NHSScotland Careers
13 March 2025
•5 min read
My early passion for science
My father worked in biomedical science at the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Nigeria. His passion for research and improving human health sparked a lot of curiosity in me. I was always keen to join him in the private laboratory he worked in, where I saw how his work impacted patients’ lives. This experience inspired me to follow a similar path. His fatherly mentorship, along with support from my schoolteachers, solidified my decision to pursue a rewarding career in biomedical science.
Never stop learning
I’ve received lots of advice during my career but the best advice I’ve received is - never stop learning. My father always used to say that the most important tool you have is your brain and your mindset. He encouraged me to pursue continuous learning. I’ve attended lots of conferences and explored interdisciplinary collaborations. All of this has helped to shape my career as a biomedical scientist, allowing me to adapt and innovate. This is important as I believe biomedical science is one of the fastest developing and rapidly evolving fields in healthcare science.
My early career in biomedical science
I studied medical laboratory science as a first degree in Nigeria. After graduation, I gained some interesting work experience in Nigeria, in teaching hospitals and a research institute. I also worked in a federal medical centre, first as a biomedical scientist and then as a senior biomedical scientist.
After 5 years, I moved to Cyprus, where I worked as a research assistant in a laboratory. I completed a master’s degree in molecular medicine. In Nigeria, there were very few universities offering an MSc in molecular medicine. This was one of my main reasons for moving to Cyprus. While there I worked on gene science and gene modifications. It was good work experience, which I’ve brought to my current role in the NHS.
My journey to Scotland
To work as a biomedical scientist in the UK, you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). To register, the course syllabus for my degree in Nigeria had to be evaluated to ensure it aligned with UK requirements. I also had to demonstrate my work experience. After I completed the HCPC international application process, I was registered to work as a biomedical scientist in the UK.
I joined NHS Lothian in 2023, where a very lovely team welcomed me to the role. I'm based at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh, in the blood science laboratory. In blood science, we have the haematology and the biochemistry departments.
Working in hospital laboratories
Currently, I work in the biochemistry department and the general laboratory. This includes the diabetic clinic, where patients come into the hospital for an appointment. While here, their samples are sent to the lab to generate test results. The results must be generated immediately while the patient is with the clinician. It can be quite hectic, but we are achieving good results.
In the lab, we work a 24-hour shift pattern. Recently, I worked an on-call shift on a Sunday, where I undertook liver and kidney function tests.
We have a cancer unit here at the hospital. It’s part of my job to help clinicians monitor patients who are undergoing chemotherapy. There is also a dialysis department on-site, and we receive samples from there to help monitor patients receiving haemodialysis treatment.
I’m also part of the team working on prenatal screening, which combines an ultrasound scan with a blood test. We receive samples from across Scotland. We then screen for Downs syndrome, Patau syndrome and Edwards syndrome, for those in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Vital skills I need as a biomedical scientist
The best part of my work is knowing every day is a new day, with new experiences. Every day, I meet new challenges and generate new results. I wake up in the morning knowing that there is something new I’m going to learn that day.
While I’m not on the frontline of patient care, the work I do is vital. The results I generate help my colleagues deliver patient care. In our team, we call ourselves the heartbeat of the NHS, because our results inform clinicians. We help them to deliver good diagnoses and high-quality person-centred care.
I think one of the most important skills for this role is critical thinking. As a biomedical scientist, I must analyse a lot of data and interpret results. Things can be busy, with calls from the emergency team and requests for test results. So, the ability to ask questions, analyse and interpret results, solve multiple problems and manage situations is crucial. Another essential skill is effective communication. We work with a lot of stakeholders, including doctors, nurses, and clinical scientists, so clear and concise communication is important.
Why I’m proud to work in the NHS
Working in NHS Scotland has given me fresh new ideas and opened my mind to many opportunities. I’ve also been able to seize opportunities and use them to enhance my experience.
Thinking about my time here in Scotland, I would say that I’m proud to be working in the NHS. It’s one of the best places I have worked. I'm also proud because I have a direct impact on patient care. I produce results that are used to care for and treat patients. As a biomedical scientist carrying out scientific tests and supporting the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, I play a vital role in healthcare. I’m proud to be part of it every day.