Lesley Bloomberg, due to graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science at the end of the year, has been completing his studies while working full-time at Wellington’s Awanui Laboratory, taking care of his family, and adjusting to New Zealand as an immigrant from South Africa.
With more than 18 years’ experience in histology, Lesley Bloomberg's commitment to learning motivated him to pursue further study while juggling full-time work, family life, and a new life in Aotearoa New Zealand.
It was this commitment that motivated him to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science by distance – all while working as second-in-command at Pōneke Wellington’s Awanui Labs and establishing a new community as an immigrant from South Africa.
“One of the significant transitions in my career was moving from South Africa to New Zealand around four years ago,” Lesley says.
“It involved adapting to a new environment, different workplace systems, and new professional expectations, all while rebuilding aspects of our personal life like finding a new community.”
Prior to immigrating, Lesley was the Head of Department in a histology laboratory in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.
Histology looks at the microscopic anatomy of cells and tissues for diagnostic, forensic, and research purposes, including diagnosing conditions like cancer.
Lesley’s developed a strong appreciation for the role histology plays in patient diagnosis and treatment and wanted to learn more about this from a university based in the country he now calls home.
“As histology continues to evolve due to advances in immunohistochemistry, molecular testing, and genomic technologies, I became especially interested in returning to university to understand more about how the quality of tissue processing and preparation can influence the suitability of specimens for molecular testing.”
Lesley doesn’t shy away from expressing how postgraduate study has been both challenging and rewarding. He says full-time work in a histology lab requires a high level of concentration and so finding time to do this to a high standard, support his family, and prioritise studying required a great deal of discipline and planning.
“There are times when things can feel overwhelming, though I found it most helpful to keep reminding myself why I started this journey focusing on goals motivated me to manage my time as effectively as possible.”
Lesley says being able to connect what he’s learnt academically with what he encounters in the laboratory has made his postgraduate journey invaluable and would encourage others to invest into their education.
“One of the things that has stood out to me is how much there is still to learn, even after many years in the profession, with my studies helping me appreciate the connection between laboratory practice and research.”
Postgraduate study has also reinforced his belief that a person’s career can take many different pathways.
Lesley says it is never too late to continue learning, even when it’s daunting, and hopes his journey encourages other laboratory professionals to consider further study.
“It is about continuing to grow, contributing to the future of medical laboratory science, and continually making a positive difference in the world around us.”
Kōrero by the Division of Health Sciences Communications Adviser, Kelsey Swart