From virtual beginnings to biomedical success at Middlesex

Forging connections through online learning

Joining during the COVID-19 pandemic meant my first year of university was entirely virtual. This meant most of my interactions with lecturers and students were through online lectures and seminars.  

However, being part of a socially enthusiastic academic year group meant I was able to communicate and connect to other students through group projects and social media.

Placements and portfolios 

During my third year of studies, I was able to undertake a placement opportunity. This involved completing an iBMS portfolio by Dr Thamarai Janganan, the head of placements on my programme. 

After undergoing an application and two interview processes, I was selected for the Applied Biomedical Science BSc course. Here, I would spend a year in a lab collecting evidence for my own iBMS portfolio and HCPC license.

I was told about the highly selective process. Despite this, through support from the University, I received multiple offers from different laboratories to complete my placement year. Out of these, I chose to accept the offer from UCLH Biochemistry, who work as part of The Doctors Laboratory (TDL) and Health Services Laboratories (HSL).  

During my year in the laboratory, I was able to greatly expand on my communication, teamwork, safety and confidentiality skills. I also learned how to use various analysers such as the Cobas 8000 and Cobas 8100. In addition to biochemistry, I was able to network and interact with other departments including haematology, blood transfusion and haemostasis, all of which helped me to expand knowledge of my subject area. 

A success story 

After completing my portfolio, one of the final stages of the placement and iBMS portfolio processes is to complete a verification. Here, a verifier from an external site would assess my knowledge and understanding of the portfolio modules.  

The verifier, Syeda, was considerably impressed by both my portfolio and performance on the verification day. She stated: [Kabir] “is a credit to his training officer”, and outlined how the evidence in the portfolio was very “out of the box”, and “one of the best portfolios” she had verified.  

After completing the placement year, I was now eligible for a HCPC license to professionally practice the role of a biomedical scientist, and had received four potential job offers. I am now practising in special coagulation (haemostasis), a specialist department, and working towards becoming a specialist biomedical scientist.

I have also since returned to Middlesex University, attending an open evening to speak and help guide new students on their journey.

Dr Thamarai Janganan described Kabir as “set for life”. Kabir’s journey from starting university during a pandemic to securing a specialist role in biomedical science is a great example of how undertaking career opportunities and taking advantage of the support available within the Faculty of Science and Technology can equip you for success.