Biomedicine is a branch of medicine that applies biological and physiological principles to research and clinical practice.
Biomedicine approaches health from a biological point of view, that is, it studies anatomy and physiology to understand the mechanisms of the body and, thus, propose new forms of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of illnesses.
The methods developed by biomedicine are the basis for public health policies and also for laboratory diagnostics. This is because biomedicine is highly theoretical and its professionals are responsible for developing new technologies to fight diseases and improve health in general.
Biomedicine combines medical science with different areas of biology such as biochemistry, embryology, molecular biology, immunology, etc.
Differences between biomedicine and medicine
Biomedicine works with laboratory analysis in order to identify causes, symptoms and the functioning of diseases, as well as to develop new forms of diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
Biomedicine is predominantly theoretical and focused on research and advancement in all areas of medicine and health.
Medicine has a practical focus and direct action with patients. It is focused on clinical care and the cure of specific diseases.
In academic terms, the two areas have very similar curricula, especially in the first years of the course. Although it depends on the institution, it is natural that the course in biomedicine is much more in-depth in theory and in medicine focused on practice.
Career in biomedicine
Access to the biomedical profession occurs through specific training in the area and subsequent enrollment in the Regional Council of Biomedicine.
In Brazil, the biomedicine course lasts for 5 years and includes subjects such as: human anatomy, biophysics, cytopathology, chemistry, microbiology, genetics, toxicology, etc.
Most biomedics in Brazil work with clinical assessments (laboratory services and biological analysis of blood, urine, feces, etc.). However, the profession is also research-oriented, and many biomedicalists work as scientists at universities and research centers in search of new advances in medicine.
Biomedical Qualifications
According to the Federal Council of Biomedicine, a biomedic, as long as he meets the requirements, can specialize in the following areas:
| Clinical Pathology (Clinical Analysis) | Biophysics | parasitology | Microbiology | Immunology |
| Hematology | Biochemistry | Blood bank | Virology | Physiology |
| General Physiology | Human physiology | Public health | Radiology | Imaging |
| Bromatological Analysis | Food Microbiology | Human Histology | Pathology | Oncotic Cytology |
| Environmental analysis | Acupuncture | Genetics | Embryology | Human Reproduction |
| Molecular biology | Pharmacology | Psychobiology | Health Informatics | perfusion |
| Toxicology | sanitarian | Pathologic anatomy | Aesthetic Biomedicine | Audit |
The requirements to acquire the qualifications are:
- During graduation: supervised internship of 500 hours or more at an institution recognized by the Ministry of Education or a specialization or postgraduate course recognized by the Ministry of Education.
- Specialization course, master's or doctorate in one of the qualifications, respecting the MEC rules
- Passing the Specialist Title exam of the Brazilian Association of Biomedicine – ABBM
- Certificate of Professional Improvement at a higher education institution recognized by the MEC.
- Multiprofessional Residency Certificate offered by an institution recognized by the Ministry of Education.
See too:
- Biotechnology
- Biology
- Microbiology