SEB Bulletin March 2007
Kelly Parham - Clinical Biochemist
If, like Kelly Parham, you're a scientist with a particular liking for problem-solving and data interpretation then a career as a Clinical Bioscientist may be for you. Training is varied and fast-paced and at the end of an intensive three/four-year period you will have gained an MSc in Clinical Biochemistry, be state registered and be working towards Part I of the professional MRCPath1 exams. This is not a career for the faint-hearted and competition for entry is very high. “It helps if you have something extra on top of your basic degree”, says Kelly. “I applied after completing my PhD and I used my research experience in the lab to illustrate my potential to do well in this career. I also visited two hospitals prior to my application to further reinforce my commitment and enthusiasm for this career.” The latter is essential in order to demonstrate you know what is involved in the work and so that the hospital can be sure you will stay the course. A good academic track record will also show that you will be able to cope with the study and exam commitments associated with the training (which are compulsory).
Kelly's first degree was in Molecular Biology which she took at the University of Sheffield after which she went straight on to do her PhD at the University of Warwick working on analysing the promoter of a human receptor gene. “Following my PhD in 2002 I started a postdoctoral position at Southampton University but very quickly realised academic research wasn't for me. I didn't enjoy having to keep repeating experiments with no obvious application at the end. I started looking around at other career ideas and Clinical Biochemistry appealed to me because of the varied and highly applied nature of the work and the immediate clinical impact of the role, not to mention the more permanent nature of this career compared to post-docing”. There are a limited number of training (Grade A or pre-registration) places available each year and you must apply through the NHS Recruitment website2 - application deadlines are in January/February each year. You don't necessarily have to have done a biomedical degree or PhD, it's the skills and experience of working in the lab, a commitment and (even limited) knowledge of what the work will entail which is what the interviewers will look for. “During my interview I had to give a presentation which I centred on my PhD and its relevance and applicability to a clinical career. Other interviews might quiz candidates about clinical biochemistry, or ask them more particular biochemical questions such as to define 'sensitivity' and 'specificity', for example.”
As a Grade A (pre-registration) trainee you are attached to hospital but also rotate around different departments and hospitals in order to experience the widest range of techniques and specialisms such as paediatrics, endocrinology, immunology and haematology. During this time you will attend your MSc classes either in 10-week blocks or on a day-release basis depending on which university your training is associated with (there are 4 institutions in the UK: University of Manchester, University of Surrey, University of Birmingham and University College, London). Kelly did her training attached to the Royal Glamorgan Infirmary , Llantrisant, whilst undertaking the University of Surrey MSc. “Whilst my hospital-based training was mostly spent at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital, (a District General Hospital) I also spent time at UHW, Cardiff which is a larger teaching hospital and has specialist departments. My experience in a District General Hospital has led me to decide to aim my career towards a more generalised clinical biochemist post in a smaller hospital rather than specialising in a particular area at a larger hospital such as a Paediatric Clinical Biochemisty post”. Trainees must spend a total of four years as a pre-registered clinical biochemist before they can become state registered after which they can apply for Grade B (post-registered) positions. The Grade B posts consist of the early-career Senior Clinical Biochemist posts and, after a few years' experience and ascertainment of MRCPath Pt I, progression to a Principal Clinical Biochemist post, during which time there is the opportunity to take Part II of the MRCPath exams. Thereafter you can apply for a consultancy post where you run your own department. The starting salary at Grade A currently stands at £22,886 and Grade B posts start at £27,662. Consultancy posts can command a salary of between £73,281 - £88,397.
As a pre-state registered Grade B Clinical Biochemist, Kelly has secured a post at University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff which is her preferred area of the country to work. It tends to pay off the more mobile you are prepared to be at the early stage of your career, however there are plenty of Grade B posts scattered around the country to make it possible to target a favoured area. “My average week comprises liaising closely with Medical Laboratory Scientific Officers (MLSOs) who run the practical side of the lab and with clinicians to advise them on patient's results. For example we may have a call from a GP who is enquiring about the possible diagnoses for a patient with a high sodium level, and what further investigations are required. Research is still intrinsic to the post which involves developing and honing new tests for example. Audit is also essential to the job, where we try to identify flaws in current clinical practice and propose changes to overcome this, e.g., inappropriate test requesting. Teamwork and sharing information with colleagues is also a regular weekly feature where we share case studies and conduct tutorials while we work towards the MRC Path exams.”
Overall, problem-solving and multi-tasking is integral to being a Clinical Biochemist which becomes more management-focussed as you move towards becoming a Principal and consultant. What does Kelly like best about her work? “Continuing professional development is compulsory which keeps you up to date and in touch with new developments and you get a real sense that you're making a difference and helping people as well as retaining your interest and expertise in Biology”. For more information visit the Association for Clinical Biochemistry website3. Training is also available in other disciplines of Clinical Science, including Haematology, Genetics, Cytogenetics, Audiology, Medical Physics and Immuology.
Sarah Blackford
Education & Public Affairs
1. The Royal College of Pathologists www.rcpath.org
2. NHS Recruitment for Clinical Scientists
Northgate HR Services
Tel: 0871 433 3070
Email: clinicalscientists@northgate-is.com
Website: http://www.nhsclinicalscientists.info/
3. The Association for Clinical Biochemistry www.acb.org.uk