In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, leadership plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of essential services. Alka Darbar, newly appointed as an 8A in Microbiology, exemplifies a leader deeply committed to both her field and her team. In this interview, Alka reflects on her career journey, responsibilities in her new role, and her vision for the future of microbiology.
A pathway to leadership
Alka’s passion for microbiology began during her studies, where she pursued a BSc in Biomedical Science, with a focus on microbiology.
“I’ve always been driven by a desire to improve patient care,”
she explains.
“The more I progressed, the more I realised that I could make a greater impact through leadership, where I could be involved in better patient management.”
SWLP has provided Alka with numerous opportunities to grow professionally.
“SWLP has supported me and the entire staff with extensive training, allowing us to flourish and offer the best possible care,”
she says.
Alka remains humble about her achievements, though it’s clear she’s earned her success.
“I’m not a genius,”
she laughs.
“Everyone has their own way of doing things. But what motivates me is always striving to do better, for the sake of better patient outcomes.”
Taking on new responsibilities
As Technical Lead in Microbiology, Alka’s role has expanded significantly from her previous position as a quality officer.
“In my new role, I’m responsible for the overall running of the lab, including both
the bacteriology and virology sections. I ensure that all patient samples are processed efficiently, and results are available in a timely manner for clinicians to make crucial decisions.”
Alka’s responsibilities now include managing staff, overseeing rotas, and handling troubleshooting – a dynamic and challenging aspect of her role that she enjoys.
“Things can go from perfect to worst quickly, so I love the problem-solving element of my job. I also pride myself on being approachable, which is key when things need to be addressed as a team.”
When asked how her new role differs from her previous position, she highlights the shift from supporting the lab to owning and managing it.
“As a quality officer, I focused on the quality aspects of microbiology. Now, I’m directly responsible for the lab and the staff – a significant change, but one I truly enjoy.”
Challenges and opportunities in microbiology
Alka acknowledges that troubleshooting is one of the biggest challenges in her new position.
“Things can escalate quickly, and we need to act fast to ensure everything runs smoothly. It’s about being prepared for the unexpected and finding solutions.”
Despite the challenges, Alka is excited about the future. One project she’s particularly enthusiastic about is the Kiestra refresh, a key initiative at SWLP.
“We’re replacing the existing lines with new ones, and I’ll be leading this project. It’s a major undertaking, but I’m looking forward to ensuring everything goes smoothly and on time.”
Leading with empathy and collaboration
As someone who has risen through the ranks in the NHS, Alka believes that successful leadership in microbiology, or any scientific field, starts with empathy.
“A good leader needs to be empathetic, able to listen, and act on staff concerns. Communication is key to building a team that feels valued and supported.”
Alka sees herself as a crucial link between management and staff.
“I collaborate with both sides equally. My role is to ensure that staff concerns are communicated to management and that management’s messages are filtered down to the team. It’s about finding a balance and maintaining strong relationships on both sides.”
Daily interactions with her team are a priority for Alka.
“I make rounds in the lab every morning, not just to check on workloads, but to see how everyone is doing. Building that rapport is important. It’s my way of staying connected with the team and ensuring they know I’m there to support them.”
Advice for aspiring leaders
For those looking to follow in her footsteps, Alka has some valuable advice:
“Never shy away from hard work. Always volunteer for projects and get involved as much as possible. Be consistent in what you do and believe in your ability to achieve your goals.”
Alka also emphasises the importance of training and education.
“In a field like microbiology, knowledge is power. Make sure to complete your specialist portfolio, pursue further education like a master’s degree, and stay up to date with your competencies. The more knowledge you have, the more you can contribute to both patient care and your career.”
Outside of microbiology
Outside of her work, Alka’s life is filled with family and a passion for learning. Spending time with her family is her top priority, providing her with balance and joy. When it comes to hobbies, she describes
herself as someone who can’t sit still, always seeking out new challenges.
Currently, she’s learning how to swim—a skill her entire family already has, which motivated her to take it up.
She also enjoys Zumba, a physically demanding but energising activity that keeps her on her toes. For Alka, these pursuits are more than just hobbies; they’re opportunities to continually push herself to learn and grow.
