Integrating Real World Medical Device Projects Into Manufacturing Education

This paper describes the integration of real-world medical device projects into manufacturing education to increase students’ interest and hands-on experiences in product design and manufacturing while exposing them to real engineering challenges. Teams of undergraduate students in a Manufacturing Processes course worked with a medical doctor and practicing surgeon on a project to design and create the prototype of a new medical device to improve a minimally-invasive surgical procedure. The medical device project provided students with real engineering and interdisciplinary learning experiences with clinical exposure and high societal impact. The end goal is to prepare students with skills in design and manufacturing, problem solving, teamwork, and communication for successful careers in industry. This will benefit the growing medical device industry by bringing qualified engineers with the technical knowledge and experience in working with medical doctors in the development of innovative medical device products.