Biomedical Scientist

International Day of Women and Girls in Science

I am currently working in the clinical biochemistry laboratory at Prince Charles Hospital, having qualified as a biomedical scientist (BMS) in September 2024. 

When I was looking for a job after university in 2020 I found a bank position as an MLA (medical laboratory assistant) - that was when I discovered the biomedical science career path! 
 
While working in the MLA role, I applied for a permanent post as a biochemistry clerk, then as an associate practitioner (AP). Although I had studied sports science at university to Master’s level, I was able to complete seven top-up modules to convert my degree over to biomedical science. From there, I could then complete my registration portfolio to obtain my licence to practice. 
 
All of this experience before becoming a BMS has given me a really good understanding of the flow of work through the laboratory. However, as a young woman in a clerical role I recall not being taken seriously when relaying patient information, even though the exact same information given by an older male colleague was just fine! 

As a newly qualified member of the BMS team, I am training in the main automated analyser section so that I can join the rota to cover the 24 hour shifts. I will also be signed off for lone working, which will involve being solely responsible for the laboratory through the night. I’m abit apprehensive about the prospect of lone working, as this isn’t something I have done before, but I’m looking forward to the challenge! 
 
There are a variety of different things you do on a day-to-day basis in the laboratory, performing different tests and operating different analysers.
 
On a typical day I start up an analyser, perform IQC (Internal Quality Control), run patient samples, check for outstanding work, troubleshoot any technical problems and escalate abnormal results to the clinical scientist team. 

We are also in the process of verifying a full new set of auto-analysers so instead of learning on the old analysers, which will be decommissioned shortly, I am supporting the verification team while learning to operate the new analysers. 

In the future I’d like to have a specialist portfolio in biomedical science. This will help me to gain an in-depth knowledge of biochemistry tests, as well as putting me in a better position when applying for more senior roles at work. 

I’m not the only scientist in this laboratory who has done top-up modules to convert from another science discipline so research your degree course well before signing up. It’s really important to ensure your degree will offer you career opportunities as well as something you are personally interested in.