This month we ask Jill Rodney, Rob Dabrowski and Hayley Pincott what their professional 2019 New Year resolutions are.
Jill Rodney
Chief Executive
Institute of Biomedical Science
I am resolved to focus on four key themes during 2019 to help advance our profession.
The progress in the development of consultant biomedical scientists in cellular pathology has been a key achievement of the Institute. However, I passionately believe that consultant biomedical scientists can, and should, be developed in all disciplines and I will be working hard this year encouraging employers and health departments to recognise this and to get on board with our vision for professional development.
I want to continue to raise our voice and strengthen our Institute’s influence. We are the experts in biomedical science and we will take every opportunity to play a leading role in shaping healthcare across our four nations.
Equally, I will be encouraging all members who feel they could help shape the future of the Institute to consider standing for Council. I understand that for some this may appear quite daunting but we are a truly supportive organisation and welcome member engagement in all aspects of our work.
Our strategy to make us an even stronger and more relevant organisation is very ambitious and cannot be delivered overnight, or even within one year, but it is most definitely achievable. I believe that working together towards our goals we will make it happen.
Finally, I would like to wish you a healthy, happy and professionally successful new year and look forward to seeing you at Congress 2019.
Rob Dabrowski
Editor
The Biomedical Scientist
I first became a journalist because I want to know things. I’m nosey. I find nothing more intriguing than trying to decipher a whispered conversation.
It doesn’t matter of it’s a couple of colleagues talking by the water cooler, or a pair of strangers sitting behind me on a bus – if there’s something being talked about, then I want to know what it is.
The best way to find out about things isn’t sitting behind a desk looking at a computer screen and bashing away at a keyboard. The best way is by getting out there and meeting people face-to-face.
This brings me to my professional resolution for 2019: to get out from behind my desk and talk to as many biomedical scientists as I can.
Some of the best articles published in the magazine (and the most valued professional relationships I’ve formed) have been from conversations, meetings or discussions at events.
Over the next 12 months, I want to get out of the office and into the lab (or lecture theatre). It’s the best way to see what is happening on the frontline.
It’s also the best way of finding out what people think of the magazine. I want to know what we are doing right and what we are doing wrong. My aim is to produce the best, most relevant and stimulating magazine that I can. If people think there are areas that can be improved, or disciplines that are under represented, I’d like to know.
If any members have comments, thoughts or upcoming events, please get in touch – [email protected]
Hayley Pincott
Associate Practitioner
University Dental Hospital, Cardiff
In May, I was awarded the Mary Macdonald bursary to complete my Certificate of Achievement II, so my main goal is to finish the portfolio, or be close to completing it. This will then allow me to become a registered scientist with the Science Council. I’m really excited to become a registered scientist, as it demonstrates a level of skill and knowledge and will also give me a small confidence boost, as we often get other healthcare professionals visiting the lab and it will help with any discussions involving our role in patient care.
I really enjoy going out to schools to work with primary school children, however, I haven’t done much work with secondary school pupils, so I’d like to expand a bit on what I deliver and the audience I work with.
I feel that at Year 10-11 pupils start to think about careers and the qualifications they might need and this age group is ideal for showcasing biomedical science as a possible career choice. I’ve also been lucky enough to be a co-applicant on a Wellcome Trust grant for public engagement, which we have recently been awarded, so it would be great to start the work with the team.
Anyone who knows me is very aware that I’d like to become a biomedical scientist, however, I’m in quite a unique situation and I’m finding it really difficult to complete my degree, so my last resolution is in relation to this. I’m going to be more determined and more driven to find a solution. I think it would help if I approached more people for advice.
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