Women and girls in science – celebrating 10 years of progress

Jane Dickinson, consultant biomedical scientist at Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust

I began working as a Medical Laboratory Assistant in summer 2003, fresh from completing my A-levels. I had no real long-term plans, just a keen interest in biology and healthcare. I soon learned about the Biomedical Scientist career pathway which grabbed my interest by offering opportunities for further education. I relocated to Gateshead in 2004 and was soon lucky enough to be promoted to Trainee BMS in Histocytopathology. I was sent to study part time at Northumbria University whilst working the rest of the week in the lab. It was fascinating to learn how to dissect and fix large histology specimens, embed tissue blocks, cut and stain sections, and train to identify pre-cancerous cells in cervical cytology. 

The 2006 Agenda for Change caused a major shift in laboratory staffing with BMSs being placed in more supervisory roles, assisted by Associate and Support Worker staff. The Consultant BMS grade was also created, and I decided early on that I would aim my sights upon this goal. “If you’re going to aim anywhere, aim for the top.” Although looking back now, I confess to having had very little concept of what this would entail! 

I was one of the first wave of qualified BMSs whose career progression would be determined by completing the IBMS professional portfolios. As such, the journey has been peppered with nerve-wracking exams and there have been times when I’ve nearly given up. I now have all five of these qualifications, along with the MSc Biomedical Science. Over 20 years, I have witnessed many technological advances, laboratory mergers and changes to the way samples are analysed. It often seems that the only certainty in cytology is that things will keep changing.

Having attainted the IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma in Cervical Cytology last year, I finally reached my goal and am now working as a Consultant BMS at QE Gateshead. It is hard to describe the sense of fulfilment that this brings me after what seems like a long, uphill battle. I now have the privilege of using my expertise to interpret and report abnormal cervical cytology samples within the NHS Cervical Screening Programme. I work within multidisciplinary teams to apply national guidance and agree complex treatment and management plans to best care for our patients. There are more changes on the horizon, but I look forward to supporting my team and the next generation of cervical screening staff into the future.