Biomedical sciences

A biochemist engaged in bench research

Biomedical sciences are a set of applied sciences applying portions of natural science or formal science, or both, to knowledge, interventions, or technology that are of use in healthcare or public health.[1] Such disciplines as medical microbiology, clinical virology, clinical epidemiology, genetic epidemiology, and biomedical engineering are medical sciences. In explaining physiological mechanisms operating in pathological processes, however, pathophysiology can be regarded as basic science.

Roles within biomedical science

There are at least 45 different specialisms within healthcare science, which are traditionally grouped into three main divisions:[2]

Life sciences specialties

Physiological science specialisms

Physics and bioengineering specialisms

Biomedical science in the United Kingdom

The healthcare science workforce is an important part of the UK's National Health Service. While people working in healthcare science are only 5% of the staff of the NHS, 80% of all diagnoses can be attributed to their work.[3]

The volume of specialist healthcare science work is a significant part of the work of the NHS. Every year, NHS healthcare scientists carry out:

  • nearly 1 billion pathology laboratory tests
  • more than 12 million physiological tests
  • support for 1.5 million fractions of radiotherapy

The four governments of the UK have recognised the importance of healthcare science to the NHS, introducing the Modernising Scientific Careers initiative to make certain that the education and training for healthcare scientists ensures there is the flexibility to meet patient needs while keeping up to date with scientific developments.[4]

See also

References

  1. "The Future of the Healthcare Science Workforce. Modernising Scientific Careers: The Next Steps". 26 Nov 2008. p. 2. Retrieved 1 June 2011.
  2. "Extraordinary You" (PDF). Department of Health. 16 July 2010. p. 116. Retrieved 1 June 2011.
  3. "Modernising Scientific Careers: The UK Way Forward". 26 Feb 2010. p. 3. Retrieved 1 June 2011.
  4. "Modernising Scientific Careers: The UK Way Forward". 26 Feb 2010. p. 5. Retrieved 1 June 2011.

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