Singapore: The University of Rochester is combining its medical, engineering, and entrepreneurial expertise to create the Center for Medical Technology Innovation (CMTI).

Formed by a collaboration between the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the School of Medicine and Dentistry, CMTI will also make use of the University's Center for Entrepreneurship as it coordinates activities to develop technological solutions to clinical problems.

The center will offer a master's degree program in medical technology innovation. Students in the program will spend a minimum of two months in a clinical environment, enabling them to serve as a bridge between the medical and engineering faculty.

Amy Lerner, academic director, CMTI, said that, "The new center will be critical in helping take student and faculty design solutions to the next step," said Lerner. "We'll work closely with industry to address design challenges, which will also help prepare our students for careers in healthcare."

One company that is partnering with the Center for Medical Technology Innovation is W L Gore & Associates, which manufactures medical devices and high-performance fabrics. Mr Ryan Takeuchi, Gore Business Leader, said that, "The net result should be improved clinical applicability of device designs, a pool of highly qualified medical device design candidates entering the private employment sector, and ultimately a contribution to better patient outcomes."