Episode 12 marks one year of the IBMS Pod. We were joined by expert in Genomic Medicine Deborah Lakeland. In LabLife, our guest was trainee in critical care science Charlotte Felton. 

As we enter a new era of personalised medicine, how can biomedical scientists integrate the necessary genomic tests into their services?

Genomic medicine uses information about a patient’s genetic makeup to improve their care and overall clinical outcome across a range of diseases. As the NHS implements genomics into the NHS, we’ll enter a new paradigm of cutting-edge diagnostics which will see new personalised treatments tailored to the individual patient routinely available.

Deborah Lakeland is a cancer genomics project manager at Lancashire & South Cumbria teaching. Hospitals. Deborah has over 30 years of experience as a biomedical scientist across several specialities including Immunology, Haematology and Molecular Pathology . She moved over to genomics to assist the 100,000 genome project. 

Deborah takes us through what progress has been made so far in the field of genomic medicine, including the government’s 100,000 genome project and her role within it. She then discusses how genomic medicine has transformed therapeutics for cancer patients before outlining the major challenges biomedical scientists face in order to fully integrate genomics medicine into their practice. Later, Deborah is asked to outline how large scale testing of coronavirus patient genomes helped us to identify variant strains of SARS-CoV2 and ultimately helped us bring the pandemic under control. 

We also discussed Deborah’s outreach and media work including being recognised as a Chief Scientific Officer Women in Science and Engineering Fellow for 2019/2020.

In the Quick-Fire round, Rob is curious if Deborah prefers tea over coffee, casual wear over smart wear and ab-sailing over bungee jumping!

IBMS Licentiate Charlotte Felton is a trainee clinical scientist in critical care science. Charlotte Felton explained why she felt it was so important to participate in the public engagement of biomedical science, and the initiatives she’s set-up to promote the profession and teach younger generations about careers in Biomedical science including the popular ‘inspire BMS’ Twitter account.

She also tells us about why she is transitioning from a band 5 role in haematology to a new role in critical care science and what the role encompasses.

Episode 12 - Genomic Medicine & Public Engagement with Deborah Lakeland and Charlotte Felton

In our special festive episode of IBMS pod, we were joined by Yan Tsou - Quality control scientist at the Francis Crick Institute and Great British Bakeoff star. Yan told us about her work on cell lines in the Crick's cell services team, her research into latent TB and her journey on the Great British Bakeoff Series 8, before she took part in our Christmas baking quiz: 'What's on your plate?'. 

Following this, Reverend Christopher J Lee, a former biomedical scientist in Haematology and ordained Anglican priest in the Church of Wales joined us for a special edition of LabLife.

Episode 14 - Cell lines, haematology and the Great British Bake Off with Yan Tsou & Chris Lee

In Episode 15, we are joined by Digital Pathology expert Professor Darren Treanor to explore this field at the forefront of healthcare. Darren discussed how digital pathological applications, such as virtual microscopy, have made it easier for scientists to share data and improved diagnostics. Later, he talked about the National Pathology Imaging Co-operative (NPIC) - a new project which aims to deploy Artificial intelligence across the NHS in order to transform screening and diagnostics beyond the limits of current practice.  

In LabLife, we were joined by IBMS Fellow and intrepid traveller Sue Alexander to talk about her travel adventures from Antarctica to The Galapagos.

Episode 15 - Digital pathology and travelling with Darren Treanor and Sue Alexander

In Episode 16, IBMS chief executive David Wells joined us for a wide-ranging conversation covering his work establishing the '29 pathology networks and leading the laboratory response during the pandemic as Head of Pathology at NHS England, to promoting the profession as chief executive. We also talked about his career journey from practice to senior management. 

Later, Dr Martin Khechara spoke to Lorna Cleverly, Head of Animal Health Monitoring at Fera Science, for a fascinating LabLife.

Episode 16 - In conversation with Chief Executive David Wells and Lorna Cleverly on animal health

In Episode 18, we speak to the winner of the Advancing Healthcare Awards Biomedical Scientist of the Year and Overall Winner Bamidele Farinre.  In a wide-ranging conversation, Bami talks about her background and route into Biomedical Science, her award-winning work to set up mobile laboratories to speed up COVID-19 testing in the midst of the pandemic and more! 

In LabLife, we spoke to the winner of the gold award for Biological & Biomedical Sciences at the STEM for Britain Awards 2022, Miquel Serna-Pascual. He discusses his pioneering work to help speed up the diagnosing of disease by collecting and analysing data about the way a person breaths and how winning this accolade has helped progress his research project and career.

Episode 18 - Award-winning scientists featuring Bamidele Farinre & Miquel Serna-Pascual

In the first episode of the new season of our podcast, Rob Dabrowski, Editor of The Biomedical Scientist magazine, is joined by Malcolm Robinson - IBMS Member and founder of 'Harvey's Gang'.

'Harvey's Gang' was a charitable initiative started by Malcolm in 2013, in remembrance of patient Harvey Baldwin, a 7-year-old boy who was undergoing treatment for leukaemia at Worthing Hospital. Today, the charity has been taken over by the IBMS, but retains the same overall objective; running lab tours for children undergoing intensive treatment for severe diseases.

Listen to the episode to hear from Malcolm, as well as IBMS members Rebecca Whitehouse and Zoe Andrew, as they discuss how the initiative will proceed with the IBMS as its new custodians.

S3 Episode 1: Harvey's Gang

In episode two, we hear from Stuart Dawe-Long - Andrology Lead at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Clinical Scientist, and member of the Cytopathology Advisory Panel for the IBMS. He believes in a patient focussed service that can support the health and wellbeing of the patient. He is currently also training with the institute of psychosexual medicine.

Listen now to hear Stuart and Rob Dabrowski, #IBMSChat Podcast host, as they tackle the subject of Men’s Health; covering topics ranging from fertility in men, to diagnostic semen analysis, to access to support for mental health services.

S3 Episode 2: Taking a look at Men's Health

In our latest episode of the #IBMSChat Podcast, Rob gets together with Francis Yongblah and Jemma Shead from the IBMS EDI working group. This group aims to promote and champion equality, diversity and inclusion across all backgrounds.

Francis is a laboratory manager and clinical scientist at the Great Ormond Street Hospital, and Jemma is a biomedical scientist with the Health Services Laboratories in London. As part of the EDI group, both members are helping to create an inclusive environment across our profession. 

So far, the group has run a campaign to celebrate 100 Years of Women in the IBMS, attended Pride events across the UK by sponsoring places on marches, supported the IBMS to give a voice to black biomedical scientists every October for Black History Month, and it also continues to align itself to various other diversity events throughout the year to promote more inclusive discussions.

S3 Episode 3: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

In episode 6 of The #IBMSChat Podcast, we discuss the IBMS Mentorship Programme. Listen now to hear from Chris Murray (co-founder and director of Perform Learn Develop, our mentorship platform), Anna Ikin and Lavanya Kanapathypilla, a mentor and mentee respectively who have taken part in our mentoring scheme.

S3 Episode 6: Mentorship

Episode 7 of our podcast is hosted by IBMS Chief Executive David Wells, as he speaks with several of our members who are Pathology Practice Educators.

Listen now to find out more about the ways in which practice educators form a vital link between the ward and the laboratory, and the key role played by this area of the profession in maintaining high quality patient care.

Joining David Wells is Mehwish Khalid, Michelle Payne and Rachel Cleaton, representing the Pathology Practice Educator profession.

S3 Episode 7: Practice Educators

In episode 8, Rob discusses dog bites, infection and morphology with Nicki Close-Lawrence FIBMS CSci the Principal Biomedical Scientist Advanced Practitioner in Morphology at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust.

S3 Episode 8: Dog bites, infection and morphology

In episode 9, Rob discusses Point-Of-Care Testing with Rakhee Surti (POCT Project Manager at Milton Keynes University Hospital and Tony Cambridge (Lead Biomedical Scientist in Pathology Management at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust).

The speakers outline current issues related to Point-Of-Care Testing in the UK.

S3 Episode 9: Point Of Care Testing Pod

In episode 11, we take a look at Leadership and Innovation in Biomedical Science. We will hear from Manjinder Virk from Bioma and Saghar Missaghian-Cully from North West London Pathology about their award-winning work in biomedical science.

Manjinder is a senior biomedical scientist, founder and director of Bioma, and recently won an Asian Woman of Achievement Award for science. 

Saghar is the managing director at North West London Pathology. She recently won Gold for being the leader of the year at the UK Employee Experience Awards.

S3 Episode 11: Leadership and Innovation

In episode 12, we take a look at Sustainability in Biomedical Science. We will hear from IBMS Award winners Jennifer Collins, Joanne Hall, and, Carmel Abbott from The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - Integrated Laboratory Medicine about their award winning work.

S3 Episode 12: Sustainability

In episode 13, we take a look at Innovation in Biomedical Science. We will hear from Jonathan Boxshall from Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust - Pathology and Transfusion and IBMS Award winner for Best Use of Research, Innovation or Technologyabout his work with drones.

S3 Episode 13: Delivering with drones

In episode 14, we take a look at Working in Partnership.   We will hear from Rohini Patel from University Hospitals Birmingham and Capt. Francis Opoku from the Centre of Defence Pathology about their IBMS award-winning work in biomedical science.

Rohini Patel is an advanced biomedical scientist and the Group Training Lead at UHB Pathology. Capt. Francis Opoku is the Officer in Charge of Clinical Pathology Department, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

This is a snippet from our IBMS Chat in November, where the rest of the audio was lost.

S3 Episode 14: Working in Partnership

In episode 1 of season 4 Rob speaks with President Joanna Andrew, President-Elect Sarah Pitt and Previous Debra Padgett about what it means to be IBMS President, the future of the profession, AI, and what it means for the profession to have elected three women presidents in a row. #IIWD2025 #AccelerateAction

S4 Episode 1: Three IBMS Presidents

In Episode 2 we take a look at Diagnostic Cytopathology. Leonie Wheeldon returns to the podcast to discuss a ground breaking fine aspiration needle study and how geography and infrastructure can impact service provision. 

Leonie was the Advancing Healthcare Awards 2024 Biomedical Scientist of the Year and is a Consultant Biomedical Scientist at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust.

S4 Episode 2: Diagnostic Cytopathology with Leonie Wheeldon

In Episode 3 we take a look at Alzheimer's disease. Martyna Matuszyk from the Alzheimer’s Society talks to Rob about the process of getting a diagnosis of dementia and Dementia Action Week (which takes place from 19 - 25 May 2025).

To find out more about Dementia Action Week visit https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/dementia-action-week



S4 Episode 3: Alzheimer's Disease with Martyna Matuszyk

Episode 4 features an in-depth conversation with Craig Baker, who was named the Advancing Healthcare Awards winner for Biomedical Scientist of the Year 2025. Craig is the Cellular Pathology and Mortuary Service Manager at Hywel Dda University Health Board. 

Rob talks to him about modernising the service, what winning the award means to him and his team, and the role of AI tools in biomedical science. 

S4 Episode 4: Biomedical Scientist of the Year 2025 with Craig Baker

Episode 5 features an in-depth conversation with Laura Taylor aka Techingonscience, who works in histology at Harrogate Hospital. 

Laura talks to Rob about the challenges and opportunities of working in a small hospital and her work in social media to raise awareness of careers in biomedical science and LGBTQI+ issues.

Rob talks to her about how she grew her Instagram following to 40k and how she fits her content creation in with her day job.  

S4 Episode 5: Training and Social Media with Laura Taylor

Episode 6 features an in-depth conversation with  Gayle Johnstone, who works at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary as a Specialist Biomedical Scientist. She and her team won the IBMS Award 2025 for Harvey’s Lab Tour of the Year.

Gayle was also awarded the title of Biomedical Science Champion at the IBMS Awards 2025 for her work championing Harvey's Lab Tours. 

She talks to Rob about the challenges and opportunities of doing the tours, how she got her start in biomedical science, and what winning at the IBMS Awards means to her and her team.

S4 Episode 6: Harvey's Lab Tours with Gayle Johnstone

Episode 7 features an in-depth conversation with Andrea Johnson, who works at Wye Valley NHS Trust as a Cellular Pathology and Microbiology Manager. She received the IBMS Award 2025 for Biomedical Science Leader of the Year.


She talks to Rob about Andrea managing a microbiology department, despite that not being her area of expertise, the importance of listening and her democratic style of leadership.


S4 Episode 7: Leadership and Management with Andrea Johnson

Episode 8 features an in-depth conversation with Dr Richard Burka, who is an Academic Clinical Lecturer and Haematology Registrar in Birmingham. 

He talks to Rob about anti-coagulant reversal agents and the importance of randomised trials.

S4 Episode 8: Non-Malignant Haematology with Dr Richard Burka

The IBMS Biopod is a monthly podcast for members. Each episode will feature experts from the field discussing their research and talking about the latest developments.

PODCAST V1 POCT

PODCAST V3 MORPHOLOGY

With self-directed learning becoming increasingly important for staying up to date with the latest research and news and developing knowledge for the wide range of IBMS exams, the podcast is hoped to be a valuable learning and CPD resource for members.

Podcast V5 EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The IBMS Biopod is a monthly podcast for members. Each episode will feature experts from the field discussing their research and talking about the latest developments. This month's guests are Ben Courtney UKAS and Debra Padgett IBMS Fellow and Council Member

Podcast V6 UKAS Accreditation

Podcast V8 Promoting Biomedical Science

The IBMS Biopod is a monthly podcast for members. Each episode features experts from the field discussing their work and talking about the latest developments. This month's guest is IBMS President Allan Wilson.

*Please note: this interview was done through Zoom and a couple of small portions of the dialogue are broken

Podcast V9 - In conversation with IBMS President Allan Wilson

In Episode 1 of the all-new IBMSpod Rob and Jordan chat to AH Biomedical Scientist of the Year Dr Guy Orchard. In a wide-ranging conversation, Guy discussed how a trip to the local delicatessen inspired him to develop two new pathology products patented for clinical use. Guy also talked about his motivations and passions for the field and how science can be like painting. 

In this month's social media questions, members seek career progression tips, as well as inquire about COVID-19 and his recent AH award. 

In LabLife, Helen is joined by beer brewing Biomedical Scientist Emma Victory for an insight into her diagnostic labwork with parasites and her passion for real ale, brewing and judging competitions.

Also features IBMS News - an round up of all the latest headlines from the IBMS. 

Show note links:
IBMS Members win at AHA Awards: https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/ibms-members-win-at-2020-ahawards/
The Biomedical Scientist Live: https://live.thebiomedicalscientist.net/
NHS Consultation for Administering Medicines: https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/nhs-england-consultation-for-administering-medicines/
IBMS Fellows Recognised on Queen’s Honours List: https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/ibms-fellows-recognised-on-queens-honours-list/ 
IBMS President Presents to Parliamentary Committee: https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/ibms-president-presents-to-parliamentary-committee/
National Pathology Week: https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/national-pathology-week-2020/

Episode 1  - Dermatopathology with Dr Guy Orchard & Emma Victory

In the second instalment of the all-new IBMSpod, leading virologist and Fellow Dr Sarah Pitt chats to Rob & Jordan about her experience appearing on national TV highlighting the work of Biomedical Scientists throughout the pandemic. Later, she explains the science behind the new COVID-19 vaccines. 

Meanwhile, Helen is joined by Gogglebox star and Biomedical Scientist Umar Siddiqui for an insight into his working day and experience filming with his family on the show.

Also features IBMS News - an round up of all the latest headlines from the IBMS.

Show note links:
Sarah Pitt's survey: https://brightonpsychology.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4THAim5YenZgm2N
A meeting with Lord Bethall: https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/a-meeting-with-lord-bethell/
Rapid Testing Statement: https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/sars-cov-2-rapid-testing-options/
Guidance on membership renewals: https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/renew-your-membership-for-2021/
PGD Consultation: https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/nhs-consultation-for-administering-medicines-closes-soon/
IBMS President Presents to Parliamentary Committee: www.ibms.org/resources/news/ibm…mentary-committee/
Register for The Biomedical Scientist rerun: live.thebiomedicalscientist.net.

Episode 2 - The media and the pandemic with Dr Sarah Pitt & Umar Siddiqui

In February’s edition of IBMS POD, we delve into the fascinating specialism of Toxicology. 

Nigel Brown is a consultant clinical toxicologist whose career spans four decades. He gives us an insight into his role, which includes undertaking routine drug screening to confirm a doctors’ hypothesis about what a patient might have ingested; monitoring alcohol poisoning, where urgent action is required to prevent death from anti-freeze consumption and assisting coroners with post-mortems.

Nigel also discusses how he works closely with the police and social services in cases where people are arrested or tragically, where children need to be taken into care.

In this month's LabLife, Plymouth-based Biomedical Scientist and Triathlete Jayanta Brahma opens-up about how the tragic loss of his best friend inspired him to complete record-breaking fitness challenges.

In his quest to raise awareness and funds for the Brain Tumour Charity, MIND & Sarcoma UK, he’s rock-climbed the height of Olympus Mons on Mars - the solar’s systems tallest mountain and completed the Iron Man Triathlon – a mammoth 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bicycle ride and 26.22-mile run. 

Also features IBMS News- a round-up of all the latest headlines from the IBMS.


Show Notes:

Episode outline:
0:14 - IBMS News
1:45 - Interview with Special Guest Nigel Brown
17:47 - Quick-fire question round 
20:21 - LabLife with Jayanta Brahma 

Links to further resources:
IBMS News:
Nominations open for Biomedical Scientist of the Year:
https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/biomedical-scientist-of-the-year-2021/
President Allan Wilson receives position as visiting professor:
https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/ibms-president-receives-position-as-visiting-professor/
New IBMS Mentoring Scheme:
https://ibms.onpld.com/
Science Council launches 'Glowing CPD' campaign:
https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/science-council-launches-glowing-cpd-campaign/

LabLife:
Jayanta Brahma scales height of Olympus Mons:
https://thebiomedicalscientist.net/science/scientist-scales-solar-systems-tallest-mountain
Iron Man 2018 for Eddie:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/spengler

Episode 4 - Toxicology and mental health with Nigel Brown & Jayanta Brahma

The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) is the leading professional body for scientists, support staff and students in the field of biomedical science.

Our new podcast, IBMSPOD explores the contemporary field of Biomedical Science through a series of thought-provoking interviews with leading experts from across the profession.

Each episode will feature a in-depth interview with our special Biomedical Scientist guest. The conversation will range from current affairs to the intricacies of diagnostic laboratory work, research & innovation, teaching, writing, to involvement with the IBMS, media work; as well as motivations & passions for the profession.

Hosted by editor of the IBMS's monthly magazine 'The Biomedical Scientist' Rob Dabrowski.

IBMS Podcast

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