This article focuses on the life and future plans of Einstein Adum Ngusra who is a Biomedical Engineering student in Ghana.

Studying and serving as Vice President of Biomedical Engineers in Ghana

Background

What were your interests as a child and have any of them led to engineering?
When I was a child, I was interested in repairing broken devices that I saw in my surroundings. As well, I liked inventing new devices to solve problems.
Is there anyone in your family who encouraged you to study engineering?
Not a particular person but two people: my mom and uncle.

Mentors and inspirations for becoming a Biomedical Engineering Student

Who have been your mentors and inspirations, and for what reasons?
My two main mentors as a child and now, have been my mom and my uncle.
My mom, Mrs. Gifty Takyi of Ghana COCOBOD, has been a mentor and an inspiration to me since I was a child. She has always given me advice that I am sure will help me at every stage of my life. As well, her determination and hard work she has put into ensuring that I never lack anything has been my inspiration.
Secondly, my uncle, Mr. Emmanuel Ofosu of DK Construction, has been another mentor and inspiration to me. He introduced the idea of doing Biomedical Engineering to me personally, although he is a Civil Engineer by profession. Each and every day he takes time to speak to me. He always tells me about how difficult his journey to becoming a Civil Engineer has been. So, his words inspire me to also work hard and never give up no matter the difficulties I may face in my journey towards becoming a Biomedical Engineer. He has a saying he tells me often:
“Take your academic studies seriously because that is what you will use to take care of your wife and children.”
This serves as another big inspiration to me and is one of the reasons I keep pressing on.

Typical week as a Biomedical Engineering Student

What’s your typical week like?
My usual week consists of a blend of both tense moments and moments of relaxation.
Normally during weekdays, I have to wake up as early as possible and prepare for lectures. Lecture times range between 7:30 am to 7:30 pm.
Once my classes for the day have concluded, I make a diligent effort to review my lecture notes for the courses I attended that day and will attend again the following day.
During weekends, I use the time to rest, spend time with my friends, and do anything that makes me feel relaxed such as watching movies. So normally, weekends are for relaxation.
What I study in a day depends on the lectures I have the following day. So, let’s say I have more lectures on a particular day; that means that the day before, I will spend more time studying. On the other hand if it is the case that the number of lectures are going to be fewer, I spend less time studying.
Who gives you support as a young engineer?
Friends, guardians, teaching assistants and students at higher levels within the department.

Ghana Society of Biomedical Engineers for students

The Ghana Society of Biomedical Engineers (GSBE) typically engages in various activities related to biomedical engineering. Here are some common functions of such societies.

Promoting Collaboration

GSBE fosters collaboration among biomedical engineers and professionals in related fields to share knowledge and expertise.

Advancing Research

They may support research initiatives in biomedical engineering, helping to develop new technologies and solutions for healthcare.

Education and Training

GSBE may provide educational resources, workshops, and training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of its members.

Standards and Regulations

They may play a role in developing and advocating for standards and regulations in the field of biomedical engineering to ensure safety and quality.

Networking

The society often offers opportunities for professionals to network, exchange ideas, and stay updated on industry developments.

Public Outreach

GSBE may engage in public outreach to raise awareness about the importance of biomedical engineering and its impact on healthcare in Ghana.

Why did you decided to join and then to serve as Vice President?
So, I wanted to join the society basically because of the benefits I’m going to get. Also, the reasons behind the creation of the society motivated me to join.
Presently, I hold the role of Vice President within the Ghana Society of Biomedical Engineers (GSBE-UG) at the University of Ghana. I pursued this position because I recognized my latent leadership abilities and believed that I possessed numerous ideas that could significantly benefit the students and contribute to the society’s growth. Consequently, I chose to run for the Vice-President position to bring these leadership qualities and ideas to fruition for the betterment of the society.

The importance of societies for Biomedical Engineering students

Why do you think societies like this are important for students?
Societies like this are important for students because it serves as an avenue for the following different things.

Networking

GSBE provides a platform for students to connect with professionals and fellow students in the field of biomedical engineering. This networking can lead to valuable opportunities, such as internships, mentorship, and research collaborations.

Learning Opportunities

GSBE often organizes seminars, workshops, and conferences where students can learn from experts in the field. These events can enhance their knowledge and skills.

Career Development

Being a part of GSBE can help students gain insights into potential career paths within biomedical engineering and make informed decisions about their future.

Access to Resources

GSBE may offer access to resources like journals, publications, and research databases that can be beneficial for students working on biomedical engineering projects.

Why study biomedical engineering as a student

Why would you suggest biomedical engineering to other young people?
I would suggest Biomedical Engineering to young people because it’s a field where technology meets biology and medicine.
It involves applying the problem-solving abilities of engineering in biology and medicine to create solutions that impact healthcare systems globally and improve health outcomes.
Today, we have products like X-ray, MRI, artificial Implants, ultrasound, pacemakers, advanced prosthetics, kidney dialysis and many more, all thanks to biomedical engineering.
So basically, anyone who is interested in solving health related problems, Biomedical Engineering is the best option for you.
In addition, Biomedical Engineering is one of the growing fields in engineering. What this implies Is that more job opportunities are being made available and these opportunities offer good salaries and other opportunities.
If someone is at school now, what could they do to start to prepare for studying biomedical engineering?
I think they could do the following three things.
Revising fundamental concepts in high school biology, mathematics, and physics.
Networking with people who are already studying the course for materials, guidance, etc.
Constantly searching for new trends in the field so as to gain more insight of what the course is about and its necessity.
What sort of personality traits are ideal for becoming a biomedical engineer?
As well as a strong mathematics, biology and physics background, I think these five personality traits are key.
Analytical mind
Curiosity
Problem solving skills
Patience
Creativity.
Before starting to study, what are the three most important skills to have?
In my opinion, these are the three most important.
A strong mathematics, biology and physics background.
The desire to gain more knowledge.
An analytical mind.

The future after being a Biomedical Engineering student

What are your goals and ambitions for after you graduate?
I have two main goals.
Firstly, to gain a scholarship to study abroad.
Secondly to work in one of the biggest healthcare technology companies in the world and lead a team to develop technologies that will help solve more complex health conditions such as HIV/AIDS.
Would you consider working in another country? And why?
Some of the reasons why I would like to work outside the country include.

Better Opportunities

Developed countries tend to have more advanced healthcare systems and well-funded research institutions. So, providing better job opportunities and resources for biomedical engineers to advance their careers.

Higher Salaries

Salaries for biomedical engineers in developed countries are typically higher than those in Ghana, making it an attractive option to move.

Advanced Technology

Access to state-of-the-art equipment and technology is often more readily available in developed countries, allowing engineers to work with the latest tools and innovations.

Quality of Life

Improved living standards, better healthcare, and overall quality of life can be appealing factors for professionals and their families.

Networking

Working abroad can provide opportunities to network with international experts, which can be valuable for career development and knowledge exchange.

Would you then return to Ghana?
Yes, I will aim to work abroad for a while and hopefully come back to Ghana to set up a local manufacturing company that will produce medical equipment for the country. This will then help save the money that is invested in purchasing equipment from foreign countries and also provide employment for people.

The author

Einstein Adum Ngusra is studying Biomedical and Medical Engineering at the University of Ghana. He is due to graduate in August 2026.
Einstein is also the Vice President of the Ghana Society Of Biomedical Engineers, University of Ghana Chapter.

Further reading

Life as an Engineering Intern at GE Healthcare
Becoming a Biomedical Technician as a 30 something woman

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