IBMS Congress

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Delegate Comments

Thoughts on Congress 2009 from a selection of delegates

Robert Hallam, Leeds Teaching Hospital

"I'm finding the lectures at this year's congress very stimulating, particularly those covering areas like research in the Immunology field. I've been fortunate enough to speak to some of the guest speakers after the talks have ended and it has been very thought-provoking to hear their opinions on how certain practices can be implemented in the NHS laboratory."

"On the social end of things, it's always good to meet up with fellow colleagues, past and present. Many of them now work at different NHS Trusts, so its always interesting to compare and contrast any challenges faced within the laboratory environment."

Sandy Phan, Charing Cross Hospital

"This is my third Congress now and I'm enjoying myself immensely. I've always appreciated the organised layout here and everything is within easy reach. The only thing is, there is so much going on that it's hard to see everything!" 

"The exhibition stands are a highlight for me this year. It's fascinating to see the latest advances in technology, particularly in the fields of Immunology and Cytology. The stands paint a very broad picture of what is going on outside of the lab as a whole."

"I always make sure that I'm at the plenary session. I like to hear the perspective of prominent figures within biomedical science and their stance on what direction the profession should be taking."

 

WO 2 Richard Boutell, T A Medical Services

"The main purpose of our presence at Congress is to recruit qualified professionals who would be of great benefit to the Territorial Army and have a state-registered team across the board. This year has been very productive, as we have ten leads to take away and a couple of possible recruits." 

"As a trade member, I like to network and liaise with other exhibitors, but I've always found Congress very educational as a non-BMS. It's interesting to pick up on the multi faceted nature of biomedical science and its' inner workings."  

Kathryn Blackburn, Addenbrookes Hospital

"This is my first Congress and I'm a little excited and nervous at the same time, as I have a poster presentation in an hour. I'm expecting everything to go smoothly, so fingers crossed." 

"I'm a one-day delegate this year, but in future I would definitely come back for the full three days as there is just so much to experience. It's a great opportunity to gain more knowledge areas that are important to me, such as Specialist Portfolio and CPD. Overall I think that for those at the formative stages of their careers, Congress is an essential experience."