Science

AddToAny

Google+ Facebook Twitter Twitter

The big question: How have IBMS qualifications helped your career?

How have IBMS qualifications helped your career?

Nicki Lawrence

Senior Biomedical Scientist - Morphology and Departmental Training Officer

University Hospitals of North Midlands
NHS Trust

In recent times, an MSc has become the preferred choice for professional development. But I felt that the MSc I completed over a decade ago was no longer relevant to my role as Senior Biomedical Scientist in Morphology and Departmental Training Officer, as the subjects were not haematology specific. So I started looking at Institute qualifications for professional development.

The first Institute qualification I completed was the HSD, which allowed me to expand my knowledge not only in routine haematology, but also quality, management and training; something which I extended again later when I completed the CEP in training for my training officer role. I completed the DEP in routine haematology, for which I won the Company Members Prize, and was then invited to become a member of the Haematology Specialist Advisory Panel and will be speaking at Congress this year on Morphology Training Programmes.

As a result of completion of the IBMS higher qualifications, my Senior Biomedical Scientist role has evolved, so that I now have more autonomy with reporting of results – this will be developed further so that I eventually become an Advanced Practitioner in Morphology. It is essential to all involved that I can evidence my expertise, depth of knowledge, and competence – something which completing the HSD and the DEP in routine haematology has clearly achieved.

 

Jill Caulfield

Technical Manager - Blood Transfusion

South of Tyne Laboratories

I started my career as a Medical Laboratory Assistant in 1995, until I secured a trainee Medical Laboratory Scientific Officer (MLSO) post in 1996.

I completed my biomedical science degree over four years, while gaining experience within a haematology laboratory and I graduated in 2000. I was first introduced to the IBMS at this time. 

I became a qualified MLSO in 2001 and secured a Senior Biomedical Scientist post in blood transfusion in 2004, after completing a Biomedical Science MSc.  

I worked in this role and as a training officer for eight years before “pathology modernisation” crossed our path. Our hospital was to merge with two others and there was to be a restructure. In order to secure my senior post, I decided to do the HSD in transfusion science, which I successfully passed and gained the IBMS Company Members prize and R J Lavington Prize in 2013. During the restructure I was successful enough to gain a promotion to Technical Manager and, thanks to my diploma, felt I had both the knowledge and experience to take on this role. I then gained Chartered Scientist status and was invited onto the Specialist Advisory Panel for Transfusion Science. I have also secured the title of HSD Deputy Chief Examiner. I feel truly honoured to work alongside respected members of the transfusion profession and enjoy all of my involvement with the IBMS. The HSD has opened doors for me and I have become a mentor for other work colleagues wishing to complete their diploma. 

 

Behdad Shambayati

Speciality Lead for Cytology

Berkshire and Surrey Pathology Service

I believe that in biomedical science, you need to prove your competence. I do not think that having experience is enough. The first IBMS exam that I completed was IBMS Interpretive and Diagnostic Cytology, which I did back in 1988. I have since gone on to do three more – all practical examinations which test competence in cervical and diagnostic cytology. It is thanks to these that I am able to practice at consultant level.

Download PDF

Related Articles

Top