Dr. Mussivand, director of the Heart Institute's Cardiovascular Devices Division, was designated the chair holder.
The initial objective of the Centre was to develop formal degree-granting programs in medical devices and biomedical engineering. The MDC is also involved in patient care services, research, training, and industry and governmental consultations.
Medical devices play an essential role in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and in the delivery of high quality health care. The medical devices sector offers excellent opportunities for scientific research, improving health care, enhancing the quality of life and contributing to economic growth at the local, regional, provincial and national levels.
The MDC offers multidisciplinary opportunities related to the research and development of medical devices. Programs are available that aim at training professionals such as nurses, biomedical engineers, perfusionists, clinicians, clinical engineers, regulatory agencies, medical device manufacturers and distributors, as well as others in the field of medical devices.
Additionally, research opportunities exist for those pursuing their Masters, PhD, MD/PhD or Post- Doctoral Fellowships in medical devices. Biomedical Engineering programs are now in place and offered by both the University of Ottawa and Carleton University in collaboration with the MDC at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. The various undergraduate and graduate programs cover a wide interdisciplinary scope and include mechanical, electrical, and software engineering programs related to biomedical engineering.