Announcing our new President Elect 2021

Debra has been an HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist for twenty years. She has an MSc in Medical Microbiology and Post Grad qualifications in Leadership, Management and Organisational Development. She is a Chartered Scientist and a Fellow of the IBMS. Debra started her career as a Medical Laboratory Assistant in Microbiology and has successfully worked her way through the career grades to her current role as Infection Sciences Operational Manager in North Cumbria. She is proud of being able to understand the many routes available towards achieving a senior management position within the profession.

Having spent 5 years as Pathology Quality Manager during the transition to ISO 15189, Debra was involved in delivering the inaugural Quality symposium at the IBMS Congress and the subsequent conferences held around the country to support our members.  She is actively involved in shaping the quality agenda for the Institute and is currently a module tutor on the CEP in Quality Management.

On the announcement of her confirmation, Debra said:

I am as passionate about promoting and recognising excellence in all members of our professional body now as I was when I joined the Institute 20 years ago. In my eight years as an IBMS Council member I have had the privilege of advocating, listening, representing and addressing the issues that are important to our membership at national and local level.

I credit the IBMS with making me the Biomedical Scientist I am today and I can think of no greater honour than now being able to represent our amazing profession with passion and commitment as President Elect.  Whilst the pandemic has been devastating for so many we must capitalise on the opportunity that has been afforded to us. Engaging with key stakeholders and building on reinvigorated relationships must be priority for me as your next President. I am certain that the Institute can drive change and I would wish us to be ready to take this opportunity where our knowledge and experience can be used to best effect.

IBMS President Allan Wilson will work alongside Debra over the next year as she takes on the role of President Elect.  Allan commented:

I am delighted to congratulate Debra on her election to President Elect and I look forward to working closely with her in the second year of my presidency to ensure a smooth handover in 2022. I am well aware of Debra’s commitment to the Institute from my six years working with her on Council. I am certain Debra will be a highly effective president and will lead on the successful delivery of our strategy.