Honouring Geoffrey Trew’s Service to IBMS
Recognising his lasting impact on verification and training as he retires
We extend our sincere gratitude to Geoffrey Trew, a dedicated and highly respected IBMS Verifier, as he retires after years of outstanding service. Throughout his career, Geoff has made an enduring contribution to the biomedical science community, particularly in training, mentorship, and professional standards.
A Career of Dedication
Geoff's career in biomedical science began in September 1966 when he started as a junior laboratory technician at Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth. Over the years, his expertise grew, earning his ONC in Biomedical Sciences at Carmarthen Technical College, an HNC at Cardiff Technical College (now UWIC), and the Fellowship of IBMS through Cardiff and Bristol Polytechnic.
His commitment to training and education became evident when he took on a Senior Biomedical Scientist role at the University of Wales in Cardiff (Heath) in 1972. Encouraged by Mr John Clarke, Head of Biochemistry at Cardiff Technical College, Geoff became a guest lecturer, helping to train the next generation of biomedical scientists. This dedication to training continued when he moved to George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, where he played a pivotal role in mentoring students to Fellowship level.
A Transformational Impact on Verification
In the 1990s, Geoff's commitment to professional development led him to become a 'Blue Book' assessor, eventually evolving into one of IBMS's most experienced and respected Verifiers.
Even after retiring from his laboratory role in 2007, Geoff continued his work as an IBMS Verifier, travelling across the UK - from Manchester to Oxford, Blackpool to Wales - and supporting military biomedical students at Birmingham Q.E Hospital. His extensive knowledge and experience have been instrumental in guiding training officers and departmental heads while inspiring countless biomedical scientists to excel in their careers.
Throughout his career, Geoff carried out an exceptional 700 verifications — demonstrating his dedication to upholding professional standards.
Reflecting on his journey, Geoff shared:
"It has been a very rewarding experience to carry out 700 verifications on behalf of the IBMS, and I would encourage any would-be verifiers to take the leap. You will have excellent support from the Education Department at the IBMS. The experiences I have gained over the years have shown that the candidates I have examined are the future of the IBMS and pathology laboratories."
Recognising his contribution, Rohini Patel, Group Training Lead at University Hospitals Birmingham Pathology, added:
"Geoff's service to the Biomedical Science workforce and motivating new people coming into the profession to develop their professional career is unparalleled. Even post-retirement, he has demonstrated a commitment to workforce development in pathology diagnostics. A legend."
Flight Sergeant Stuart Hill (the very first trainee Geoff verified in the 1990s) commenting on Geoff's career:
"It has been an honour to work with Geoff for in excess of 15 years. Over the course of this period, he has provided unmeasured expertise in verifying multiple Military Biomedical Scientist trainees, including myself back in 2009. His unwavering enthusiasm and investment in the future of the profession has been infectious and contributed to the growth and development of military registration training.
Geoff's great professionalism and selfless commitment has supported Defence meet its annual requirement for Military Biomedical Scientists. This has equipped the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force with high calibre Healthcare Scientists who have deployed on land Operations to Afghanistan, Sierra Leonne, South Sudan and Mali as well as numerous sea Operations around the globe. Many are still in Service and fulfil roles across multiple fronts including Training Management, Single Service Leads, Operational Support, Blood Supply and Point of Care, with some transitioning to Consultant Clinical Scientists.
Geoff will be sorely missed, and we wish him a very happy retirement."
As Geoff steps into retirement, we thank him for his dedication and invaluable contributions to biomedical science and professional verification.