A series of podcasts featuring experts from the field discussing their research and talking about the latest developments in biomedical science 

IBMS PodCast

Following the release of a breakthrough paper paving the way for personalised treatments and precision in cardiovascular medicine, we are joined by its lead author, Dr Rameen Shakur, a clinical scientist in cardiology and IBMS Fellow. 

Rameen spoke to us about the recent sudden cardiac arrest of footballer Christian Erikson and its underlying cause – a set of conditions known as genetic cardiomyopathie and how to manage risk; as well his recent breakthrough paper which paves the way for personalised treatments of inherited heart disorders. :  

July’s LabLife features senior Biomedical Scientist at Great Ormond Street Hospital Francis Yongblah. He talks about being part of the London Gay Symphony Orchestra and fighting for LGBT representation and equality in the laboratory.

Shownotes

IBMS News Links: 
BMS Day roundup: https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/biomedical-science-day-2021-round-up/

Competitions: https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/announcing-the-2021-attheheartofhealthcare-competition-winners/

New Hononary Fellows: https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/our-newest-honorary-fellows/

New Council Members: https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/meet-your-new-council-members-2021/

Dr Rameen Shakur:

Paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41525-021-00204-w

Story: https://www.sanger.ac.uk/news_item/computer-method-to-help-predict-outcomes-and-tailor-treatments-for-patients-with-inherited-heart-diseases/

Recent blog piece: https://sangerinstitute.blog/2021/06/18/getting-to-the-heart-of-the-matter/

Research profile: https://www.cardiovascular.cam.ac.uk/directory/rameen-shakur

LabLife with Francis Yongblah:

LGSO: http://lgso.org.uk/author/francis/

Guest blog: https://girlymicrobiologist.com/2021/06/28/guest-blog-from-francis-yongblah-kip-heath-and-anthony-de-souza-healthcare-scientists-celebrating-pride-month-and-why-visibility-is-still-so-important/

Pride in London story: https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/pride-in-london/
Precision amr: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/infection-immunity/people/professor-judith-breuer/precision-amr

Rise of the resistance: https://www.ibms.org/resources/events/rise-of-the-resistance-festival/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheHealthcareS1

Episode 9 - Cardiology and making music with Dr Rameen Shakur and Francis Yongblah

IBMSpod Episode 10 – Sustainability in the lab with Martin Farley and Sheri Scott 

With COP26 in Glasgow only a few months away, it’s increasingly important to address sustainability and environmental impacts of our laboratories.  

In August’s episode Sustainability Labs Advisor for UCL and King’s, Martin Farley talks to us about sustainability in the lab and the work he has done setting up LEAF (Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework) to help prioritise environmentally conscious laboratory procedures. Martin was the UK's (and Europe’s) first full-time sustainable laboratory specialist and was awarded the Green Gown in 2015 from the Sustainability Exchange.  

Martin discusses how sustainable lab practices are good for both science and cost saving and shares some top tips for making the lab more eco-friendly.   

In August’s LabLife, we caught up with IBMS Fellow Sheri Scott, a biochemist & senior lecturer in biomedical science at Nottingham Trent University. Sheri talked through the sustainability issues biomedical scientists are facing and what actions they can take to reduce their impact on the climate and environment. Sheri also talks about the benefits of becoming a verifier and assessor for IBMS qualifications.

Shownotes to follow.

Episode 10 - Special on Sustainability in the lab with Martin Farley & Sheri Scott

As Covid restrictions are lifted and services return to normal, we're revisiting the issue of workplace pressure, mental health and wellbeing across healthcare laboratories.

In September's episode, IBMS fellow and Specialist Scientific Lead in clinical chemistry Azuma Kalu joined us. The pandemic has increased the burden on pathology services to the detriment of some of our member's mental health and wellbeing, inspiring Azuma to take the lead in highlighting the topic across the profession.

Azuma discussed how the pandemic has changed the nature of the workplace and reminds us of the issues biomedical scientists, healthcare and support staff have faced during the pandemic. He then talked us through the progress we've made in recent months to improve our members' mental health and overall quality of working lives. In doing so, he emphasised the benefits senior staff will reap when returning to the workplace for both them and more junior team members.

Azuma also talks to us about how his PhD in cancer genomics could lead to a test for the recurrence of prostate cancer for those in remission.

This month's LabLife explores the issues Biomedical Science students have faced throughout the pandemic. Special guest host Martin Khechara interviews IBMS eStudent Steven Schnabel. He's been on placement in an NHS laboratory throughout the pandemic while also conducting public engagement on behalf of the profession. He takes us through his personal experience and the challenges students have faced and provides some tips to students returning to campus and face-to-face learning in the new academic year.

Martin Khechara is an IBMS fellow and senior lecturer in Microbiology at Wolverhampton University and associate professor for public engagement. He recently completed the British Media Associations's media placement with the Naked Scientists podcast.

Episode 11 - Mental health and education with Azuma Kalu, Martin Khechara and Steven Schnabel

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 Episode 13, we heard the fascinating career story of Biomedical Scientist in Haematology turned famous comic and actor Dave Spikey.

Dave is best known for his stand-up comedy tours, starring in sitcom Phoenix Nights alongside Peter Kay and Paddy McGuinness, presenting Bullseye, Chain Letters and being a team captain on 8 out of 10 Cats.

Before he moved over to comedy, Dave led a successful 30-year career in Biomedical Science – rising the ranks to become Chief Biomedical Scientist in Haematology at The Royal Bolton Hospital.
Dave recollects his journey into Biomedical Science from school pupil to trainee medical laboratory technician to senior biomedical scientist. He discussed the various roles he held and the innovations in the field he brought about.

We then challenged Dave, who is a former Mastermind champion to our very own Haematology quiz. He then took us through his move from Biomedical Science into comedy, writing, film production and television - from a local hospital pantomime performance to a national stand-up tour, starring in iconic sitcoms and hosting television game shows.

In the Quick-Fire round, Dave shared his most funny memory from his days back in the lab!

Then in LabLife, Dr Martin Khechara is joined by Andrologist Sheryl Homa, who discussed the importance of this marginalised, but vital specialism. She also tells us about her recent appearance on a BBC documentary with comedian Rhod Gilbert.

Episode 13 - Comedy, haematology and andrology with Dave Spikey & Sheryl Homa

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 17, we are joined by expert in Medical Microbiology and Bacteria Zoonoses at the University of East London, Professor Sally Cutler, who discusses the pandemic and the most recent strains of COVID-19; future testing strategies and other emerging viral threats.  

In LabLife, Malcolm Robinson, founder of Harvey’s Gang, a charity providing young patients with opportunities to tour laboratories and meet the Biomedical Scientists who process their samples. He speaks to us about the history of the charity and his hopes for its future.

Episode 17 - The pandemic and future testing strategies with Sally Cutler and Malcolm Robinson

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 Episode 19, we chat to the retired biomedical scientist in Cytology and former IBMS executive Head of Membership and Council Member Hedley Glencross. Recorded at IBMS Congress 2022, Hedley takes us through the highlights of his 45-year career in the profession, focusing on the importance of the specialism of Cytology and work with IBMS. This includes projects to modernise cervical cancer diagnosis in Moldova and to design our logo.

Episode 19 - The cytology episode featuring Hedley Glencross

In Episode 20, we speak to senior lecturer in Biomedical Science at Nottingham Trent University, Mark Cioni, winner of the CPD Awards 2021, on stand-out CPD and the benefits of Science Council Professional Registration.

*Mark corrected following the interview, that he completed a postgraduate certificate and not a postgraduate diploma, as stated in the interview.

Episode 20 - The CPD Special featuring Mark Cioni

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 this episode of the #IBMSChat Podcast, Rob Dabrowski sits down with Cherie Beckett (Senior Biomedical Scientist at the Princess Alexandra Hospital) and Simon Hoggart (Journal Development Manager for the BJBS). The topic of discussion is how to get your work published with IBMS publications, namely, the BJBS and The Biomedical Scientist.

S3 Episode 4: How to publish your work

In episode 5, Rob discusses Addiction Awareness with NHS Sheffield Teaching Hospitals' toxicology experts, Azuma Kalu, Edmund Rab and Mohammad Kanu. 

The speakers outline current issues related to drug use and dependence, and how NHS toxicology laboratories are doing their part to raise awareness of addiction in the UK.

S3 Episode 5: Addiction Awareness

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

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

IBMS Podcast