How do you describe your job when you meet people at a party?
A Clinical Laboratory Scientist, who looks after the patients when hospitals are closed, and ensures optimal and quality services
What is ‘cutting-edge’ about your work?
Presently investigating photobiomodulation mechanisms in immunopathogenesis of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE), the most studied animal model of human multiple sclerosis. This is aimed at annexing body’s cellular mechanisms to achieve therapeutic outcomes
What are the biggest implications your work will/could have in the future?
A new or adjunct therapy for MS patient!
Describe some of the highlights of your average day.
Pray in the morning, Go to school/Lab at 8:00AM, Teach or work on my dissertation between 9:00AM till I am done (usually 9:00PM or later)
Describe briefly how your career has progressed to date.
I started as a laboratory Scientist (teaching and diagnostic services, some research), I then enrolled for MSc study in Biomedical Science with the goal of improving knowledge, skills and services. I am presently completing my PhD dissertation. I have steady academic and professional development.
How is your job cross-disciplinary?
As a Clinical Laboratory Scientist in training, I took classes across Health Sciences, Biological Sciences, Physical Science. This prepared me for career challenges and I am able to intellectually interact with professionals outside my field of expertise. Presently about to complete an Interdisciplinary PhD Health Science (Immunology) program. I have been able to expand my general knowledge and attain a more admirable level of academic and professional competence
How well is your job compensated? What is the starting salary for your field, and how much can this be expected to rise?
I do not believe Clinical Laboratory Scientists are well compensated, but that said, the profession ranks among the top jobs in UK and USA. There is an increasing need for clinical laboratory experts’ services around the world. Here in the US, a Clinical Laboratory Scientist is started on $40 000 pa with/without a sign-on bonus of around $5 000 depending on organization
How do you see your field developing over the next 5-10 years?
Talking about professional development, there is need for all scientists to realize the call for continuous professional development (structured or individualized). This is very important in other to be ready for geometric restructuring and development going on at the profession level across the globe. The professional doctorate in Clinical laboratory Science is a brilliant idea that can improve understanding of laboratory science practices, encourage specialization and develop a high level of responsibility among qualified individuals. All Clinical Laboratory Science programs should include a structured academic and professional development in their curriculum
What’s the most unexpected thing about your job?
A Clinical Laboratory Scientist sworn to all ethics of professionalism, but litigation on the ground of professional negligence is not what a Clinical Laboratory Scientist would like. This also reiterates the need for in-depth knowledge of ones profession. Other than this, I do not think a professional Clinical Laboratory Scientist should be caught on guard for new professional, academic or social developments
What’s the biggest achievement of your career so far?
I consider this to being able to positively impact different individuals (patients, students and friends), with my professional experience and skills put smiles on my face all the time. I have repeatedly experienced this, and can say is the biggest achievement of my laboratory profession career. Achievements in academic career are improving and I have published research articles and working on my PhD dissertation. These attainments are big achievement for me
