IBMS Congress 2023

Cherie Beckett BSc, MIBMS

Senior Biomedical Scientist, The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

Cherie is a Senior Biomedical Scientist in an NHS diagnostic, clinical Microbiology laboratory, in a district general hospital. She has 14 years laboratory experience. She is also an Associate Lecturer on the BSc Biomedical Science degree at Anglia Ruskin University.  Cherie is passionate about training and helping the future generation of Biomedical Scientists and as such, much of her voluntary work with the IBMS is a reflection of this. Cherie is a committed IBMS Verifier for the Registration Portfolio.

: @@CDBeckett

Alexandra Ellwood

Specialist Biomedical Scientist , South Tees Foundation Trust

Alex is a Biomedical Scientist in Microbiology and has worked for the NHS for 4 years. She completed her BSc in Biomedical Science from York St John University and is currently undertaking her MSc in Medical Microbiology at Leeds Beckett University. Alex has a passion for Microbiology, and is especially interested in emerging diseases, potential outbreak pathogens of concern and multi-drug resistant bacteria. 

Bamina Gurung

Military Biomedical Scientist, Queen Alexander Hospital Portsmouth

Born into the Gurkha bloodline, Bamina chose the military path combined with her science background. In 2021 she joined the Army as a Biomedical Science graduate. Now she is a qualified multi-disciplinary BMS, continually training to provide the highest quality of pathology service at home and overseas. 

Britney Henry

Military Biomedical Scientist, The Royal Navy

Raised in a family with a strong legacy of military service, Britney developed a keen interest in both scientific pursuits and the armed forces. As she learned more about the intersection of healthcare and the armed forces she pursued a degree in Biomedical Science, sponsored by Defence Healthcare Education. Armed with her robust training and laboratory experience she will deploy on various ships and field hospitals as a Biomedical Scientist. 

Tahmina Hussain MSc CSci FIBMS

IBMS Council Member and Lecturer in Biomedical Science, Deputy Programme Lead: Biomedical Science Apprenticeship Degree, University of Salford

Tahmina is the Deputy Programme Lead for the Biomedical Science Apprenticeship Degree and a Lecturer in Biomedical Science at the University of Salford. Her career as a Biomedical Scientist began in 2009 and has since specialised in Haematology and Blood Transfusion and then worked through a number of roles such as Biomedical Scientist Team Manager, Blood Sciences Training Officer and Pathology Training Coordinator. Tahmina is an IBMS verifier and examiner for registration and specialist portfolios and a module lead for the IBMS Certificate of Expert Practice in Training Qualification. Tahmina is also an IBMS national Council member.

: @TahminaHussain8

Chris Jackson

Specialist Biomedical Scientist – Histopathology, Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust

Chris is a Specialist Biomedical Scientist in the discipline of Histopathology. He has worked in this area for 11 years and has developed experience and skill in a range of techniques including embedding, microtomy, special stains, immunohistochemistry and specimen dissection. Chris is also the IT lead for the department and as such has implemented several projects such as sample tracking and digital pathology, and is currently introducing a new LIMS. 

Dr Sue Jones PFHEA, FIBMS, MRSB

Executive Head of Education, IBMS

Dr Sue Jones joined the IBMS in June 2022 following 20 years in higher education where she developed and led several IBMS accredited BSc Biomedical Science programmes. Sue has extensive experience of effectively supporting students in their studies, when undertaking placements and commencing their careers following graduation.

Sue has won several prestigious awards for her innovative, inclusive and successful pedagogical approaches that have achieved exceptional student outcomes. These include the RSB HE-Bioscience Teacher of the Year (2020), Principal Fellowship of Advance-HE (PFHEA, 2021), Advance-HE CATE award (2022) and National Teaching Fellowship (2023).

Sue has brought her extensive experience and expertise in education to the role at the IBMS where she leads all aspects of pre-registration education and training for students, trainees and apprentices. Sue’s areas of responsibility include the Certificate of Achievement (for support workers); Certificate of Competence (IBMS degree accreditation events (BSc, MSc and Level 6 degree apprenticeships) plus the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio); non-accredited degree assessment; IBMS Laboratory Training Approval; the Specialist Diploma.

Sue’s current priority projects are focussed on updating, streamlining and digitising the education and training offers of the Institute. She continues to facilitate interactions and communities of practice by mentoring others and developing pedagogical approaches in higher education through her continued joint leadership of the national Biosciences Educators’ Network.

: @sjones120

Luke Kay

Student, York St. John University

Luke is a dedicated mature student currently working towards his Biomedical Science degree at York St. John University. He has recently completed a year-long placement at Scarborough and York Teaching Hospitals, where he enjoyed gaining experience in diagnostic testing of patient samples and completing his IBMS Registration Portfolio. Luke looks forward to continuing his studies and future career in Biomedical Science.

Abdul Motlib

Global Manager, Professional Services, BD (Becton Dickinson)

After graduating from The University of Bradford in 2010, Abdul started his career journey off as Medical Laboratory Assistant in the Microbiology department at Pathology at Wigan and Salford (PAWS) situated in Salford Royal Hospital (now: Northern Care Alliance Pathology Service). Abdul moved into an Assistant Practitioner role and then a trainee Biomedical Scientist role, completing the IBMS registration portfolio before working as a Biomedical Scientist in the same department, rotating through the different Microbiology disciplines. During his time in the Microbiology department, Abdul found a new appreciation for automation and process improvement.

Abdul’s passion for technology initiated the move to BD (Becton Dickinson) as an Application Specialist for the UK & Ireland. In this role, Abdul leveraged his passion for technology by supporting both pre-sales and post-sales activity which included teaching and supporting customers on how to use their systems. During this time Abdul obtained a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and subsequently a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt qualification which provided additional expertise to support customers in optimising processes and at the same time improve quality.

Abdul then moved to the Global Healthcare Consultant role in which he was the Lead Consultant for complex laboratory transformation projects designing new laboratories across the globe with a primary focus on the EMEA region. More recently, Abdul has been working as a Global Manager for Professional Services. In this role, Abdul led the development of tools and programs for the regions which include the Lean and Change Management trainings and workflow optimisation programs.

Abdul has recently completed his MBA at Alliance Manchester Business School and will be graduating December 2023. In his spare time, Abdul enjoys spending time outdoors with friends and family, Hiking, playing Football and is a keen gardener.

Lauren Nelson

Physician Associate, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Trust

Lauren Nelson is a physician associate working at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Trust in respiratory medicine. She has been qualified since March 2021 following a 2-year MSc in Physician Associate Studies at the University of Manchester. Prior she had undertaken an undergraduate BSc Hons in Biomedical Science at York St John University.

 

Lauren has generalist medical knowledge to provide medical care to patients as an integral part of the multidisciplinary team. Her role within respiratory and clinical exposure varies greatly from the respiratory ward, enhanced high care unit, emergency department, clinics, procedural assists and educational development for physician associates. 

Hasan Rao

Biomedical Scientist, Biomedical Scientist

Hasan Rao is a biomedical scientist, specialising in haematology and blood transfusion at Barnsley hospital. On a daily basis, he communicates closely with the haematology and chemotherapy teams, examining blood films and providing safe units for blood transfusions.

Hasan's experience and training enables him to navigate these situations even when they become medical emergencies. Hasan has a drive for knowledge and is currently performing his IBMS specialist portfolio. He is passionate about conveying knowledge to his colleagues whether in the form of a CPD session, analysis of a result, or blood film to learn from.

Dr Jim Taylor SFHEA, FIBMS, MRSB CSciTeach

Head of Digital Education, IBMS

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Donna Torrance

Head of Learning and Development, IBMS

Donna started her career as a biomedical scientist in blood sciences at Crawley Hospital before taking a senior position in biochemistry at University College Hospitals London, she then spent 10 years as training manager in blood sciences at North West London Pathology and was a member of the chemistry specialist advisory panel for 5 years before joining the IBMS as Head of Learning and Development in March 2022.

Ella Wharram

Student, York St. John University

Ella is a Third Year Biomedical Science Student at York St John University who has just returned after completing a year long NHS placement in which she obtained her IBMS portfolio. Ella began her journey to placement unsure of whether it was suitable for her, however quickly began to enjoy the placement and discovered the opportunity allowed her to gain a vast array of laboratory skills as well as many transferable skills that are paramount to pursuing a career as a Biomedical Scientist. Ella feels passionate about encouraging other students to discover what a placement can offer for personal and career development.

Dr Claire Wright

Lecturer in Biosciences, York St. John University

Dr Claire has been teaching at York St John University since 2019. Her specialist area is in medical microbiology and teaches this subject at all levels across the degree programme. Alongside her teaching commitments, she is the placement supervisor for students applying for and entering a Biomedical Scientist placement in an accredited laboratory.

Claire has a keen interest in engaging students from the start of their degree in the placement process and encourages them to be curious about career opportunities. In their first year, students attend placement workshops to inform them of the procedures for applying for a placement as a Biomedical Scientist. In the second year, the students undergo a proactive process of careers sessions, covering letter, CV and interview preparation. Working closely with NHS colleagues, she leads the students to the final stages and a potential offer of a training year an IBMS accredited laboratory. Claire continues supporting the students through their placement year and works closely with their workplace supervisor to ensure that the training year runs smoothly from all perspectives. Many times this involves pastoral support for the student or support for the training provider when necessary.

As the training year comes to the end, Claire works with students to reintegrate them back into university. Claire is committed to supporting students in both their academic endeavours and in being ambitious for their futures, exploring employment opportunities and understanding the vital role of Biomedical Scientists.