Naveen Tharmalingam
G'day, I'm Naveen, a postgraduate student in the Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering. I had the incredible opportunity to be part of the first cohort to take the Clinical Immersion course.
This course has been a game-changer, bridging the gap between my technical understanding of medical devices and their real-world application. Immersing myself in the stages of biomedical product development has been both enlightening and inspiring.
During my placement at an interventional cardiology clinic, I was thrilled to see my theoretical knowledge from the 'Dynamics of Cardiovascular Systems' and 'Biosensors and Transducers' courses come to life. Observing firsthand how what we have engineered is used in the field was eye-opening. Clinicians often had simple yet effective fixes to problems that we, as engineers, might over-engineer. This realisation has profoundly influenced my approach to problem-solving.
The experience has also shaped my career plans by exposing me to diverse roles within clinical engineering and highlighting the courses and skills I need to excel. Witnessing surgeries was a privilege beyond words, each one unique and educational. Discussing potential improvements with my mentor, Dr. Ooi, was incredibly inspiring. Additionally, participating in the lectures which were similar to hackathons where you'd understand the business aspects of products added another layer of depth to this course. I loved how it was still biomedical focused by using the Biodesign book from Stanford.
The clinical immersion has been an invaluable experience, providing me with insights, skills, and a renewed passion for biomedical engineering. I am excited about the future and the possibilities that lie ahead.
Shivaashna Kumar
Through the clinical immersion program, I developed valuable skills in professional communication, both with clinicians and patients. It was a significant learning experience to grasp the different perspectives of clinicians and patients, which has deepened my understanding of their interactions and needs. The experience I gained during the clinical immersion has been instrumental in shaping my future career plans. It has provided me with a clearer vision of how I want to engage with patients and contribute to the healthcare field, reinforcing my commitment to pursuing a career in this area.
One of the highlights of my experience was visiting the clinic and engaging with new patients daily. I particularly enjoyed meeting older patients; their warmth and smiles were incredibly rewarding and uplifted my spirits.
These moments of connection and understanding were truly memorable and made each day a positive and enriching experience.
