The Department of Medical Sciences and Technology (DMST) at IIT Madras aims to foster collaboration between engineers and medical scientists, bringing together expertise from both fields. With a focus on addressing healthcare challenges, this new department will create opportunities for joint research and learning in both academic and practical settings.
This vision became a reality at IIT Madras with the Department of Medical Science & Technology (DMST) inauguration on May 11, 2023, by Mr. Lakshmi Narayanan, ex-CEO of Cognizant. The department aims to revolutionise healthcare by merging the analytical precision of engineering with the insights of medical science. Through this interdisciplinary approach, DMST seeks to develop innovative solutions that could redefine medical practices and patient care in the years to come.
Department Overview & Mission:
DMST’s mission is clear: to tackle complex medical problems through cutting-edge interdisciplinary research. By focusing on areas such as predictive healthcare devices, digital twins, therapeutic planning, robotic surgery, artificial organs, fracture healing, drug design, and medical image analysis, the department aims to transform how we understand and treat diseases. For instance, imagine a future where a digital twin of a patient helps medical scientists predict the progression of diabetes with unprecedented accuracy—seems though it may, this is not science fiction but the kind of research happening at DMST today.
Arjun, a PhD scholar specialising in Digital Twinning in Diabetology, describes the essence of this approach. “A quantitative approach to medical practices brings objectivity to diagnosis and enables data-driven, personalized treatments for each patient. Understanding human physiology through first principles helps us design better, more effective solutions.”
A common question arises: “How different is this from biological engineering?” While both fields blend biology with engineering, they do so in distinct ways.
Let’s consider the development of a heart valve. In Biological Engineering, researchers focus on creating biocompatible materials to construct the valve. The engineer’s role here would be to ensure that the material interacts well with human tissue, doesn’t cause immune reactions, and can endure the mechanical stresses of the cardiovascular system.
On the other hand, in DMST, the approach would be more integrated with clinical practice. Researchers might collaborate with cardiologists to understand the specific needs of patients with different heart conditions. Researchers explore how to tailor the valve design to individual patients, possibly using a digital twin—a precise virtual model of the patient’s heart—to simulate the valve’s performance over time. This personalised approach could lead to the development of a heart valve that’s not just biologically compatible but also optimised for each patient’s unique anatomy and disease progression.
In essence, while Biological Engineering often focuses on the materials and devices that interact with biological systems, DMST goes a step further by aiming to integrate these devices directly into clinical settings, using advanced technologies to personalise and optimise treatment for individual patients. This interdisciplinary collaboration between engineers and medical scientists ensures that the solutions developed are technically sound and clinically effective.
Academic Programs:
1. BS Program: The four-year BS program, launched in 2023, admits students through the IISER Aptitude Test, with prerequisites including mathematics at the Class 12 level. The interdisciplinary curriculum includes courses in medical genetics, medical imaging, signal processing, and clinical research.
The first batch of students faced several obstacles, including limited classroom space and experimental course structures. Initially, students completed their biochemistry and anatomy practicals at SRM Institute Hospital. Now, with fully-equipped labs at NAC – 2, DMST is in full swing, attracting fresh talent eager to explore this intersection of medical science and engineering.
2. MS Program: The program will launch soon and requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering or medicine, along with scores from GATE or NEET-PG. It aims to offer advanced training in integrating engineering principles with medical science.
3. PhD Program: The first PhD cohort was admitted in January 2024. Students with a Master’s degree in Engineering or Medical Science can apply for admission, and those with an MBBS or BDS can enrol directly in the PhD program. Two mentors guide each PhD scholar—one from an engineering background and the other from the medical field—to ensure the research is both technically sound and clinically relevant.
Arjun and Joson, two PhD students from the 2024 cohort, shared their experiences of adapting to the demanding research environment. Despite initial challenges, such as gaps in undergraduate mathematics and programming knowledge, they have thrived under the mentorship of Prof. Krishnakumar, whose expertise spans computational mechanics, biomechanics, and AI in medicine. Arjun’s work in Diabetology, in collaboration with the Emory Institute, and Joson’s research in Urology, particularly in digital twinning of kidneys, highlight the research work being conducted at DMST.
They initially found their research work considerably challenging since they were not trained in undergraduate mathematics and programming. With encouragement and bridge lectures from Prof Krishnakumar, they were eventually able to cope up with the requirements of their respective projects. Both Arjun and Joson are excited about the work ahead and the implications of their work in society by providing solutions to present problems in healthcare.
Resources & Facilities at DMST:
Like many new departments, DMST faced challenges in establishing its own facilities. Initially, the department operated with limited resources, but with the construction of the New Academic Complex – 2, it now occupies a dedicated space on the 5th floor. DMST organises its research into three broad areas: Cellular Aspect of Medical Sciences, Functional Aspect of Medical Sciences, and Clinical Practices. Additionally, it houses eight Centres of Excellence under the umbrellas of Physiology & Translational Research and Medical Imaging, focusing on specialised fields like Cardiovascular Medicine, Neurology, and Oncology.
A significant milestone for DMST was the inauguration of its Anatomy Lab on August 13, 2024, by Smt. Parminder Chopra, Chairperson and MD of Power Finance Corporation Ltd. The lab features state-of-the-art tools such as a Virtual Dissection Table, Visualisation Models of Human Anatomy, and Synthetic Cadavers, which provide students with hands-on experience in a highly controlled environment.
Collaboration and Opportunities:
For BS students, opportunities are open in industries related to pharma or medical devices, as well as in research. PhD graduates can choose to apply their engineering-based perspective to medical science, pursue higher research as faculty, postdocs, or industry researchers.
From 2025 onwards, DMST students will be eligible for summer internships through the Institute placement portal, with targeted recruitment from companies interested in hiring interdisciplinary talents. Additionally, PhD students benefit from close interactions with senior medical specialists, gaining valuable insights by observing clinical practices and research.
Future Prospects of DMST:
Surprisingly (or perhaps unsurprisingly), both Arjun and Joson agree that a hospital run by this department will be the pinnacle of this department. Doctors (mainly specialists) who work part-time in the clinic and participate in research part-time will provide tremendous results and solutions to the problems faced. Currently, most doctors are unwilling to let go of their clinical practice to invest five years in a PhD program because a gap in clinical practice can lead to a massive degradation in their diagnostic skills. At the same time, a hospital run by this department can provide a place for researchers/doctors to practice and contribute to research.
Looking ahead, DMST aims to be a pivotal stakeholder in the National Health Mission through its contributions to digital healthcare and interdisciplinary research. The department is poised to lead groundbreaking research in India, addressing specific medical challenges like non-communicable diseases and precision medicine through data-intensive studies.
Credits:
- Anvith – Editor
- Venkat – Press Correspondent
Sources:
- Vaidehi – BS student, from the department’s 2023 cohort
- Satyam – BS student, from the department’s 2023 cohort
- Arjun – PhD student, from the department’s 2024 cohort
- Joson – PhD student, from the department’s 2024 cohort
