Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
diagnostics, and treatment). Numerous clinical and biomedical engineers are employed by firms, agen-
cies, and institutions that also play a role in how an engineer can manage the automated and mechanized
work environment. And, the engineers themselves are adapting these technologies to suit the needs of
the organization.
The engineering codes of ethics recognize this by helping to remind the engineer that he or she
serves numerous interests (i.e., the so-called conflict of interest and nondisclosure clauses, as well as
the previously mentioned faithful agent provisions). The new conflicts of commitment and interests will
become increasingly more complicated in the coming decades. The workforce has undergone significant
change since the 1980s, with a greater number of “contractors” and fewer actual employees in many
organizations. This means that the new engineer will need to be abundantly more self-sufficient than
even a decade ago.
The Future Engineer (FE) and Professional Engineer (PE) certification processes will become even
more important. Many engineers do not follow this process formally, but can benefit greatly by adhering
to its principles. The professional will need a whole host of mentors, a tenet of the PE. The interdis-
ciplinary nature of bioethics requires mentoring in each of the disciplines and perspectives. The actual
amount of tutelage will vary considerably. If an engineer seeks to design medical devices, ongoing
advice from the surgeons and attending physicians who use such devices must be a key part of the
engineer's lifelong learning. If the engineer is more concerned about drug delivery systems, some time
with a pharmacological modeler and in the laboratory a biochemist who conceive of the drugs to be
administered would be worthwhile.
Mentorship in an automated and mechanized work environment must be both vertical and horizontal.
Vertical integration of technical knowledge comes from the formal line-and-staff heirarchy, as well as
from experts throughout the organization. Horizontal integration requires that the engineer seek out the
advice, perspectives, and wisdom from those technicians who operate the equipment and manage the
systems. Most good designs are the result of the designer's appreciation of user needs.
These relationships must augment the already complex continuing education from within one's
specialty in the engineering profession. And, in both cases, after the initial experience, a career-long
relationship with these mentors should be maintained. The mix of inputs from trusted mentors and
colleagues could make for a solution very different from one where only handbooks are consulted. This
mentor-learner model also helps to ensure that the knowledge and wisdom of this generation are passed
on to the next, i.e., a means of providing a way to preserve “corporate” memory in the ever-changing
fields of engineering.
Professional
Consideration:
Do
Engineers
Have
Patients?
The various engineering codes of ethics clearly state that engineers have “clients.” The fourth canon of
the National Society of Professional Engineers
32
(NSPE) states:
Engineers shall act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees.
Furthermore, the preamble to the NSPE code affirms:
Engineering has a direct and vital impact on the quality of life for all people.
