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Biomedical Engineering Education

Biomedical Engineering Education - Poster Session D

Poster R3 - Establishment of a New Biomedical Engineering Department in Mali

Friday, October 25, 2024

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM EST

Location: Exhibit Hall E, F & G

Presenting Author(s)

Almoustapha Maiga, PhD (he/him/his)

Professor
University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
Bamako, United States

Co-Author(s)

MM

Mamoudou Maiga, MD PhD (he/him/his)

Associate Professor
Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
Chicago, Illinois, United States
MS

Mariam Sylla

Professor
University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali, United States
SD

Sounkalo Dao

Professor
University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali, United States
BD

Bassirou Diarra

Professor
University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali, United States
Mohamed Diallo, MD

Professor
University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali, United States
SD

Souleymane Diallo

Professor
Americano-Malian Private University, Bamako, Mali, United States
GT

Grant Theron

Professor
Stellenbosch University, CapeTown, South Africa, United States
Sally McFall, PhD (she/her/hers)

Research Professor
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
JH

Jane Holl

Professor
University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
Soumaila Traore, MPH

Professor
University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali, United States
KD

Keletigui Dao

Professor
National School of engineering, Bamako, Mali, United States
AM

Abdoulaye Siddeye Maiga

Professor
National School of engineering, Bamako, Mali, United States
AY

Arsike Yattara

Professor
National School of engineering, Bamako, Mali, United States
RM

Robert L. Murphy

Professor
Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
MG

Matthew Glucksberg

Professor
Northwestern University
Evanston, Illinois, United States

Introduction: The field of Biomedical Engineering (BME) bridges the gap between engineering and medical sciences, contributing significantly to healthcare advancements. In Mali, the healthcare sector faces numerous challenges, including limited access to advanced medical technologies and a shortage of skilled professionals. To address these issues, we report the establishment of a dedicated Biomedical Engineering Department within Mali’s higher education system. This initiative aims to cultivate a new generation of biomedical engineers equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to improve healthcare delivery, innovate medical technologies, and address local healthcare challenges. The department will focus on education, research, and collaboration with healthcare institutions.

Materials and

Methods: The creation of the BME Department involved a multi-phase approach:
1) Needs

Assessment: We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the current healthcare and educational landscape in Mali to identify specific gaps and opportunities.
2) Curriculum Development: We designed a curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical training in areas such as medical device design, biomechanics, bioinformatics, and clinical engineering.
3) Infrastructure Development: We established state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities to support hands-on learning and innovation.
4) Faculty Recruitment and Training: we hire qualified faculty members and providing continuous professional development to ensure high-quality education and research output.
5) Partnerships and Collaborations: We formed strategic partnerships with local and international universities, healthcare institutions, and industry stakeholders to enhance educational and research opportunities.

Results, Conclusions, and Discussions: Immediate Outcome: The BME department has been established with a Bachelor's, master’s and PhD programme. A master’s programme has been approved by the advisory board of National School of Engineer of Mali, with 20 students accepted.

Expected Outcomes:
1) Enhanced Healthcare: Graduates will contribute to the improvement of healthcare services in Mali through the development and maintenance of medical technologies.
2) Capacity Building: The department will create a sustainable pipeline of skilled biomedical engineers, addressing the local workforce gap.
3) Innovation: The research conducted within the department will lead to innovative solutions tailored to Mali's unique healthcare challenges.
4) Economic Impact: By fostering local talent and innovation, the department will contribute to the economic development of Mali’s healthcare sector.

Conclusion: The establishment of this new Biomedical Engineering Department in Mali represents a transformative step towards advancing healthcare quality and accessibility. By investing in education, research, and collaboration, this initiative will empower a new generation of biomedical engineers to drive technological and healthcare improvements, ultimately enhancing the well-being of the Malian population.

Acknowledgements (Optional): This study was supported by the Fogarty International Center of the National Institutes of Health under award number Building the Next Generation of Researchers in TB/HIV Diagnostics in Mali (B-NextGen) Mali, D43TW010350 and (C-THAN) U54EB02704