When students learn biology for the first time, they are studying the basic elements of different organisms.It is very much a theoretical study, where people learn about the biology of humans, plants and animals.
But how is such study used in the practical world of medicine?
The answer is biomedicine. It is a field that is often misunderstood, which is why a brief guide into the true meaning of biomedicine could be useful for many people.
What is Biomedicine?
Biomedicine is known as the branch of medical science where biological and physiological principles are applied to clinical medical practice. The idea is to use the topics, studies and information gathered from the study of biology and physiology in a practical way.
There are many subsections within biomedicine, such as biological engineering, microbiology, immunology, pathology and gene therapy. Each of these specialties uses biology and/or physiology to tackle a particular set of problems that need solving in medicine.
How Does Biomedicine Help Societies?
The growing popularity of biomedicine is largely due to its practical applications. Doctors and researchers began to see how the study of genetic disorders, multiple sclerosis and other conditions through biology was incredibly helpful.
Some would say that biomedicine is the very cornerstone of modern healthcare systems. So many of the scientific and technological advances that have led to the alleviation and curing of conditions have come from biomedicine. For instance, studying gene therapy, carcinogens, the HIV virus and other conditions is possible because of biomedicine.
Research and Biomedicine
There are two major areas of research within biomedicine. There is clinical research and pre-clinical research. The idea behind pre-clinical research is to study the way that diseases evolved and were treated in the past, providing clues to how they can be better treated in the present.
Clinical research is all about understanding whether the current treatment is producing the correct results in patients. Clinical researchers test and study the efficiency of evolved treatments. They also look for any side effects or other negative aspects to the treatment, which can lead to improved methods and medicines in the future.
A Career in Biomedicine
The beauty of obtaining a degree in biomedical sciences is that so many options are open to graduates. It is not as narrow as becoming a biomedicine researcher. Individuals with such a degree are able to apply for jobs such as being a biomedical scientist, healthcare scientist focused on genomics, microbiologist, physician associate, toxicologist or environmental engineer.
Biomedicine is always evolving. Scientists and researchers are constantly looking for the best way to tackle the most serious illnesses that impact humans and animals. If someone is interested in medicine and biology, they may find the study of biomedicine beneficial to their future aspirations.
Not only can such a degree provide valuable knowledge to someone going deeper into the medical profession, but it opens up many career paths within biomedicine.
There is often confusion about what biomedicine means. Ultimately, it is the application of biology and physiology to clinical practices.