IBMS MANCHESTER BRANCH AGM June 2024

The Greater Manchester AGM saw the likes of IBMS president, Joanna Andrew and Keynote speaker Nigel Brown, Consultant Clinical Scientist in Toxicology from Wansbeck General Hospital presenting to our members.

Joanna gave an informative and insightful overview of her career journey in biomedical science &  IBMS and the institutes long term biomedical scientist workforce plan.  It was great to see the achievements of the current president and the inspiration she gives to all IBMS members striving for a successful and fulfilling career in biomedical science.  Joanna stressed the importance of the IBMS long term biomedical scientist workforce plan stating that it asks, “for biomedical scientists to be recognised as the key health service workforce in pathology and diagnostics.” That the IBMS is committed to providing the essential training and support for members to continue using the skills they have in producing newly qualified scientists that are the workforce of the future.

Nigel kept attendees engaged and on the edges of their seats with his talk entitled ‘A different way to die from explosives’. He talked about dinitrophenol usually known as an explosive but being used as diet supplements. Along with the ‘dark side to manufacture and supply’ of this product, he discussed the risks of using this to aid weight loss and the shocking outcomes.

After decades of valued service to the IBMS and IBMS Manchester branch, Michelle Brereton, stood down from her position as chair of the Manchester branch. She will stay as a branch committee member to provide her expertise and support to the rest of the team. Michelle was delighted to hand the baton to Zonya Jeffrey who has taken up the role as Chair and wishes her all the best in the new position. These are Michelle’s parting words of wisdom:

“The Branch is always looking for new committee members who are willing to help out. I didn't look to join but there was a gap so found myself co-opted in. Once part of the committee you become involved with making events happen. When the secretary left, I found myself in that role and by the time the Chairperson moved away I was able to take up the role of co-ordinating our committee and the events organised for members.

We held at least one main event each year involving speakers on a wide range of topics from the TV programme "Embarrassing Bodies" to just recently "Explosives,  a new way to die" and of course various leads from the IBMS came to update us and discuss the current issues and future of our profession followed by a meal out for members.

I’ve presented prizes to MSc poster winners and at graduation ceremonies along with 50 years IBMS awards. It’s been a privilege to meet so many different biomedical scientists, medical laboratory assistants, trainees and students from so many different hospitals and backgrounds all working within our profession. 

I've had a lot of fun, caused a little controversy(!) and always been passionate about the importance of the daily work we all do, often unrecognised for the success of patient care.

 I leave the committee in the safe hands of new Chair and Council member Zonya Jeffrey.

If you think you'd like to challenge yourself to support members consider contacting the Branch secretary, at least consider supporting an event and get to know your local IBMS Branch, why not it’s your profession?”

The branch also congratulated the 2023 IBMS university prize winners:

• IBMS Presidents Prize winner: Nabeeha Attique BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
• IBMS Manchester Branch MSc Medical Microbiology  Poster Prize winner: Megan West
• IBMS Manchester Branch undergraduate Prize winner (Top Project): Szimonetta Solymosi BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science.