Tahmina Hussain writes about her experiences of being a verifier for the IBMS and why others should get involved.
After supporting some of my colleagues through their portfolios in my role as a Blood Sciences Training Officer, I decided I wanted to become an IBMS verifier and examiner to broaden my knowledge and experience.
On my first verification experience I was worried about going to a laboratory in a different specialism so the IBMS offered me the opportunity to “buddy up” with a more experienced verifier to learn the ropes – something I now offer to do for less experienced verifiers in my local area.
Since becoming both a verifier and examiner, I have found the experiences have not only strengthened my CPD but also my confidence. It’s been great for building interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively.
The role can involve having to provide constructive feedback in a way that does not knock the confidence of a trainee or scientist while ensuring they are aware of the need for development in some areas. This is a skill that develops over time.
I find it extremely rewarding to be a part of such a huge achievement – telling candidates that they have passed their verification or examination and are ready to become an HCPC-registered biomedical scientist, or take the next step in their career to become a specialist.
My favourite part is not only the moment where you tell the candidate they have passed, but during the process when you can see their enthusiasm and recognise how they will become a fantastic biomedical scientist.
Verifiers needed
We need more verifiers and examiners like Tahmina. If you meet the criteria below and would like to get involved in strengthening our future workforce, please visit our website (click carousel on homepage) and sign up for a virtual training day on 22 or 29 September.
Criteria:
- IBMS Member or Fellow
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered
- A minimum of three years post-registration experience
- Currently working in an IBMS-approved training laboratory
- Actively participating in CPD for at least the last two years.
Being a verifier and examiner has helped my professional development. Initially, I learned new things from the processes at other laboratories, which I brought back to my own laboratory – contributing towards continuous service improvement.
In the long run, the skills I gained enabled me to expand my role, gain further responsibilities and, ultimately, pursue an alternative career route. After becoming a member of the Life Sciences Group and Biomedical Science Advisory Board at local universities, I pivoted into a career in academia.
I have also become more involved with the IBMS – recently being elected to Council and now leading on the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Working group.
Being a verifier and examiner can be a great stepping stone to new and interesting experiences and career developments – it has been for me.
Image credit | iStock