Hello,
This is Geoff Maksym, one of the principal applicants that run a training program Called BioMedic, an NSERC Training program in Medical Technology Innovation and Commercialization http://biomedic.medicine.dal.ca/. This program is unique in Canada.
This program may interest you as it combines a Master's (or PhD) degree in Biomedical Engineering, with a specific training program in the business of Medical Devices and Technology. Students take courses in Biomedical Engineering, according to their interest and thesis program - and we have opportunities in biomaterials and biomechanics, including courses including biology for Biomedical Engineers that may match your interest. Students also take courses in Clinical Applications of Medical Technologies, where they mentorship from clinicians who use medical technology, and courses in the Business of Medical Technologies where they learn about the identification of new opportunities, licensing, patenting, new ventures, and medical device regulations. These courses are taught in partnership with the Faculty of Management, are designed to work with your thesis, developing the business side of the student's research. Students also do work-placements with medical technology companies to gain experience and knowledge how their business is run.
Regarding your question about going straight to industry - that is a possibility. If you are interested how it may affect your cumulative pay, the US Dep. of Labour and IEEE organization publish salary information that shows that a Master's degree adds significantly to the total, even though you will be earning less during your degree (Most Departments of Biomedical Engineering guarantee minimum stipends, and in our school the minimum is $17,500, but many earn more with top-ups, sometimes being more than double that amount). In Canada, a Master's in Biomedical Engineering tends to fill many gaps that from undergraduate engineering (or in your case engineering physics) that are usually needed for R&D work in developing medical technologies.
More details can be found on http://biomedic.medicine.dal.ca/, and on the School of Biomedical Engineering's main pages, http://bme.medicine.dal.ca/index.html
good luck,
Geoff.
Acting Director, SBME, Dalhousie University.
