Errem Sabah is a BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences (Physiology & Pharmacology) graduate. She secured a job as a Clinical Trials Assistant at the Leeds Teaching Hospital (NHS) after graduating, which led to a senior position. Her job entails working on different types of haematological malignancies trials, but more recently working on Paroxysmal Nocturnal Haemoglobinuria (PNH) trials. Hear about her experience as a Leeds Beckett student and the benefits her course offered.

Course: BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you've been doing since you graduated

Since graduating, I have worked at Leeds Teaching Hospitals (NHS) for more than two years and worked alongside other departments such as the Haematological malignancy Diagnostic Services (HMDS) and the Leeds Clinical Research Facility. I have worked on various types of haematological malignancies trials like acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. However, over the years I have preferred to work on PNH disease.

What have been the highlights and challenges of your career so far?

The proudest and biggest highlight within my career so far has been getting promoted to a senior level and helping train up new candidates who have just joined the department, some of which have come from Leeds Beckett University. This was also challenging for me as due to Covid-19 and the social distancing in place, I had to prepare sources through online training and provide live examples such as using EDC systems provided by the sponsor so that the candidates understood the concepts of clinical trials. 

Another highlight is that the research study I was part of will be published in spring 2022. The study established the mutation status of patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia, and Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic Leukaemia (Ph+ALL) is one of many trials I have helped work on. 

How has your experience studying at Leeds becket influenced you and your career?

Since a young age, I have always been interested in science. I chose Leeds Beckett University as Leeds is home for me, and I am familiar with the city. I have relatives who studied at Leeds Beckett and gave me many positive reviews about it. I felt that Leeds Beckett would stand me in good stead for employability, which turned out to be accurate.

The University staff are very supportive and easily approachable. They offer guidance throughout your studies. The University also provides a careers service and helpful workshops. The course I studied aligned me with my career direction. The experience I gained from my time on the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences course has been beneficial for me and relevant to my place of work. It prepared me to understand the pathophysiology of the human body, the associated diseases and treatments.

What did you enjoy about your course and what advice would you give someone thinking about studying this course?

I really enjoyed being a student at Leeds Beckett, I learned so much and found passion in areas I never thought would interest me. The sessions delivered were fun and engaging, we had a variety of lecturers from different science areas and delivered great content. 

I was mostly drawn into learning about human physiology and discovering how disease can affect the body’s natural process, along with current and novel therapies. There was a lot of flexibility given into what learning pathways to choose from and I was able to create my own study pathway which suited my interests. 

I also enjoyed the hands-on laboratory practical sessions which were part of mandatory elements of some of the modules such as Microbiology, Medical Microbiology and Medicine. My advice for current and future students is to take up all the opportunities and really enjoy the university experience. 

Here are a few tips I have for people on the course:

• Time Management: Always plan, make use of a personal diary or a calendar because during your studies you will be given multiple assignments and projects which may have tight deadlines. 
• Revise: Prepare and revise well ahead of exams as then you won’t find the intensity of the exam period so challenging.
• Techniques: Learn to be organised, take notes and make full use of books, online articles and journals, as this will help you develop your critical thinking. 

What's next for you?

In the future, after completing my MSc in Haematology, I am looking forward to undertaking a PhD possible associated with Haematological Malignancies.