Rosalie Ward BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science, MSc Pathological Science, FIBMS
Section Lead - Cellular Immunology/Cell Markers
Ros started her career at the Royal Hallamshire hospital as a Junior B MLSO aged of 18, rotating through all the sections of Haematology and Blood Transfusion. Throughout the years I have seen many changes moving from manual science techniques to the more sophisticated automated analysis that we take for granted today. In my early career I was interested in Haemoglobinopathies and as part of my MSc practical project; I set up a PCR technique to identify 2 of the most common Alpha thalassemia mutations, for which I won 1st prize for the poster presentation at IBMS congress in 1995. The department continued to provide this as a routine test for a time. In 2000 my career took a different turn when I gained promotion as a senior BMS in Cell Markers/ Immunophenotyping. As part of this role I was also the departmental training officer and saw the BMS registration process change from the old style log book to the IBMS’s new generic portfolio which was a steep learning curve for us all. I also developed close links with Sheffield Hallam university and was guest lecturer on both their BSc Biomedical Sciences course and the Pathological Sciences MSc course, where I was also involved with organising the course programme for the Haematological malignancy unit and exam marking. During my time as a senior in immunophenotyping, I have experienced evolving technologies, and changes to methodology, whilst been involved in setting up new tests, method evaluation, instrument evaluation and tender processes. I am now the section lead for the immunophenotyping section, having worked in the field of immunophenotyping and flow cytometry for over 19 years. I have seen many staff rotate through the section over this time and been able to pass on my knowledge to them. For a time I was on the International clinical cytometry society (ICCS) educational committee, contributing to producing the quarterly ICCS e-newsletter. Outside of flow cytometry, I also have a keen interest in morphology and have been keen to expand my skills into reporting bone marrow aspirates, which complements immunophenotyping perfectly. Perhaps one of the most challenging roles I have encountered in recent times has been preparation for our 1st UKAS inspection and have now reached a milestone in my career in receiving a long service award for 30 years at Sheffield Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Tel: 0114 226 7666
