In order to work as a Medical laboratory Scientist, a Bachelor’s
Degree in Applied Biomedical Science (BSc ABS) is the basic entry requirement.
However Scientists are encouraged to further their studies, in fact many among us pursued
with a Master Degree.
What attracted you to
take up your profession and to the health service?
I have always wanted a Healthcare related profession, as science has
always been my passion and close to heart. However, I have been apprehensive about
the idea of having direct patient contact. Therefore, I chose a career which,
whilst providing critical results to the patients, allowing for specific
diagnosis and treatment, at the same time it has very minimal patient contact.
What motivates you most?
I am motivated by how innovation improves quality of life of the
patient. Our profession is constantly evolving, and I am always on the lookout
on how to improve our diagnostic services. Discussions with foreign
institutions on emerging technologies and approaches are extremely important
and I always strive and ensure that contacts with foreign institutions and
experts in the field are made and maintained. Such connections empower us with
knowledge and expertise. Seeing my team keen to learn and uptake new
opportunities and innovate is a key motivator.
What about the teamwork
between different professions/roles involved in relation to patient care?
Patient care is the focus of our profession. In the field of
Haemato-Oncology, a multidisciplinary approach is essential to obtain a
complete and specific diagnosis. This entails meetings to discuss our
laboratory findings, both between us Medical laboratory Scientists and also
with clinical teams in other professions. Correlating our results with the
clinical picture in order to shed light on the best treatment approaches is the
hallmark of a holistic patient care. In fact I ensure that such multidisciplinary
meetings are organized on a regular basis.
Can you give us one
challenge and one success story?
A challenge which I experienced in my career, and eventually turned
out to be one successful story, is when in 2005 we wanted to introduce the
system that is required to diagnose patients with Leukemias and Lymphomas. Up
to that time, patients’ samples presenting with these tumors had to be sent
abroad for analysis, leading to delay in diagnosis and treatment. So in 2005 I
travelled to the UK for a work experience within the Flow Cytometry Laboratory
Core Facility at the Royal Marsden Hospital (RMH). This was a challenging
experience as the system was completely new to me and I had to learn all the
concepts and techniques during my stay at the RMH.
Once this experience was complete, I returned to Malta to set up the
system locally. Although this proved challenging, within few months the system
was up and running with local patients benefitting from the system’s output by
having a rapid, same day diagnosis with immediate treatment initiation. Thereafter
we have advanced considerably and currently have a standardized approach which
is compatible with Haemato-Oncology centers around Europe. So I would say it
turned out to be one successful story.
What advice would you give
to young students considering taking up this profession?
Medical Laboratory Science is an extremely interesting and evolving
profession. As a profession we are involved in both diagnosis and also the
monitoring of the treatment pathways of the patients. Therefore, as Medical
Laboratory Scientists, we contribute to the overall patient care. Additionally,
the way treatment approaches are approaches are developing into patient centered ones, the
role of the Medical Laboratory Scientist is becoming increasing interesting and
exciting.
What are the benefits of
working with the public service?
The Health Services in Malta are mostly
centralized, this allows for specializations in specific scientific areas, such
as that of Haemato-Oncology diagnostics and monitoring. Working in the public
sector provides the satisfaction that my work is directly reaching the patients
who are most in need. My satisfaction is that these patients are benefiting
from an excellent service through hard work and dedication.