Welcome to the Department of Biomedical Engineering
at Florida International University.

The bridge is one of the oldest and most common artifacts for evidence of engineering at its finest. A well-designed bridge provides the foundation and structural integrity for the transport of objects from one location to the next across otherwise impassable terrain. In a similar fashion, Biomedical Engineering serves as a metaphorical "bridge" between engineering and medicine by providing the foundation and structural integrity for the passage of engineering knowledge to the medical field.

A more representative symbol of biomedical engineering is Leonardo da Vinci's drawing of the ideal proportions of the human figure. As this great master did, biomedical engineers regard the human body as a machine; one that can be designed, analyzed, and repaired using engineering techniques. Much of the recent advances in medicine have come through devices engineered to diagnose, treat, or replace physiological function, and this trend will continue for decades to come.

We take a truly unique approach to this fascinating field of biomedical engineering. Our goal is to establish a new and totally distinct model for biomedical engineering in two important and fundamental aspects: 1) a three-way partnership between a university, a community-based hospital system, and the medical device industry; and 2) an innovative and forward-thinking program designed to produce a unique "person-product" in the form of its graduates.

We believe the field of biomedical engineering is on the verge of tremendous growth, and we are excited about the potential influence our graduates will have on the delivery of medicine in the new millennium. I invite you to peruse through our web site to learn more about the academic programs we offer and the research activities of our faculty. Contact any one of us at BME for additional information. Let us become a partner for your future.