Biomedical informatics in the desert--a new and unique program at Arizona State University

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Informatics
• Health Sciences Education
• Interdisciplinary Research

Background:

• Establishment of a novel academic Biomedical Informatics (BMI) program in Phoenix, Arizona.
• Unique organizational structure leveraging strengths from computer science and a college of medicine.
• Partnership between Arizona State University (ASU) and the University of Arizona (UA) College of Medicine.

Observation:

• The program is situated on the new downtown Phoenix Biomedical Campus.
• Development of faculty and expertise planned across four major BMI subdomains and cross-cutting capabilities.
• The program is emerging in a state with significant investment in biomedical science and technology.

Findings:

• Masters and PhD degree programs in BMI have been developed.
• Intensive integration of informatics into medical student education is underway with UA College of Medicine.
• Authorization to plan for an undergraduate BMI program has been granted.
• Growing faculty are engaged in research partnerships and collaborative centers, reflecting statewide emphasis on the biomedical and health sector.

Implications:

• This new BMI program is poised to significantly influence health informatics education and research in Arizona.
• The collaborative model is expected to foster innovation in biomedical science and technology.
• Early-stage development indicates a broad educational and research agenda for the future.