Name: Emma Wray
Job Title: Senior Biomedical Scientist/ Advanced Dissector
1. What does your job entail?
I am a Senior Biomedical Scientist/ Advanced dissector within the Cellular Pathology laboratory in the Western Health and Social Care Trust
My daily duties include advanced dissection, dissecting a range of specimens from small skin excisions to total colectomies. Dissecting ensures the patient gets the best possible diagnosis/prognosis; margins excised and the best treatment plan.
My work entails dissecting benign through to complex malignant cancer specimens.
I work alongside other biomedical scientists and consultant pathologists to ensure patients get a timely and safe diagnosis.
As a senior I am involved with the governance within the laboratory and I am dissection/ specimen reception lead.
I am involved in the training of other biomedical scientists and trainee scientists.
2. How did you get into this line of work?
I was always interested in pathology and medicine. After attending a careers fair in secondary school, I realised this was the job for me.
During my placement year at university, I loved cellular pathology and knew I wanted to advance in it
3. Outline your career to date?
I graduated in 2013 from Ulster University and worked briefly in the Belfast Trust before moving to Altnagelvin hospital as a band 4 health care assistant.
From there I completed IBMS accredited portfolios starting with specialist, this meant I was able to apply for band 6 posts and advance as a Biomedical Scientist. This was followed by the Diploma of Expert Practice in histological dissection; and my Advanced Histological Dissection portfolio in Lower Gastrointestinal pathology.
By completing the advanced dissection portfolio, I can dissect complex cancer dissection. I am now a band 7 senior biomedical scientist.
4. Tell us about your qualifications and training?
After school I completed a BSc (hons) in Biomedical Science with pathology at Ulster University from 2009 to 2013. This four year course had a placement year allowing me to complete the IBMS state registration portfolio. This initial portfolio permitted me to work within a NHS laboratory and register with the Health Care Professionals Council.
From there 2016 to 2018 I completed my IBMS specialist portfolio, specialising within cellular pathology.
2018 to 2020 I successfully passed my IBMS diploma in histological dissection, the baseline for those interested in advanced dissecting,
And finally from 2022 to 2024 I completed my advanced histological dissection in lower gastrointestinal pathology.
My training within the laboratory entails strict audits and reviews with consultant pathologists ensuring my dissection is safe, correct and up to date with RCpath guidelines.
5. What qualities do you feel are required for your job – personal and professional?
Good communication skills and transferable skills.
Ability to work in a team in a busy laboratory environment.
Have a good eye for detail with a hardworking work ethic. Be able to work under pressure to meet deadlines and prioritise your working day,
Honestly and openness is a very important quality
6. What is the best advice you have ever received?
“If you never made a mistake, how would you learn?”
7. A little bit about me
I love sport and music.
I love travelling around different places and taking my dog to the beach!
Coffee and catch ups are my favourite way to spend a weekend
8. What advice would you give your 16-year-old self?
Enjoy yourself! Don’t take life too seriously!
