Scientist Training Programme 2021 - Clinical Biochemistry

Hello all. Does anyone know what exactly is meant by the reflective appraisal? Has it replaced the 4 questions that are typically asked on the application form or has it been added to the 4 questions? And by a reflective appraisal, are they looking for a supporting/personal statement type of bulk text? Does anyone know how many words they are expecting/we are allowed if so? Also, can anyone explain to me the time constraints when you start the application? I understand that in previous years there was a time constraint, is this on the entire application? As the questions and word limits were known before, this would have allowed you to prepare and then copy and paste your answers so it took less time, not sure how it will work this year. If we don't find out before we start the application, we may have to amend and be against the clock? Sorry for all the questions. Thanks :smile:

Reply 22

OP

I believe only the aptitude tests were timed before and I'm not sure about the application for this year as its different I would say a personal statement would be a good place to start and maybe make amendments as they announce it, its only a week now anyways tbf. and it has replaced the 4 questions I believe. Dont quote me but I think the SJT are 50 mins for 25 questions, it says somewhere on the website.

Reply 23

Nishp2812

Hi All,I am applying for Clinical Biochem this year 3rd time ! I am so glad they've removed the aptitude tests in favour of SJT, those 2 25 minutes tests have haunted me! (haha) Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone has looked at the example questions for the SJT? What are your thoughts on these? Also has anyone seen the lists of locations yet? Thanks :smile:

Reply 24

OP

Original post by Nishp2812

Hi All,I am applying for Clinical Biochem this year 3rd time ! I am so glad they've removed the aptitude tests in favour of SJT, those 2 25 minutes tests have haunted me! (haha) Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone has looked at the example questions for the SJT? What are your thoughts on these? Also has anyone seen the lists of locations yet? Thanks :smile:

Hi snap I'm applying for the 3rd time too. I definitely wasn't that sure how to answer the example question, I've bought a study pack for the sjt but I think its easier than the real one will be. Locations I'm hoping they announce on the 25th

Reply 25

Jbogtar

Original post by Memphis_Cara

Hi snap I'm applying for the 3rd time too. I definitely wasn't that sure how to answer the example question, I've bought a study pack for the sjt but I think its easier than the real one will be. Locations I'm hoping they announce on the 25th

Hi! Where did you purchase the study pack from?

Reply 26

OP

Original post by Jbogtar

Hi! Where did you purchase the study pack from?

I used job prep tests because they were a good resource for the numerical and logical reasoning but I bought that before they told us about the change so I'm just using SJT on there. If you're looking to buy its probably better to shop around as none of them are medicine related scenarios like in the example. Someone has posted about some resources in the main STP 2021 page :smile:

Reply 27

Bh22us

9

Hey all,
I love biochemistry.. currently doing a PhD in cancer research...
BUT after watching the videos/open days of current STPs in different fields and then comparing them with biochem, I feel like its mostly just lab work.. I feel like I'd like a more patient facing role.. plus my aim is to do the hsst and then become a consultant.. it seems like there are more consultant level vacancies for new fields like Cancer geomics or Cardiac sciences than biochem... Just so confused where I should go for biochem or something else since we can only choose one specialism now . Can you all please tell me what made you choose biochemistry?

Reply 28

OP

Original post by Bh22us

Hey all,
I love biochemistry.. currently doing a PhD in cancer research...
BUT after watching the videos/open days of current STPs in different fields and then comparing them with biochem, I feel like its mostly just lab work.. I feel like I'd like a more patient facing role.. plus my aim is to do the hsst and then become a consultant.. it seems like there are more consultant level vacancies for new fields like Cancer geomics or Cardiac sciences than biochem... Just so confused where I should go for biochem or something else since we can only choose one specialism now . Can you all please tell me what made you choose biochemistry?

Hiya, so typically a clinical scientist in biochem is office based, they often need to pop in and out the laboratory and will also spend a significant amount of time in department meetings, during training I imagine you'll spend a lot of time in the lab as it does take a significant amount of time to learn just how the lab operates, competences etc.
For me I'm a massive fan of diagnostics and anatomy and physiology so I chose Blood sciences, I have a passion for Haematology aswell but I'm working in Biochem and there are very few clinical scientist roles in Haematology. I super enjoy working on implementing new assays, auditing, problem solving, teaching so I think its a good fit, I've wanted to do this for so long now 🤞🏽 How about you, what is it that draws you to Biochem ?

Reply 29

JadeN92

17

Original post by Bh22us

Hey all,
I love biochemistry.. currently doing a PhD in cancer research...
BUT after watching the videos/open days of current STPs in different fields and then comparing them with biochem, I feel like its mostly just lab work.. I feel like I'd like a more patient facing role.. plus my aim is to do the hsst and then become a consultant.. it seems like there are more consultant level vacancies for new fields like Cancer geomics or Cardiac sciences than biochem... Just so confused where I should go for biochem or something else since we can only choose one specialism now . Can you all please tell me what made you choose biochemistry?

It was an easy choice for me, I'm a BMS in biochemistry so I love working in the lab and I've been able to shadow the clinical scientists so I know I would enjoy doing it.

Reply 30

Lucie9506

Original post by Bh22us

Hey all,
I love biochemistry.. currently doing a PhD in cancer research...
BUT after watching the videos/open days of current STPs in different fields and then comparing them with biochem, I feel like its mostly just lab work.. I feel like I'd like a more patient facing role.. plus my aim is to do the hsst and then become a consultant.. it seems like there are more consultant level vacancies for new fields like Cancer geomics or Cardiac sciences than biochem... Just so confused where I should go for biochem or something else since we can only choose one specialism now . Can you all please tell me what made you choose biochemistry?

Hi! I have a lab-based background and have always enjoyed/been interested in that side of medicine rather than a patient-facing role. so knowing that, I looked through all the blood science specialisms and went to visit immunology & biochem departments, and spoke to genomics trainees, and instantly loved biochemistry. I always enjoyed biochemistry as a subject but as far as I’m aware (from what STP trainees have said), clinical biochem is quite different to what you learn in a biochemistry degree. What interests me the most are the techniques and assays used in clinical biochem, and the types of biomarkers investigated in that specialism. The role of the clinical scientist is also more of a ‘managerial’ role in the lab, making sure all the assays are running correctly & that diagnostic results are accurate, optimising assays etc which really appeals to me. It is majority office-based and it definitely doesn’t involve any patient contact, except for sitting in some clinics while you’re training. I would suggest trying to get as much info about all the potential specialisms you are interested in and see which one ticks all the boxes of a career you’re interested in :smile:

Reply 31

Lucie9506

The locations have just been released on the NSHCS website - I unfortunately wont be able to apply this year as there are no South West positions for Clinical Biochem (I'll focus on the Wales one when that opens), but good luck to the rest of you for this year! :smile:

Reply 32

OP

Original post by Bh22us

Hey All, I managed to book a meeting wirh a consultant clinical scientist and I'm struggling to write down the questions I should ask. Can anyone help a sister out and give me some examples of what I should ask? So that I dont look like a fool 🙈 I have thought about asking what their day to day work involves and what they are looking in a potential candidate, what to expect from the interview. Any tips on the application or SJTs. What else should I ask? 🙈

Gosh that's a difficult one, umm I'd also ask about accreditation bodies and the examinations for those, laboratory accreditation aswell cause a large part of their role is also to help the lab maintain that. Biggest challenges they have to face in the job and the HSST if you want to know about that.

Reply 33

OP

Also for anyone who didn't know the school is hosting a webinar in ~20 mins at 2pm today.

Reply 34

Nishp2812

I am really gutted there are no positions in yorkshire!
Is anyone changing specalism or waiting until next year?

Also what are your reasons for wanting to become a clinical scientist?

Reply 35

CharlotteMay21_

Hi everyone, I submitted an application for clinical biochem and have completed the SJT also.
It is my first time applying so I am feeling nervous reading how competitive this position is!

Reply 36

Bh22us

9

Does anyone know at what stage of the recruitment process they check our documents? Qualifications study etc?

Reply 37

Nishp2812

Original post by CharlotteMay21_

Hi everyone, I submitted an application for clinical biochem and have completed the SJT also.
It is my first time applying so I am feeling nervous reading how competitive this position is!

How did you find the SJT?

Reply 38

EHosken1

Hi, this is all I have too! I'm really struggling with the application. Have you finished yours?

Reply 39

OP