What tasks does your job include? What do you love about your job the most?

Overall, my job involves performing analysis of blood and other body fluids to aid clinicians in the diagnosis of different diseases. This involves performing tests to determine the concentrations of specific substances present in blood and body fluids, examining the morphology of different blood cells and also crossmatching compatible blood products for transfusion.

As a scientist, I enjoy performing these tests, following the scientific process. I also get satisfaction from how we contribute to a positive outcome for the patient, as the results from the tests we perform provide valuable information to clinicians to aid in diagnosing and treating different diseases.

What was your study journey to get this job?

I started study in my first year out of high school. I studied a Bachelor of Health, majoring in Medical Laboratory Science, at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ).

What are your future plans for work and study?

My future plans are to gain permanent employment as a medical scientist.

What is one thing about your study and/or job that you would love to share with people considering this career?

My one piece of advice to anyone considering working as a medical scientist would be to make the most of any experience you can have in a laboratory. This may include work experience, university placements, or paid employment, such as working as a phlebotomist (drawing blood) or working in the pre-analytical department. Any laboratory experience you can get will put you a step ahead when it comes to landing a job as a medical scientist.