Shazmeen Hansrod

After completing my undergraduate degree (MChem Pharmaceutical Chemistry) at the University of Leicester, I decided to pursue a professional career in the scientific field. I had thoroughly enjoyed my undergraduate research project which involved the synthesis and characterisation of bioconjugated Rhenium complexes and so it was important that my job role would allow me to contribute to ongoing research. I was successful in applying for the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) which is a postgraduate entry programme leading to more senior scientist roles within the NHS. It involves a specifically commissioned and accredited Masters degree in Clinical Pharmaceutical Science and certification of achievement of work-based training. When I complete my 3-year training in September 2016, I will be awarded a Certificate of Attainment from the Academy for Healthcare Science and will be eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council. 

Since commencing my training, I have rotated between NHS Hospitals, working in areas of technical and clinical Pharmacy including Radiopharmacy, Quality Assurance Services, Aseptic Processing and Large scale Batch Manufacturing. I have felt an affinity for Radiopharmacy in particular and so the majority of my training has been Radiopharmacy based. The training programme has given me many opportunities including a visit to the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) in Vienna. In addition, I was encouraged to present some of my research on Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy (a nuclear medicine study used to measure the rate of gastric emptying) at the BNMS (British Nuclear Medicine Society) Spring Conference 2015. I was awarded the 1st place student prize for my abstract submission and also the Radiopharmacy prize for my oral presentation. The photo shows me being awarded my prize by the BNMS President Dr Alp Notghi. 

I am due to complete my training soon and hope to find a permanent position as a Clinical Radiopharmaceutical Scientist. The role will involve day-to-day running of a Radiopharmacy, as well as contributing to the Quality Assurance of the service provided and ample opportunities for research. In five years, I hope to progress onto a more senior position where I may have more managerial responsibilities and involvement in changing critical services. My undergraduate degree at the University of Leicester has been an essential part of my professional career and provided me with the required academic background for my current role as a clinical scientist within the NHS.