Meera Mylvaganam, an Advanced Biomedical Scientist specialising in Cellular Pathology, has recently achieved a significant milestone in her career by earning a rare qualification in diagnostic cytology which allows her to report on malignant exfoliative cytology cases. She is one of only 12 BMSs in the country to hold the qualification. Her journey, which began nearly two decades ago, has been marked by perseverance, dedication, and an unwavering passion for clinical work.
The journey to a rare qualification
Meera’s career began in 2005 when she secured a trainee position in the field of diagnostic cytology. This role involved the meticulous preparation of samples for consultants, sparking her interest in the diagnostic side of pathology. By 2006, she had earned her HCPC registration as a biomedical scientist, and in 2010, she completed her MSc, further solidifying her expertise in the field.
In 2016, Meera achieved her Diploma in Expert Practice (DEP) in diagnostic cytology, a qualification that allowed her to report on negative exfoliative cytology cases independently. However, the recent achievement of her Advanced Specialist Diploma (ASD) in July 2023 has taken her capabilities to new heights. With this qualification, she is now able to independently report on malignant exfoliative cytology cases—a responsibility that was once the exclusive domain of consultants. This advancement grants her greater autonomy and represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.
In addition to Meera’s achievement, her colleagues David Bean and Morgan Long have also reached significant milestones by completing their ASD in Histological Reporting and working towards Stage D qualifications, respectively. Their success, alongside Meera’s, highlights the strong resilience and expertise within the Cellular Pathology department. Together, they represent a growing cohort of Biomedical Scientists (BMS) who are taking on advanced reporting responsibilities, further strengthening the department’s capacity to provide high-quality patient care.
A passion for clinical reporting
Meera’s success is not just a product of her qualifications but also of the strong support network she has built over the years. She credits the consultants who have mentored her, allowing her to work on cases that were initially outside of her scope. This hands-on experience has been instrumental in building her confidence and expertise.
Meera’s passion for clinical work is evident in her enthusiasm for the investigative aspects of her role. She relishes the challenge of piecing together different elements—from slides to patient histories and imaging results—to arrive at a final diagnosis. This investigative curiosity, as she describes it, is a driving force behind her work. The satisfaction of contributing to a patient’s diagnostic pathway, aiding in their treatment, and seeing everything “fall into place” is what fuels her passion for cytology.
Impact on the department and beyond
Meera’s new qualification not only enhances her own capabilities but also has a profound impact on her department. By taking on cases that would typically be handled by consultants, Meera helps alleviate their workload, allowing them to focus on more complex cases. This redistribution of tasks is crucial for improving the department’s efficiency and turnaround times, making the entire team more effective.
Her role also underscores the evolving landscape of biomedical science. Traditionally seen as a technical field, Meera’s work exemplifies how biomedical scientists can take on more clinical responsibilities, bridging the gap between laboratory work and direct patient care. This shift is reflective of broader changes in the field, where qualifications like the ASD are opening up new career pathways for scientific staff.
Looking to the future
Meera’s journey is far from over. She envisions a future where she continues to play a vital role in clinical reporting, helping to push the boundaries of what biomedical scientists can achieve. Her passion for cytology and her commitment to her field make her a trailblazer, not just within her department but in the wider biomedical science community.
In her own words, Meera’s career goal has always been to take on a more clinical role, and with her recent qualification, she is well on her way to fulfilling that ambition. Her achievements serve as an inspiration to others in the field, demonstrating what is possible with dedication, support, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Meera’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and progress. She wishes to step into this new role with greater responsibilities and opportunities, she continues to set a high standard in Cytology. Her journey serves as a testament to the impact that skilled and dedicated biomedical scientists can have on patient care and the advancement of medical science. Congratulations to Meera on a fantastic achievement