Case studies : Biomedical scientist: Fatemazahra Sajan

Fatemazahra graduated from a degree in biomedical science with professional training in 2010 from Aston University. She now works as a biomedical scientist in haematology.

I did my placement year via the co-terminus route at Birmingham Children’s Hospital in the haematology department and completed the HPC registration portfolio. The department also granted my request to conduct the research for my final year project in their laboratory. At the end of my final year, a vacancy for a band 5 biomedical scientist had arisen in the haematology department of Birmingham Children’s Hospital. I responded to the advertisement and applied for the position; I was then shortlisted and selected for the job.  

I believe my degree was very relevant for my current job. The biomedical sciences undergraduate programme at Aston University is a full bodied and comprehensive programme. The lectures and practical sessions throughout the course were very useful in applying the knowledge and skills to work in the laboratory.

The university’s career advisers and lecturers were an invaluable resource in providing the necessary guidance and information about the practical aspects of becoming a biomedical scientist.

Haematology is divided into four sections: routine haematology, blood bank, molecular homeostasis and DNA. The latter includes things such as full blood count, making and staining blood films, cell morphology, various specialised tests, coagulation screens, hemophilia and VWD diagnosis, DNA analysis, and blood transfusion.

No two days are the same for a biomedical scientist, but to give you a flavour my typical day involves specimen reception, quality control of every test and technique, processing and analysing of samples, interpretation of results, looking at blood films, and liaising with other medical staff.

I enjoy a number of the tasks that I carry out as part of my job role. This includes evaluating certain diseases, dealing with paediatrics, liaising with doctors and diagnosing and monitoring diseases. I also enjoy cell morphology, especially looking at abnormal films and interpreting the results.

All of the work we undertake is vital to the patient’s health because doctors rely on the results of the tests and investigations performed by us.

The blood transfusion section of haematology is the most challenging part especially when cross-matching donors and recipients’ blood and issuing blood products to patients.

While the three-year degree course is a comprehensive package, I would strongly recommend taking the co-terminus option and going through the placement year. This not only allows you to appreciate your studies and profession as a whole, it also helps to increase your self confidence and chances for employment.

The whole process of becoming a biomedical scientist is an opportunity that should be enjoyed, as it is an excellent profession and has endless possibilities given the requirement to undergo continuous professional development.