David Wells’ Visit to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham
On October 7th, IBMS Chief Executive David Wells visited Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham to meet with military and biomedical science professionals.
On October 7th, IBMS Chief Executive David Wells visited Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham to meet with military and biomedical science professionals. The day began with a warm welcome from senior leadership at the Defence Medical Academy and other military representatives, setting the stage for a day focused on collaboration and shared goals.
In his opening address, David shared a story about the resilience of the biomedical science community during the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted how we rapidly scaled testing capabilities in partnership with the armed forces, turning a daunting task into a nationwide success. David praised the unwavering determination of the profession, stating,
"The biomedical science community came together, rose to the challenge, and were successful. At no point did they say it cannot be done, it isn’t possible. It’s a testament to the profession that we never gave up."
Military Collaboration
David went on to emphasise the crucial role of the military in expanding diagnostic capabilities during the pandemic. Their collaboration was vital in building the nation's testing capacity quickly and efficiently.
"None of this would have been possible without the help of our military colleagues. It really was a team effort.”
Innovation and Leadership
David also spoke about the rapid deployment of COVID antibody tests, before we were assured of the efficacy of the vaccine , which was accomplished in just two weeks (a task that typically takes years), demonstrating the team's ability to adapt under pressure.
He spoke of the importance of leadership grounded in trust, encouraging professionals to set a vision and empower their teams.
"Everyone has a part to play in health, no matter your rank or position," David noted.
Strengthening Training and Development
The event also included several presentations on Defence Pathology and Biomedical Science training, led by key military representatives such as Capt Michael Brewer and Capt Francis Opoku.
They discussed the seamless integration of military and civilian training programmes, showcasing the importance of these collaborations in enhancing diagnostic capabilities and career development for biomedical scientists. Aston University’s role in Biomedical Science training was highlighted as a key component, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical application in military settings.
Tour of Training Laboratories
The day concluded with a tour of the training laboratories, guided by Capt Brewer, which included visits to the Blood Sciences and the Microbiology laboratories. This tour offered a deeper understanding of the training and practical applications unique to the military. As well as delivering advanced healthcare into disaster and conflict zones, they also provide logistics for blood supplies for use anywhere in the world and full scale pandemic response such as was seen during the COVID-19 pandemic and during the Ebola crisis in Sierra Leone.
A Vision for the Future
This event allowed David and the other speakers to discuss the mutual benefits of the IBMS-military partnership, focusing on shared goals of innovation, training, and professional growth.
This visit reinforced the vital role of collaboration between biomedical scientists and military professionals in advancing healthcare, both in the UK and beyond.