Science

AddToAny

Google+ Facebook Twitter Twitter

A day in the life of… Carol Ainley

I am Head of Division of Biomedical Sciences at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Carol Ainley

I am responsible for all staff and students within the division. Prior to this, I was a biomedical scientist in cellular pathology and I maintain my HCPC registration.

Before I go to work I… take 10 minutes to have a cup of tea, breakfast and watch the news, as I know this will be my only free 10 minutes of the day. 
I also check the local traffic reports to see if I will be driving through snow (most of the year round).

My first task when I arrive is… to check my email. If any colleagues are ill, I need to arrange for their classes to be covered. I authorise orders to ensure all classes and research continue without a hitch and then I sign off on annual leave and requests for development courses, to maintain staff morale.

One of the biggest challenges I face is… finding time between meetings to undertake the rest of my role and ensuring I keep up to date for teaching.

My favourite thing about my job is… the day in July when the students become graduates and walk across the stage in the Bridgewater Hall to shake hands with the Vice Chancellor in front of their families and friends. Being part of their journey is why I am an academic.

When I feel overworked I… put on my boots and go for a walk over the hills. Being away from everyone and everything really allows you to clear your mind and re-focus.

If I get a few spare minutes then I… commit to undertaking professional body activities, such as my own CPD, being a registration portfolio verifier for the IBMS and acting as an academic panel member for IBMS and HCPC events.

The one thing I could not do my job without is… the commitment of the team of academics and support staff I work with, who are always prepared to be flexible to ensure that the “business” of the School of Healthcare Science can continue.

When I tell people what my job is… I say that I am an academic in biomedical science. I then get to explain what biomedical science is and why biomedical scientists are so important in a patient’s journey.  

I feel like I’ve had a good day when… I get told a story of something positive that has happened that day, be it a student finally understanding something they have struggled with, research success, or a colleague who has received a simple “thank you” from students at the end of a class.  

Related Articles

Top