Biomedical Fields
Biomedical research fields
The cells in the picture above are stem cells. They can become anything. So can you.
It's OK to not know anyhing about a field when getting started. It's expected. Ask questions. Explore.
There are a lot of fields. Many of them overlap. Here are some of the most common:
Biological sciences
Biology
Field biology. Lab biology. Out in nature, behind a microscope.
Think genetics, devlepmental biology, molecular biology
Neuroscience
Study diseases of the brain, how the brain works, Similar fields but from slightly different angles: cognitive science & psychology.
Speech & Hearing Sciences
Lots of applied biology and working with people. Overlap with neuroscience in content, but more clinically focused.
Biochemistry
How do enzymes work in the body? How can we develop better drugs based on human biology?
Environmental Science
Close to biology and engineering, but with environmental twist. How can we build better to protect our health and environment? How are exposures impacting our health?
Learn more about environmental health
Radiation Therapy
Think mammograms, cancer treatment, and other uses for radiation. Work with people.
Did you know OHSU offers a radiation therapy undergraduate degree? EXITO alum currently enrolled after transferring from PSU!
Immunology
How do our bodies fight off infection? For COVID-19, cancer, and all sorts of invaders.
As research explodes around microbiome (gut bacteria) and mycobiome (fungi!) involvement in health, this area will only get more important.
Chemistry
Atomic structures. Chemical bonds. Great introduction for understanding how drugs work in the body based on their chemical structure.
Physical sciences
Engineering
Electrical. Mechanical. Civil. Biomedical. Aerospace. Structural. Plus many more.
Learn more about engineering
Physics
It's more than gravity. Physics plays a big role in health sciences. Have you heard about medical physics? OHSU has a PhD program in it.
Computer Science
Computers run our lives. There's always something to code. One need? Analyzing images (from MRIs, CAT scans, etc.). How can we use natural language processing for image analysis?
Mathematics
It's more than numbers. Scoring algorithms, estimations of dosage or size, prediction equations, computational biology.
Social Sciences - Community and population health
Public Health
Epidemiology. Biostatistics. Health promotion. Heath management & policy. Environmental systems and human health. Think upstream about the social determinants of health.
Learn about OHSU-PSU School of Public Health and public health careers
Social Work
Service to others. Helping people. Social justice. Solving problems. Effect positive change in society.
Learn about PSU's School of Social Work
Counseling & Education
Lots of sub-fields. Lots of settings. Mental health. Couples and family counseling. Substance abuse.
Learn about PSU's School of Education and Counseling programs
Psychology
Why do we do the things we do? Experimental or applied approaches. Lots of environments; lots of fields.
Learn about PSU Psychology
Health Professions
Want to work with people? We need you! Lots of fields. OHSU programs are included to show examples of prerequisites needed to apply. Most will want you to have shadowing experience to demonstrate that you know what the field entails.
Genetic Counseling
With precision genomics, we are needing professionals who can help the public understand genetic tests.
Online programs exist! EXITO alum currently enrolled!
Pharmacy
Drug interactions, compound medications, and managing doses. Lots of settings. Super important for research and clinical trials.
Learn about OHSU-OSU pharmacy
Physical Therapy
How does the body move and heal in response to injury? How can exercises help with movement? Work with people.
Learn more about OSU-Cascades DPT program
Nursing
Part of a caring team of providers. Lots of degree options. Lots of nursing fields.
Learn about OHSU nursing
Physician Assistant
Work as an important part of the healthcare team and even prescribe medications. Great summary of the program here.
Scholars have been interested in Registered Behavior Technician certifications.
Learn about OHSU's physician assistant program
Dentistry
Did you know that oral health plays a huge role in our overall health?
Dentistry diversity post-baccalaureate programs and via ADEA
Dietetics & Nutrition
We know diet plays a big role on health, but did you know there are whole careers around it?
Learn about OHSU programs in human nutrition and Food systems & society
Medicine
You often hear about medical doctors (MD), but there are also doctors of osteopathy (DO) and naturopathic doctors (ND), like at Portland's NUNM.
Learn about OHSU's MD program
Clinical Psychology
Work with patients. Mental health. Behavioral health. Disease intervention.
Learn about OHSU's Clinical Psychology program
Respiratory Therapist
Work with people with breathing disorders, like asthma or bronchitis. Even more needed in light of COVID-19.
Occupational Therapy
Beyond movement. Help people perform daily living tasks. Rehabilitation. Problem solving. Work with children to elders.
Learn more about occupational therapy
Biomedical Informatics
There will be so much data. How will we analyze it all? Have a huge impact on health without of all the contact with people. There are lots of ways to make a difference.
Learn about OHSU Biomedical Informatics
More fields, more resources
Health Career Navigator
Amazing resource from our colleagues at Area Health Education Center in Hawaii describing various health careers, what they entail, salaries, and required schooling.
Explore Navigator here
Health Career Companion
Companion resource to Hawaii's Health Career Navigator that describes tips for figuring out next steps. Also describes years to complete degrees for various professions (page 17-18). Plus some CV and other resume guidance.
Explore Companion here