Biomedical Research is no longer performed almost exclusively by Biologists...in fact, it is intersected by a variety of other fields, including chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, statistics, and engineering. 

Take Chemistry for Example.   "Biochemists" can either be biologists or chemists who focus on understanding the enzymatic activities underlying biological processes.  Organic chemists study organic molecules, carbon-based structures that are the building blocks of living organisms.  Other chemists are actively looking for new mechanisms for designing and synthesizing new drugs, or better means of making and delivering old drugs.  Even basic chemistry can provide knowledge into the substances that we, as living organisms, encounter daily.  Overall...in many ways, those who study chemistry provide a strong foundation upon which many biological studies are founded.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biochemistry

There are many Physicists who study the intersection of the physical sciences with biological systems.    When we think of physics, you generally think of lasers...and biophysicists are certainly involved in studying the effects of laser injuries on the body...but biophysicists do much more.  They may be involved in examining the physical properties of various proteins and how they move, act, and interact in the body.  Medical Physicists often are involved in studying the use of radiation to diagnose and treat illness. Physicists may also help to develop new imaging technologies and advanced measurement techniques that allow biomedical research as well as medical diagnostics to move forward.  Overall, there are many opportunities for someone who loves physics but also wants to contribute to the understanding of living organisms and improve health. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biophysics

Engineers with a variety of specialties are currently participating in biomedical research.  Biomedical Engineers, in particular, devote their lives to improving understanding of the properties of living tissue or finding means to replace its function.  Topics that BME researchers investigate include (but certainly aren't limited to) the mechanics of bone, shear strength of arteries, air flow into the lungs, muscle contraction mechanics, development of artificial skin or joints, production of sensors and telemetry to monitor disease states, or even how prosthetics may interface with the nervous system.  Mechanical and Electrical engineers study similar types of phenomena, while emphasizing their specialties.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioengineering

Computer Scientists have played a critical role in the development of hardware and software needed to manipulate and understand genomic data.  Computational Biology is an important and emerging field in the biosciences.  Software has been developed for storage and analysis of gene sequences, predictions of protein folding, and determination of the functional characteristics of proteins, and even presence or absence of particular metabolic pathways in differing species.  Further, computer scientists help develop models of how cells and tissues within the body function, including exploration of how information is integrated in the intricately branching dendrites of nerve cells to influence cellular response.  Computer Scientists also play a vital role vital in creating software with biomedical applications, including image enhancement in diagnostic imaging and advanced types of microscopy.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computational_biology

Mathematicians are vital to the progression of understanding of biomedical phenomena.  Mathematicians have traditionally been involved in analysis of population genetics, development of evolutionary trees, and epidemic analysis.  Now, they are working hand in hand with Computer Scientists and others who require complex equations to improve image analysis capabilities and understand the mechanisms underlying drug action, cell membranes, comparative genetics and other types of biological modeling.  For more information, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematical_biology

Statisticians primarily come up with strategies of thinking about, measuring, and understanding the world.  They play a vital role in collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from scientific data.  Biostatisticians specifically focus on public health, medicine, and biology and are involved in assisting scientists or doctors to advance their fields.  They have played a major role in advancing the understanding of epidemics, agriculture, AIDs, cancer and immunology.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biostatistics

 For more info, email: gail.taylor@utsa.edu