Not everyone who attends medical school opts to become a doctor or surgeon post-graduation. In fact, there are a myriad of career choices that can be built on the study of medicine, including careers in medical law, media, education, policy and advocacy. Now, those who have interests in both health and engineering are enjoying increasing opportunity.
The 2017 fall semester marked the debut of the Texas A&M University’s innovative Engineering Medicine track, dubbed EnMed. In partnership with Houston Methodist Hospital, the program is aimed at training “physicianeers,” future graduates who will become both practicing physicians and trained engineers. EnMed currently is the only program that allows graduates – the first of whom will matriculate in July 2019 – to receive both a doctorate of medicine and a master’s degree in engineering, computer science, or, in selected instances, a closely related field in four years.
The curriculum is described as “a case-based format with integration of both medicine and engineering content to develop and improve student’s clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills through real-world examples.”
“What if remote technology could monitor a patient’s chronic condition and share results with their physician—200 miles away?” asked Carrie L. Byington, MD, dean of the Texas A&M College of Medicine, senior vice president of the Texas A&M University Health Science Center and vice chancellor for health services at The Texas A&M University System, at a recent presentation. “This is just one example of how Texas A&M can lead the way in transformational health technology development. Through the EnMed program, we will create innovative ways to better treat underserved populations.”
The work of graduating physicianeers ultimately will positively impact multiple, often underserved patient populations, including rural residents and military service members, veterans and their families.
The program recently received its first scholarship endowment, the Spletter Memorial Scholarship, which favors EnMed students who have served or made a commitment to serve in the United States military.
We here at WOLFPACC wholeheartedly support innovation in healthcare and the embracing of prospective physicians whose unique expertise can help improve the practice of medicine. But no matter the expertise or chosen specialty, all medical hopefuls must thoroughly understand the basics of the multiple organ systems and how those systems work together and successfully pass the USMLE or COMLEX exam. That’s where our innovative approach to the study and teaching of medicine comes in. Call 904-209-3140 today to find out how we can help you gain the competitive edge in your medical studies and practice.
