IBMS Specialist Advisory Panel Vacancies

Our eight specialist advisory panels are vital in ensuring the success of the Institute’s work. Each panel is made up of around twelve "expert" members that normally includes a Chair, Deputy Chair, Chief Examiner, two Deputy Chief Examiners, a Company Member and around six “ordinary” members. There are panels for cellular pathology, clinical chemistry, cytopathology, haematology, immunology, medical microbiology, transfusion science and virology.

There are currently vacancies on the cellular pathology, clinical chemistry, cytopathology, transfusion science and virology panels although expressions of interest to join any of the other panels would also be welcome. The work of the panel members includes:

· Organising the scientific programme for their discipline for the IBMS Congress and contributing to other aspects of this major event

· Working with the Institute on revisions to the existing, and the development of new, professional qualifications, such as the Specialist Portfolio, Diploma of Expert Practice, Higher Specialist Diploma and Advanced Specialist Diploma

· Representing the Institute on local and national groups and committees

· Commenting on revisions to Institute professional guidance documents

· Acting as a source of advice on a range of topics, including patient/service users, emerging technologies and laboratory training

· Working with the Institute’s Education and Professional Standards Committee and other working groups

To join as an "ordinary" member you need to have:

· Institute Member (MIBMS) or Fellow (FIBMS) status

· Scientific or managerial experience in your chosen discipline

· Evidence of liaison with professional and/or academic contacts

· Chartered Scientist (CSci) status is also desirable - non-chartered individuals can initially be co-opted before moving to full membership once chartered

“One of the most enjoyable aspects of being a panel member is helping to organise Congress – working with colleagues to find interesting and topical speakers and liaising with panel members on the day to ensure everything runs smoothly. Another aspect I enjoy is meeting colleagues from across the country, working together to keep the Institute ahead of developments in clinical chemistry and thereby supporting our members and the profession.” Joanna Andrew – IBMS Council Member and former member of Clinical Chemistry Advisory Panel

"Being a panel member helps me to stay up to date with the plans and policies affecting pathology services in my discipline, and to contribute to them. It has broadened my network, my understanding of how laboratories around the country deal with issues and challenges and deepened my knowledge of current hospital laboratory practice.” Sarah Pitt – IBMS Council Member and Chief Examiner on Virology Advisory Panel

If you are interested, please send a copy of your CV (three sides at most) and a supporting letter from your manager to Chris Ward, Head of Examinations (examinations@ibms.org), by Friday 7 January 2022