IBMS Verifiers and Examiners: Vanessa Santos

• What is your name, job role and where do you work?

I'm Vanessa Santos. I work in Cellular Pathology at Nottingham University Hospitals, and I am currently working through a secondment position as an advanced biomedical scientist and training officer.

• Why did you get involved in completing IBMS verifications / examinations in the first instance?

Initially, having completed my biomedical science degree in Portugal, I wanted to better understand the UK's registration and specialist diploma processes. So I looked into becoming an IBMS verifier and examiner. The completion of portfolios is a big part of the professional development of a biomedical scientist in the UK, and I thought being involved in it would be a good way for me to contribute to the progression of others. It also gives me the opportunity to appreciate other laboratories, their techniques, methods, and equipment.

• Would you say your practice or your workplace has benefited from your involvement in verifications / examinations? 

Definitely, both my practice and workplace have benefitted. Being involved in verifications and examinations has given me more confidence in my day-to-day laboratory work when training staff, and better insight for preparing and guiding trainee biomedical scientists at my workplace. Additionally, assessing registration and specialist portfolios can be very useful for understanding concerns that come up around new pieces of evidence, different ways to structure the portfolios, and even ways of delivering training.

• What's your favourite thing about being an IBMS verifier / examiner?

I always find it interesting to see all the different career pathways and people's aspirations. From each assessment there is always something to learn or reflect on. 

• Would you recommend becoming an IBMS verifier / examiner to others?

Yes! Regardless of being in a training role or not, being a verifier / examiner can be great CPD. If you are a training officer, completing verifications and examinations helps to build your skillset so that you get your trainees up to the right standards with confidence.

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