Fantastic question!
Most people whom I speak to about my day to day life ask me this question. Eventually. A biomedical scientist can be so obscure a title to some people, that it takes them a while to get there. So how, and when do we get there? indulge me if you will in a little script writing…
Person A: So what is it you do at university?
Me: Biomedical Sciences
Person A: Oh right ok. So what are you going to do when you’re done that then? I know so many people who don’t use their science degrees because they can’t get a job.
Me: I’m going to be a biomedical scientist. The whole purpose of the degree is specific training for the role of a biomedical scientist so that’s the plan.
Person A: So what’s a biomedical scientist?
What I’ve done is highlighted the part where I coerced the individual into enquiring about an actual biomedical scientist. The reason I have done this is for two main reasons. Firstly, people assume a biomedical sciences degree to be a generic sciences degree. Especially those who aren’t scientifically inclined themselves. When you mention the name of your degree to them they assume it to be a fancy name for biology for the most part. Secondly, because there is a serious need for public engagement with the biomedical sciences community. Biomedical scientist’s are key players in the healthcare game and no doubt at some stage in your life, they have had an input with regards to your healthcare. This will be become much more apparent right now, when i answer the question.
A biomedical scientist is a professionally registered scientist, who’s job is to carry out a number of diagnostic tests on the samples taken from you during your health journey.
This brings me on to my first point. When you attend the doctors and have any sort of sample taken, it disappears from your life. You see it leave your body (or not if you’re squeamish) and the next thing you hear is that the doctor has your results. So what happened? Did a dark sorcerer descend from a tear in the space time continuum, where he absorbed you sample and through a clever assortment of black magic and taboo rituals, he assessed it and returned to the doctor with all he needed? No. Not that I need to clarify, but that didn’t happen. There is a whole team of wonderful individuals working 24/7, 365 days a year to carry out the necessary tests to assist the multidisciplinary team in their endeavours to make you better. These scientists are thoroughly trained experts in the complex processes of the human body and they live to bridge the gap between the scientific and the clinical worlds. This should, at least register with you as one of the reasons why I tend to coerce people into asking this question. These people have a huge impact on your journey and yet they remain unseen and unheard by the general public. Everything from the heel prick test that a newborn receives, through to continued monitoring of the elderly. You can be sure we have helped you along the way. It is estimated at present that 70% of clinical decisions are made on the basis of your laboratory results, so you can be sure that biomedical scientists take their job very seriously.
Biomedical scientists can work in a number of disciplines. They tend to choose one of the following to specialise in and become subject matter experts:
Haematology – This is the study of blood. It includes the study of the formation, composition, function and associated diseases of the blood.
Blood Transfusion – Here, blood is assessed to make sure its ok to be transfused. ABO and Rh(D) which most people know about, are only two blood grouping systems. In fact there are many more which can be clinically significant and affect how your body receives blood and blood products.
Clinical Biochemistry – This is where your samples such as urines, bloods and faeces go. They are analysed to assess enzymes, chemicals and hormones within your body to assist in the diagnosis and monitoring of various conditions.
Cellular Pathology – Histopathology and cytopathology are two areas under Cellular pathology. Histo- meaning tissue and Cyto- meaning cells. Histopathologists dissect samples sent to them by the surgeons to assess them for cancerous growth. They also take slices of these to put on slides so they can view them and assess the cells. Cytopathologists are involved with screening of cervical smears as well as bronchial samples and sputum testing.
Microbiology – Here is where we study disease causing microorganisms we call pathogens. Bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites all fall under this category. The biomedical scientists here work to establish exactly what pathogen is causing the trouble and then identify which antibiotic works the best against it so they can inform your doctor.
Andrology – This is the study of male fertility. Sperm samples are assessed here to check their viability. This can be done to help people with conception. But also to check procedures such as a vasectomy have been successful.
Immunology – Your bodies immune function can be assessed by numerous testing methods. A biomedical scientist here has an important role to play in infectious disease, allergy, tumour response, tissue grafts and organ transplantation. They also regularly monitor autoimmune conditions in their patients, such as AIDS.
Clinical Genetics – Genetics play a massive role in health and disease. In this discipline, scientists are able to visualise a genetic profile to check for abnormalities which are associated with specific conditions.
These are in no particular order except for the top two, which are not so subtly emboldened. These two areas are often combined and they are where I carried out my placement year. Also, in case you’re unaware, I like blood.
So how does one become a biomedical scientist?
Whether or not you want to become a biomedical scientist, this section is relevant to you. You know what credentials doctors have and you accept those as being relevant. You know what credentials nurses have and those are accepted as what’s required. So why not understand what qualifications a biomedical scientist needs to be the expert on your sample, carrying out the tests and reporting these results?
Primarily, a biomedical scientist must have obtained an accredited bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences. The degree tends to be four years in length and comprises three taught years and a year of placement in sandwich fashion i.e. the third of four years tends to be the placement year, with students returning after placement, to finish their final year. The degrees come in a number of forms however, the premise is that there are accredited and non-accredited programmes. Non-accredited programmes do not allow an individual to apply for registration as a biomedical scientist whereas accredited programmes do. But accredited by who? and apply for registration with who?
Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Medical sciences (IBMS). This is our professional body and they work on our behalf at local and government level. They also outline what must be included in a degree programme so that it meets the requirements of preparing someone for a career in biomedical sciences.
Biomedical scientist’s must register with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC). This is the regulatory body that oversees the health care professions. There are currently 16 registered healthcare professions in the UK, of which “Biomedical Scientist” is one. It’s a protected title, so it’s actually illegal to call yourself one if you aren’t registered. The HCPC site also provides a search function in order to protect the public. If you’ve been treated by anyone registered with the HCPC you can search for them on the register to ensure they are in fact registered.
As well as the degree, anyone wishing to register as a biomedical scientist must obtain a certificate of competence from the IBMS. This is done during the placement year of the course and requires individuals to successfully complete the IBMS Registration portfolio. In case you haven’t been following along so intently, the gist of this is that it isn’t a shot and easy journey to the dizzying heights of biomedical scientist. Attaining the coveted title requires discipline and determination. So to recap:
- Bachelors degree in biomedical sciences
- IBMS Registration portfolio
- IBMS certificate of competence
- Registration with the HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist
So there you have it, now you know what a biomedical scientist is, what they do, and why they are so awesome!
Blood Geek 