Zonya's membership journey

Biomedical scientist Zonya Jeffrey is Training Manager for the Manchester Medical Microbiology Partnership, part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.

Zonya has taken on leadership roles, thanks to IBMS membership, and is using these roles to influence training, develop the workforce and promote the profession.

How it all started

“As a child I was always mixing potions and doing experiments. I got into biomedical science as I liked the idea of helping patients but not being on the frontline. I wanted to work in the investigative side of healthcare.

I qualified as a biomedical scientist in 1997 and became a member of the IBMS. The organisation has a clear pathway for career progression in biomedical science, offering qualifications and continuing professional development (CPD). I chose to specialise in microbiology as it’s more hands on compared to other disciplines. Culturing patient samples and setting up and interpreting antibiotic susceptibility tests still fascinates me!"

Training future biomedical scientists

"Since 2022, I’ve been in a full-time training role which supports developing biomedical scientists in all aspects of microbiology.  I remember my own training officer from my early 20s. She was really good at what she did, and I knew that I would like to do the same role in the future.

I got my first experience of training when I took on a role with Voluntary Service Overseas, which was fantastic. I was head of a rural hospital laboratory in Tanzania and trained local biomedical scientists and trainee medics. I knew it was the right path for me and it’s how I got into training when I got back to the UK."

Being the voice of members

"Taking on the chair role of the IBMS Greater Manchester branch was one of the proudest moments of my career. I feel like my voice counts and that I’m supporting other biomedical scientists in the region. Working together with the other branch members, we provide educational activities, CPD and meet ups for local IBMS members.

A year after being in the branch, our previous branch chair said: ‘Why don’t you join the IBMS Council?’ I thought it was just for managers, but my peer explained that the IBMS values those who work at grassroots level. It was exciting to stand for Council membership and be voted in to represent members."

Promoting the profession

"I spent a lot of time rehearsing what to say for the IBMS video I was in, so I could get my message right and make sure people can see what they offer.

The IBMS is shouting about the profession and letting others know about the vital role that biomedical scientists have in healthcare. This is incredibly valuable as it’s helping to make the profession more visible.

If you want our profession to be known, and people to know what we do, it’s definitely worth being part of the IBMS. By increasing its membership, the IBMS will have a more powerful voice.”