Associate: Conduct and manage clinical trials to advance medical knowledge.
- Pharmaceutical Scientist: Engage in drug development and research to discover new therapeutics.
- Entrepreneurship: Start your own venture in the thriving MedTech industry.
In addition to these career paths, graduates have the option to further their education with specialized MS programs at universities abroad or M.Tech programs at reputed Indian universities and institutions. Those interested in research can delve into exciting domains such as Biomedical Imaging and Signal Processing, Biomaterials and Medical Devices, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Healthcare, Molecular Biology and Genetics, and Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
With #BTechinHealthSciencesandTechnology from VIT Vellore, the future is bright, filled with opportunities to innovate, lead, and make a difference in the world of healthcare.
Recent Post
