In February’s edition of IBMS POD, we delve into the fascinating specialism of Toxicology.

Nigel Brown is a consultant clinical toxicologist whose career spans four decades. He gives us an insight into his role, which includes undertaking routine drug screening to confirm a doctors’ hypothesis about what a patient might have ingested; monitoring alcohol poisoning, where urgent action is required to prevent death from anti-freeze consumption and assisting coroners with post-mortems.

Nigel also discusses how he works closely with the police and social services in cases where people are arrested or tragically, where children need to be taken into care.

In this month's LabLife, Plymouth-based Biomedical Scientist and Triathlete Jayanta Brahma opens-up about how the tragic loss of his best friend inspired him to complete record-breaking fitness challenges.

In his quest to raise awareness and funds for the Brain Tumour Charity, MIND & Sarcoma UK, he’s rock-climbed the height of Olympus Mons on Mars - the solar’s systems tallest mountain and completed the Iron Man Triathlon – a mammoth 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bicycle ride and 26.22-mile run.

Also features IBMS News- a round-up of all the latest headlines from the IBMS.

Show Notes:

Episode outline:

0:14 - IBMS News

1:45 - Interview with Special Guest Nigel Brown

17:47 - Quick-fire question round

20:21 - LabLife with Jayanta Brahma

Links to further resources:

IBMS News:

Nominations open for Biomedical Scientist of the Year:

https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/biomedical-scientist-of-the-year-2021/

President Allan Wilson receives position as visiting professor:

https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/ibms-president-receives-position-as-visiting-professor/

New IBMS Mentoring Scheme:

https://ibms.onpld.com/

Science Council launches 'Glowing CPD' campaign:

https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/science-council-launches-glowing-cpd-campaign/

LabLife:

Jayanta Brahma scales height of Olympus Mons:

https://thebiomedicalscientist.net/science/scientist-scales-solar-systems-tallest-mountain

Iron Man 2018 for Eddie:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/spengler

In the next outing of IBMS POD, we caught up with Debra Padgett – the IBMS’s new president-elect and infection sciences operational manager in North Cumbria. In the midst of a winter lockdown where a new, highly transmissible COVID-19 variant is challenging Biomedical Scientists more than ever, Debra sets out her aims and priorities for the year ahead as well how her team have adapted to maintain diagnostic services for patients. She also tells us all about her career journey to date and how she progressed to a senior level in the profession.

In LabLife, Great Ormond Street Biomedical Scientist and Science comedian Kip Heath chats to Jordan about her stand-up shows, as well her experience volunteering in Sierra Leone during the Ebola epidemic. She also explains how her upcoming PhD project will help to fight Sepsis and combat AMR.

Also features IBMS News- a round-up of all the latest headlines from the IBMS.

Show Notes:

IBMS News:

• Debra Padgett announced as President-elect:

https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/announcing-our-new-president-elect-2021/

• Chief Executive Jill Rodney to retire:

https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/announcement-jill-rodney-is-retiring-as-ceo-at-ibms/

• Letter of support for Key Workers:

https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/letter-of-support-for-key-workers/

• Nominations open for Council Elections 2021:

https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/ibms-council-elections-2021/

LabLife:

• Kip Heath – Stand Up for Healthcare Science!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNABuOAvaf0&ab_channel=KipHeath

• PhD project: GOSH researchers funded to fight Sepsis

https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/ibms-researchers-awarded-16000-to-tackle-amr/

In the second instalment of the all-new IBMSpod, leading virologist and Fellow Dr Sarah Pitt chats to Rob & Jordan about her experience appearing on national TV highlighting the work of Biomedical Scientists throughout the pandemic. Later, she explains the science behind the new COVID-19 vaccines.

Meanwhile, Helen is joined by Gogglebox star and Biomedical Scientist Umar Siddiqui for an insight into his working day and experience filming with his family on the show.

Also features IBMS News - an round up of all the latest headlines from the IBMS.

Show note links:

Sarah Pitt's survey: https://brightonpsychology.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4THAim5YenZgm2N

A meeting with Lord Bethall: https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/a-meeting-with-lord-bethell/

Rapid Testing Statement: https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/sars-cov-2-rapid-testing-options/

Guidance on membership renewals: https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/renew-your-membership-for-2021/

PGD Consultation: https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/nhs-consultation-for-administering-medicines-closes-soon/

IBMS President Presents to Parliamentary Committee: www.ibms.org/resources/news/ibm…mentary-committee/

Register for The Biomedical Scientist rerun: live.thebiomedicalscientist.net.

In Episode 1 of the all-new IBMSpod Rob and Jordan chat to AH Biomedical Scientist of the Year Dr Guy Orchard. In a wide-ranging conversation, Guy discussed how a trip to the local delicatessen inspired him to develop two new pathology products patented for clinical use. Guy also talked about his motivations and passions for the field and how science can be like painting.

In this month's social media questions, members seek career progression tips, as well as inquire about COVID-19 and his recent AH award.

In LabLife, Helen is joined by beer brewing Biomedical Scientist Emma Victory for an insight into her diagnostic labwork with parasites and her passion for real ale, brewing and judging competitions.

Also features IBMS News - an round up of all the latest headlines from the IBMS.

Show note links:

IBMS Members win at AHA Awards: https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/ibms-members-win-at-2020-ahawards/

The Biomedical Scientist Live: https://live.thebiomedicalscientist.net/

NHS Consultation for Administering Medicines: https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/nhs-england-consultation-for-administering-medicines/

IBMS Fellows Recognised on Queen’s Honours List: https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/ibms-fellows-recognised-on-queens-honours-list/

IBMS President Presents to Parliamentary Committee: https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/ibms-president-presents-to-parliamentary-committee/

National Pathology Week: https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/national-pathology-week-2020/

The IBMS Biopod is a monthly podcast for members. Each episode features experts from the field discussing their work and talking about the latest developments. This month's guest is IBMS President Allan Wilson.

*Please note: this interview was done through Zoom and a couple of small portions of the dialogue are broken

IBMS Deputy Chief Executive discusses her popular 'Generation XYZ' and the differences in the generations and what makes them tick

The IBMS Biopod is a monthly podcast for members. Each episode will feature experts from the field discussing their research and talking about the latest developments. This month's guests are Ben Courtney UKAS and Debra Padgett IBMS Fellow and Council Member

With self-directed learning becoming increasingly important for staying up to date with the latest research and news and developing knowledge for the wide range of IBMS exams, the podcast is hoped to be a valuable learning and CPD resource for members.

With self-directed learning becoming increasingly important for staying up to date with the latest research and news and developing knowledge for the wide range of IBMS exams, the podcast is hoped to be a valuable learning and CPD resource for members.

The IBMS Biopod is a monthly podcast for members. Each episode will feature experts from the field discussing their research and talking about the latest developments. This month's guest is IBMS member Siobhan Taylor