The vision of the MEDRC is to transform the medical electronic device industries: to revolutionize medical diagnostics and treatments, bringing health care directly to the individual; and to create enabling technology for the future information-driven healthcare system. Specific areas that show promise are wearable or minimally invasive monitoring devices, medical imaging, laboratory instrumentation, and the data communication from these devices and instruments to healthcare providers and caregivers.

The MEDRC establishes a partnership between the microelectronics industry, the medical devices industry, medical professionals, and MIT to collaboratively achieve improvements in the cost and performance of medical electronic devices similar to those that have occurred in personal computers, communication devices and consumer electronics. The successful realization of such a vision also demands innovations in the usability and productivity of medical devices, and new technologies and approaches to manufacture devices.

The unique research methodology of the MEDRC begins with the project definition. Research activities are jointly defined by faculty, physicians and clinicians, and industrial partners. Visiting scientists from microelectronic and medical device companies, physically resident at the Center, provide the industrial viewpoint in the project definitions and participate in the realization of the technology.  Prototype system architectures are developed that can be used in clinical tests early in the project to help guide the research technology being developed in parallel.

The methodology and vision requires that the MEDRC draw on experience and expertise across the Institute in order to establish the collaborations critical to success. The MEDRC was founded and will be lead by Charlie Sodini, LeBel Professor of Electrical Engineering (Microsystems Technology Laboratories); Brian W. Anthony, Director of the Master of Engineering in Manufacturing Program (Laboratory for Manufacturing and Productivity), and Joel Voldman, Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science (Research Laboratory of Electronics and Microsystems Technology Laboratories).

The MEDRC will serve as a focal point for large business, for venture-funded startups, and for the medical community. The Center will foster the creation of prototype devices and intellectual property and aims to serve as the catalyst for the deployment of innovative healthcare technology that will reduce the cost of healthcare in both the developed and developing world.