Case studies: Clinical biochemist: Dr Adrian G. Miller

Adrian is a pre-registration clinical biochemist at the NHS Royal Preston Hospital. He studied biochemistry with industrial experience at The University of Manchester. He remained at The University of Manchester to study for a Masters in Clinical Biochemistry and a PhD in Molecular Biology...

During the industrial experience aspect of my undergraduate biochemistry degree, I arranged for a placement within the Clinical Biochemistry Department at Royal Preston Hospital.

Once I finished my final year and degree, I could have embarked on a career in clinical biochemistry then but decided to study for a PhD as it seemed like the 'ultimate' challenge and I knew it wouldn't harm my career prospects later.

After my PhD, I ventured into industry but after two years, I decided it was the right time to enter into a job I'd be happy doing for the rest of my career.

I subsequently contacted my old lab in Preston who gave excellent advice regarding the approach that would give me the best chance of being taken onto the clinical biochemist training scheme and thankfully my efforts paid off. I was taken on in September 2007 and have just completed my three years training.

An essential criterion for being taken on was a degree in biochemistry. My PhD had no influence at all but will benefit me when I sit the second part of the Royal College of Pathologists exam in the near future.

As you progress in this career, like any job, the responsibility increases with experience and in the NHS, you have to become more than a scientist. You have to become a leader, an accountant, a line manager and logistics manager, all the while ensuring that the lab is performing to the highest standard and optimum capability. My aim is to become a consultant clinical biochemist and run my own lab.

The diversity of the job is probably the thing that I enjoy most. No two days are ever the same. As someone with quite a short attention span, this job suits me because you're always busy but on different aspects of the job. Also the clinical liaison; there's something very satisfying about talking with a clinician about a patient, discussing differential diagnoses and bouncing ideas around that will ensure the patient has the very best chance of a positive outcome to their condition.

The sheer volume of the subject matter can be challenging. We are expected to know all clinical and analytical aspects of any biochemical test that is offered, not just in the lab you are working. This means you must constantly trawl the literature to keep abreast of any developments in the field, thus ensuring that your knowledge is thorough.

Also, there is the 'real' part of the job; we only deal with ill and sick people so when you get deeply involved with a patient's case and that patient dies, it can be tough to take.

The dedication of the staff you work with is one of the best parts of the job. It is something special to be surrounded by people who make a career out of helping others.

For students and graduates who are interested in this area, have a read of the prominent literature in the field (Annals of Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry) to see the kind of projects we are involved with.

Also, get in touch with the path lab at your local hospital and ask to have a look round. We've never turned anyone down and will always find time to show people what we do. If you decide you like what you see, ask for some advice on how to get onto a training scheme or visit the NHS careers website and search for healthcare scientist.

The best advice I can give regarding applications is pay attention to detail. Probably as a consequence of dealing with miniscule numbers, biochemists have an obsession with the minutiae; typos on an application form are a sure fire way of being overlooked.