Studying for the Higher Specialist Diploma

Fiona R Denham BSc, FIBMS
Advanced Biomedical Scientist, Histology, Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

'How do you eat an elephant?' If you don’t know, the answer is 'one bite at a time'! It was this approach that benefited me hugely when studying for the Higher Specialist Diploma.

I had reached the decision to complete the HSD as I realised that, with the climate for Biomedical Scientists changing rapidly, there will be fewer senior posts available and inevitably these will go to the best qualified individuals. I felt that I needed to back up my technical expertise with a more extensive knowledge of other areas such as Clinical Pathology Accreditation, training, health and safety and other legislation that affects healthcare and pathology. Throughout my career I have come to realise that although we may have little control over changes that happen to the NHS, we can control how prepared we are to deal with these changes.

I had previously considered studying for an MSc, but it was only when I discovered the HSD in Cellular Pathology that I found a course that was relevant to my areas of practice. So in January 2008 I decided to register for the exam, as I was eligible under the grand-parenting agreement in place at that time for IBMS members who did not have an MSc.

Fiona Denham BSc, FIBMS

When working my way through, what was admittedly a daunting syllabus, my 'one bite at a time approach' paid dividends. I broke the syllabus up into 'bite-sized' pieces, and alternated my studies between generic subjects, organ systems and pathology, and technical areas. This way I didn’t get bogged down in any one area, and I knew if I found one area difficult, the next subject would be at least different, if not easier!

One of the most challenging aspects of the HSD was that the learning is entirely self-directed. However, I used all the support mechanisms available to me, such as talking to colleagues who had previously studied for the IBMS Fellowship exam, completing past papers, and going to the IBMS HSD Candidate Preparation Day. The IBMS ran the latter for the first time in 2009. It was extremely helpful, not only in being able to talk to other candidates, but particularly in finding out what the examiners expected from your answers. We spent a lot of time going through sample questions, which really boosted my confidence.

Since I passed the HSD I have developed increased confidence in my work. In our profession it is acknowledged that the HSD is very challenging and to have passed it shows that your understanding of what you do is very high. The HSD has also helped me identify a future career direction, and I am now specialising in quality management. This year I have undertaken the IBMS Certificate of Expert Practice in Quality Management, so clearly the HSD didn’t put me off studying!

I would recommend that any biomedical scientist who is serious about their career should take the HSD, not only because it is the route to Fellowship, but because of what you learn from it and of the confidence it gives you, your managers and your colleagues, in your knowledge and abilities.

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