IBMS Verifiers and Examiners: Natalie Lamont

This year, we are celebrating the invaluable contributions of our verifiers and examiners by highlighting the essential work they do for the profession. These dedicated professionals play a crucial role in maintaining high standards, verifying the skills of the next generation of biomedical scientists, and ensuring the continuous improvement of our field. Through their tireless efforts, they uphold the integrity and excellence that define the IBMS and the biomedical science community.

This month, we spoke to Natalie Lamont, Senior Lecturer in Healthcare Science & Programme Lead for Healthcare Science at the University of Sunderland (Honorary Biomedical Scientist at James Cook Microbiology department).  

1. Why did you get involved in completing IBMS verifications and examinations in the first instance?
   
   I started verifying portfolios as soon as I was able to. As Senior Biomedical Scientist training lead in Microbiology, I found doing this helped me better support my placement students and staff completing registration and specialist portfolios. I also wanted to understand the verification and examination processes better. I remembered my verification as a student well and wanted to give back good experiences to people completing portfolios.
     
2. Would you say your practice, or your workplace has benefited from your involvement in verifications and examinations?
   
   Yes, absolutely. My NHS laboratory benefited from my involvement as I was better able to support staff. My understanding of other disciplines has also been kept up to date by completing verifications. My involvement now benefits my role as lecturer and programme lead because I can support undergraduate students on my course and prepare them for verification, keep up CPD and keep up to date with NHS practices. 
    
3. What's your favourite thing about being an IBMS verifier?
   
   My favourite thing about being a verifier is being able to keep up to date with trends in the NHS laboratories and verify portfolios in other disciplines, enhancing my knowledge in all areas of pathology. 
    
4. Would you recommend becoming an IBMS verifier to others?
   
   Yes - it's a great way to keep up to date and gather CPD evidence. 
   
   
   

If you want to find out more about the eligibility criteria and download the application form to become an IBMS Verifier or Examiner click here>>>

Please also feel free to watch these refresher training resources we have provided for our existing verifiers and examiners:

IBMS Training for Trainers - Verifiers : Part 1

IBMS Training for Trainers - Verifiers : Part 2

IBMS Training for Trainers - Specialist Portfolio Assessors