The Institute of Biomedical Science

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Get involved 2012

2012 looks set to another fascinating, controversial and eventful year for biomedical scientists. From healthcare reforms to the IBMS centenary there are endless opportunities for biomedical scientists to get involved with their profession, learn new skills and develop their career. While biomedical scientists face many challenges in a difficult climate of change and finance taking time to focus on the profession can be personally and professionally rewarding and worthwhile.

The opportunities are themed on celebration and events; promotion; networking; qualifications and helping us to develop the profession.

In short: do one thing

The one great way to get involved this year would be to participate in the IBMS survey being undertaken to help the Institute understand what you want and need from us as the healthcare profession undergoes change. Information on how to complete the survey will be posted at ibms.org/survey or you will be emailed by the IBMS.

Here's a few other ideas on how you could get involved in 2012.

• Attend a free event (link to events of which many are free).
• Follow us and join in the discussions and debates on the Institute’s media. If you are a member the members web discussion forums are especially useful for info and debate.
• Is there something happening near you to promote the profession? If not why not start something?
• Respond to a call out. This year we will be regularly asking for comment and help with any number of activities form re-writing our publications to providing a case study for the website. If you see something and can help, please get in touch.
• Adopt an IBMS professional role.

Celebration and events

Hundreds of diverse professional and scientific events will take place in 2012. From small local events organised by members and local groups to more large scale national gatherings hosted by IBMS there should be something for you near you. And the best thing is many of these events are free. Find out more

IBMS celebrates 100 years
In 2012 The Institute of Biomedical Science is celebrating its centenary.  As the oldest laboratory medicine professional body we are having a year of celebrations to mark this milestone and to honour and highlight the work of our profession. Over the course of the year there will be events across the four nations to mark the centenary, including a symposium in Northern Ireland and an annual meeting in Liverpool.  The Institute is also delighted to be hosting the annual meeting for the European Association for Professions in Biomedical Science. Find out more

National Pathology Year
Following the great success of the last three National Pathology Weeks, 2012 has been designated National Pathology Year. There will be a year-round programme of public engagement events for a wide range of audiences. And because you’re not confined to a single week, you can hold your event whenever you want – when it suits you and your audience. You can even hold several different events throughout the year or repeat the same one for different audiences. Find out more

Promotion

Promoting biomedical science can include links between laboratories and schools, participation in trust open days and STEM ambassador volunteering. Many labs have invented ingenious and imaginative ideas for linking biomedical science to human stories to illustrate the importance of laboratory diagnosis to patient care. Find out more

In 2012 many events promoting biomedical science can be linked to national events such as the Institute’s 100 year centenary or National Pathology Year. Find out more

Networking

As pathology, and the wider healthcare arena, are subject to increasing change and re-organisation professional networking and leadership is vital to the shaping and influencing the future of the profession. Get involved in local working groups, healthcare science networks and workforce planning to make sure the profession’s voice is heard. Members of the IBMS can find out further information on this on the networking page but watch this space for further information and caste studies soon.

This is a great way of not just finding new contacts but also contributing to the shaping of the profession's shaping. Find out more (members only)

Qualifications

In an increasingly competitive jobs market learning new skills and developing your career is a sensible move. The IBMS runs a programme of post-registration training and advanced qualifications so why not have a look and see if there is something that might suit you. Find out more

Helping us to develop the profession

Many of the Institute's activities could not function without the help of members volunteering and helping out. Members help organise continuing professional development activities, work with universities, verify registration portfolios and assess specialist portfolios. All these activities help other members develop their knowledge and careers. In return members develop new skills for the CV, contacts and a sense of purpose contributing to their profession. Find out more (members only)

Tags: IBMS, Get involved