Farris, Toronto AddedWednesday, August 5, 2015 at 11:34 PM what kind of personal attributes would make a good biomedical engineer? Hi! I'm just about to enter my fourth year of my undergrad in Health Sciences with an Honors Specialization in Biology, and am now looking for masters programs in biomedical engineering in Canada to apply to. I have always had a strong passion for biology and medical sciences, however med school is nearly impossible to get into these days. I have also had a strong interest in physics since high school and have done fairly well in my 2 required physics classes in my undergrad. I'm wondering if biomedical engineering may be an option for me? I'm just not sure if it's the right path for me as building robots has never been a strong interest of mine. That being said, the opportunity to make and install pacemakers sounds incredible. Basically what I'm getting at is I'm not sure if I have the characteristics of an engineer, and don't want to begin a masters program and end up regretting it. I was wondering if you might be able to help me understand what all I might be able to do with a masters in biomedical engineering, and what kind of personal attributes would make a good biomedical engineer? Any words of advice would be greatly appreciated! Sincerely, Farris Related to Bioengineering/Biomedical, Internships & Jobs, Preparation for College Reset Sort By Default Melissa Knothe Tate , University of New South Wales Australia Answered Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at 11:34 PM Hello Farris, Indeed, it sounds as though you have the makings of a biomedical engineer! Medical robotics is an important though small part of the field, so not being interested in building robots certainly does not disqualify you. In fact, you shared that the design and manufacture and implantation of pacemakers does excite you. Engineering in general and biomedical engineering in particular are so multifaceted! If you have a knack for maths and physics and an interest in the complex ecosystem of the human body, you are a perfect candidate. There are so many questions to answer and so many lives to improve that we need to rally as much talent as possible! I would encourage you to meet with potential mentors and their research teams to gain as much information as possible about the problems they are addressing as well as the team dynamics. Try to envision yourself in the team for two to four years (if you decide to stay on for a PhD). Once you find the problem and the group that fits you best, you will be on a great path! I am happy to chime in as well whenever you need advice or a listening ear! Best wishes, Melissa