Discovering the Computational Medicine Portfolio Program

At the Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, graduate students are at the forefront of an exciting intersection between computational techniques and medical challenges. The Computational Medicine Portfolio Program stands out as a dynamic bridge that merges computing and medicine, fostering interdisciplinary research that pushes the boundaries of both disciplines.

Understanding Portfolio Programs

UT Austin's graduate portfolio programs offer students a unique opportunity to gain credentials in specialized, cross-disciplinary fields while pursuing their main degree. These programs promote collaboration across various domains, uniting students and faculty with a shared passion for emerging areas of study.

What is Computational Medicine?

Computational Medicine uses advanced mathematical and simulation approaches to model the human body in a spectrum ranging from the molecule to the organ to the entire body and, ultimately, to the health care system. To accurately represent such complex systems, the models need to capture the individuality of health and disease for accurate decision making at all levels. Ranging from the patient to the policy, these require state-of-the-art computational capabilities to make them a reality. The models can be theory–, knowledge–, or data–driven, or any combination of the three.

About the Computational Medicine Portfolio Program

The Computational Medicine Portfolio Program is designed for graduate students with strong backgrounds in mathematics or physical sciences, who may have limited exposure to biology or medicine. The program equips these students to collaborate effectively with medical professionals and contribute to interdisciplinary research. Participants can delve into specialized areas within Computational Medicine, such as cardiology, oncology, or neurology.

Benjamin Thomas’ Experience in the Computational Medicine Portfolio Program

Benjamin Thomas, a graduate student in the Computational Medicine Portfolio Program, offers a unique perspective on the program. With a dual degree in bioengineering and computational math from Louisana State University, Benjamin initially planned to follow a pre-med track before shifting his focus to computational studies.

“I joined Oden Institute because I did a research project over the summer,” Benjamin recalled. “One of the people in that group suggested I might like this place. That’s how I found out about the Institute and the Computational Medicine Portfolio Program.”

Benjamin’s time in the program has been rewarding. “It’s been great so far,” he noted. “Since the portfolio was started recently, it's adapting to fit the needs of the students enrolled.” He emphasized the benefits of the program’s interdisciplinary approach. “The extra courses that are offered in the portfolio are definitely helping me solidify my understanding in that area.”

A memorable experience for Benjamin was a recent class that involved collaboration between his advisor, Michael Sacks, and clinicians in neurology. “It was very nice to see how the medicine side interacts with the computational side,” he said. “A majority of people here get industry experience and can see how these things are used, but by doing the portfolio program, you get a better emphasis on what the clinicians want. You’re not just doing research for research’s sake but to help clinicians make healthcare better.”

Benjamin recommended the Computational Medicine Portfolio Program to any student who has an interest in personalized healthcare. “I think this program is the way forward for that,” he said. 

“For instance, one of the goals of the lab is to handle cases where patients go in, get their scans, and then we would create custom solutions for them,” he elaborated. “For example, a few people in the lab focus on heart valve replacement research, determining which valve should be used for conditions like mitral valve disease. Essentially, we aim to make a custom-fit valve based on that patient’s scans, acknowledging that each person’s body reacts differently to disease.”

“The one-size-fits-all approach is not always the best, as I’ve learned from interacting with clinicians. So, this program is great for those interested in patient-specific healthcare."

According to Sacks, Oden Institute core faculty and Computational Medicine Portfolio Chair, "To accurately represent these complex systems, modelling efforts need to capture the individuality of health and disease for accurate decision making at all levels, from patient to clinician to policy."

Benjamin is eager to apply his research to practical scenarios. “The most exciting part is not just the research but applying the research to make something that is actually going to improve things in the real world,” he shared.

Information about The Computational Medicine Portfolio Program at the Oden Institute can be found here.