Helen's membership journey

Helen Markland is a Senior Biomedical Scientist and Training Lead in the bacteriology department at the Manchester Medical Microbiology Partnership within Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.

Helen has become more active in the IBMS over the past three years after taking on a Training Lead role, here she reflects on her journey.

How it all started

“When I do a careers event for the IBMS, college or school-age students come up and say: ‘I want to become a biomedical scientist’. I’m used to people not knowing that biomedical scientists exist. But thanks to the pandemic and the IBMS promoting the profession, more young people now know about biomedical science.

I’ve got involved in promoting the profession with the IBMS, including appearing in a video about membership. I want to because not everyone is going to have the fluke I had in becoming a biomedical scientist.

Biomedical science wasn't on my radar when I was younger, even though I enjoyed science and wanted to work in a lab. I quit college at 16 because I hated A-levels. I got a job as a medical lab assistant in Bristol where I discovered that the profession existed. With the guidance of biomedical scientists there, I knew I needed to do an IBMS Accredited degree and a placement. I was lucky to get that guidance because, as a training lead, I’m now advising people who’ve already graduated and don’t have an IBMS Accredited degree."

Benefits of being an IBMS Verifier and Examiner

"I started doing more with the IBMS three years ago when they put a call out for verifiers and examiners. I’ve now verified seven Registration Portfolios and examined four Specialist Portfolios. I visit labs or verify portfolios online. Candidates answer questions I have about their work and give me a tour of their lab. It’s really interesting to see how other labs operate. I bring any good practice, like how our trainees might do their portfolio differently, back to my department,

As a verifier, you get to meet different training leads. I went to the IBMS 10-year anniversary of Biomedical Science Day at the Houses of Parliament in June and recognised other training leads. Either they’d verified one of our candidates' registration portfolios or I’d checked theirs."

Networking and topical talks

"I’m a member of my local IBMS branch in Manchester. They have lots of really good local events. Recently, two managers of pathology labs gave a talk on AI and whether it will ever replace biomedical scientists. I’d recommend that other IBMS members get involved with their local branch, if just from a networking perspective. The IBMS also organise a monthly online training leads meeting which helps you to get support and network.

Initially, I became an IBMS member to access their qualifications but I regret not being more involved earlier. I especially love giving back as a verifier. I've met some inspirational female training managers through the IBMS and hope to develop my career in the learning and education side of biomedical science.”