Should there be a formal mechanical-optic-electronic biomedical-engineering program?

To progress in the development of laser medicine and laser surgery, multidisciplinary efforts are required. One important phase in its development is the laser biomedical engineering program being offered following the basic laboratory research. Some of this type of programming is present today, but more development is needed for a formal program offering crossfertilization between engineering and medical uses. Therefore, a formal program is being proposed, which will be reviewed by mixed groups over a period of time. A final recommendation will indicate whether to go ahead with this revision of the program, to wait for further development of the program, or to maintain the status quo. The relationship of technical training for technicians in laser biomedical engineering is also reviewed.