Any Clinical Biochemists out there?

[ClinicalBiochemistWannabe]

I'm just after some advice and background information, really. I am well established in my current career, which is going OK, but I increasingly get the feeling that its not really for me. I've been looking into alternatives and think Clinical Biochemistry is exactly what I am looking for in a career (although commencing on a training position would mean accepting a salary at about half my current level- but I can live with that).

However, can anyone give me an idea as to what it is really like as a career? (as opposed to the heavily biased NHS background). I understand training places are competitive to get, so how do I maximise my chances? How compatible is starting a training place with having a pre-school age dc (is the training very intense)? Otherwise, I'm really just after getting a warts and all picture.

Ta in advance for any help!

try looking on www.ibms.org for more information

Thanks.

Though I was thinking more about Clinical Biochemistry as opposed to Biomedical Science - from what I understand the clinical biochemists are more involved in interpretation of results, whereas biomedical scientists run more routine tests.

I've looked on www.acb.org.uk/ here, but I was just wondering if I could get a better view from someone who has been there, done that.

There was an article in the Guardian at the week, ignore the title they got it wrong, he's a Clinical Scientist, not a pathologist. The training info in the cv section is correct.

Biomedical Scientists do do interpretation of the tests as well, the depth and amount varies according to discipline and the level they are working at. I work in Cytology and my job is very similar to the Clinical Scientist or pathologist, I report and refer patients and am involved in their management.

You really need to get more information and to speak to the area where you would be training because, depending on the area, you may need to go to Guildford to do bock release study, which will not be very easy with a DC

Places are very competitive. The Clincal Biochemists coming in are often educated to PhD level. The work is intensive and there are the exams to consider - three of my friends have studied for and sat the Clincial Biochemistry exam - the MrcPath (irrc) and they found it very tough - none of them had children while studying for this

Another thing to consider is the changes that the Government are making to the NHS. As part of the new drive 'Modernising Scientific Careers' or similar, they are looking to move away from Clincal Biochemists just having a back ground in Biochemistry. Rather they want them to have knowledge of Haematology, Micro etc etc and so this will impact your training or you may ffind you complete you training but then have to undertake further training to have the broad knowledge that the Govt require

I would really advise ringing a local laboratory and asking for a chat with a Clincal Biochemist - will give you a very good insight imo

Hi PIJC, it is the MRCPath and it is very tough.
Agree re MSC - we have little information about how it will affect us at present, apart from the new government doesn't seem to want to cancel it to save money.

Thanks for all the info. I have a PhD (completed 10 years ago - I'm old!) and I'm MRSC (Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry) and getting stuff together for my CChem (chartered chemist) portfolio, which I don't know if it will help at all?

I'll try to talk to someone at a local lab and see whether I can go in and see their labs etc PussinJimmyChoos. I'm based in the Midlands, so would it be Birmingham I'd have to go to for the MSc? Is that usually in the form of day release, or is it usually done in larger blocks?

I'll go and read the article you linked to BelaLugosiNoir, thanks.

Not sure where you would need to go tbh...you would need to find out when you contact the local lab but I would guess any studying would be on block release.

I think you have a distinct advantage given
that you already have a PhD and given the backround you described, I think a lot of the ground covered you will probably understand already or at least you will grasp it very quickly so that's all positive

Are you thinking of going down the NHS Clinical Scientist route?

I know they recruit annually for a certain number of places as DS has been through this.

The MSc is usually done over 2 yrs and only certain courses at certain unis are acceptable.

Best of luck

BlackandGold, yes I was thinking of going down the NHS Clinical scientist route.

My PhD and subsequent research has been medical-related, but has been related to developing new methods with which to analyse biological samples. However, I am getting frustrated (and demotivated) at the lack of real-life applicability to the research - even though on paper it's going fine. That's why I'm thinking of clinical biochemistry, so that I can do something which is actually useful in real life as opposed to blue-skies kind of stuff.

My friends do this at the centre for life in Newcastle, it's affiliated with Newcastle uni, may be worth googling that. I could be horribly wrong but I'm pretty sure that's what they do.

Have you visited page?

As far as I know it's the official site and gives you all the info you need

Thanks. I went there a few weeks ago and started filling out my details, but the website keeps crashing.

I have found out though that they seem to recruit around November time, so I guess I need to keep my ears open for when that is exactly and get as much info as I can possibly find into how NHS labs work etc so that I can put good arguments together to make my case.

Thank you very much everyone for your help.

I am just finishing my first year as a clinical biochemist trainee. Like you, I have a PhD (completed 6 years ago) and a young child (my son was 10 months old when I started my training). I also took a pay cut - in my case this was £6500 per year. However, I was only in a short term contract in my previous job so I had to leave anyway.

It is competitive to get a place. Recruitment starts in November, but the closing date is around Feb. Then interviews are around April with the start date being September. You'll definitely need to visit at least one lab, preferably several. From my experience you have to do these lab visits in order to make it to the interview stage. You'll also probably need to apply to several regions in order to be taken seriously. When I applied the website was crap. Assume that your application will get lost and definitely send hard copies in the post!

The training has been quite demanding, although no more so than a PhD. This year I have been attending MSc lectures 2 days a week and working 3 days a week. It was manageable for most of the year, but a bit stressful at exam times (my son came down with a nasty viral illness a couple of days before my first exam).

Overall, I've really enjoyed the last year. I've found the job more interesting than my previous job. But it has been difficult going back to being a trainee and I am a bit worried about finding a job when I finish training (it helps if you can be flexible and move region, but that's not possible for me).

My advice would be to find out as much as you can about the career. In particular visit a few labs - essential for the application, but you'll also find out lots about the career.

Dizzee, thanks for that.

Do you mind me asking, what types of things have you covered in you first year? (Both in terms of your MSc and your work?)

Also, do you know anything about job prospects when you finish? It always seems there are lots of prospects for biomedical scientists, but perhaps less so for clinical biochemists?