Emma-Jane Plews has joined the IBMS in the role of Education Manager. Here she gives a short introduction of her path into the role.
I must begin by saying how great it has been to start at the IBMS, everybody has been so welcoming and I already feel like I have been here for years.
So, how did I end up here? I didn’t have a great deal of knowledge of biomedical science in my younger years, until I began working within the blood sciences department at my local hospital. It was here that I learnt the basics of a clinical laboratory, which ignited my interest in biomedical science. It was also here that I discovered histopathology down the corridor and decided this was the path I wanted to explore further. I enrolled onto an Access to Higher Education course and the following year I progressed on to study biomedical science at the University of Kent, accredited by the IBMS, of course.
I worked and studied for four years whilst bringing up my two small children. It was a particularly challenging time for me but with fantastic support (thanks mum!) I made it through and graduated with a BSc (Hons) and a new job in histopathology. Over the following two years I built up my knowledge and experience and I became registered with the Health and Care Professions Council as a biomedical scientist, having achieved the IBMS Certificate of Competence. Following my registration, my passion and experience grew and I became the lead for special stains, which is still my favourite area of histopathology.
During my time working within histopathology, I was also extremely fortunate to take part in a few Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) events, promoting biomedical science to secondary school students. This prompted the beginning of a change, as I realised that not only did I have a passion for biomedical science; I loved promoting and teaching people about it too. This led me into the role of Healthcare Science Assessor, where I undertook the Teaching, Assessment and Quality Assurance award to become a qualified assessor. Although it meant leaving behind histopathology, I was very excited to become involved with the training and development of biomedical science support staff, who I hope may progress to become biomedical scientists in the future. This was a demanding but very rewarding role which allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of training and the needs of the candidates undertaking qualifications within the laboratory.
From there, I came across this opportunity to become part of the education team at the Institute. I believe my skills and experience will enable me to help and support members allowing me to excel within this role. Over the coming months, I am looking forward to developing further and help promote excellence within biomedical science.
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