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Staff spotlight: Laura Arnold

Name: Laura Arnold
Job title: Anatomy Assistant
Year started at BSMS: 2021

Tell us a bit about your background

I have a bachelor’s degree in Anatomical Science from Cardiff University. After University I had a break from working in a lab environment and took a job in the travel industry for a few years. I took a year out travelling the world before coming to Sussex in 2011. I started my career here in the Law, Politics and Sociology department as an information coordinator before finally finding my way back to Anatomy and working at BSMS since 2021.

What’s your role like day-to-day?

Every day is different depending on what is happening in the lab! Twice a week we have over 200 students come in for undergraduate teaching but the main part of my role involves arranging the external courses. We hire our lab out to surgeons, doctors and other healthcare professionals who want to learn specific anatomy or refine new surgical techniques or practice how to use a new piece of technology. It’s really fascinating to see. I organise the courses and order in any specimens they would like to work on. Each year we will have over 1000 trainees visit the Anatomy lab. The Royal College of Surgeons visit six times a year with their flagship courses ‘Definitive Skills in Trauma Surgery’ and ‘Damage Control and Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery’ which are so interesting to observe. A large part of my role involves organising the external courses, ordering specimens, admin tasks such as scheduling dissection room teaching and external courses as well as being a budget holder feeding into financial planning for the department. I’m a Persons Designate (PD) on our Human Tissue Authority (HTA) licence so I can accept donors into our care when needed and am lucky enough to chat to people on the phone who are considering leaving their body for anatomical examination. I have close relationships with our partners in the Nottingham Repository and the London Anatomy Office who facilitate our work with donors.

What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy observing the surgical courses and seeing the new techniques and technology they use. It really is incredible and wouldn’t be possible without the selflessness of our amazing donors. It’s so satisfying to hear great feedback that people found their time in our lab useful and worthwhile. I love knowing I am contributing to a wider good, even in a small way.

In terms of successes, which accomplishments are you most proud of?

Being involved in the making of the documentary ‘My Dead Body’ which was partly filmed in the Anatomy lab and told the incredible story of our donor Toni Crews, who consented to her body being used for public display after her death. This allowed us to teach almost 800 healthcare professionals as well as film a documentary detailing her life and story. Each of the students who was able to come into the dissecting room wouldn’t normally be offered that experience as part of their teaching. After the session they were encouraged to leave a message on an online noticeboard for Toni’s family. I took the online messages and made them into a book as a keepsake for her family and I was very proud to be able to do that.

BACKGROUND IMAGE FOR PANEL

How have you developed your skills professionally since joining BSMS?

I have definitely kept myself open to new opportunities and I am always keen to learn. I had the opportunity to speak at a conference last year about the making of the documentary which was nerve wracking but I’m glad I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and I ended up really enjoying the experience. I’m a member of the Institute of Anatomical Sciences, which is a great community of like-minded individuals who share ideas on all things Anatomy related.

Who are your biggest inspirations within your personal or professional life?

My biggest inspiration personally is my husband, James. He’s a Senior Director in PR for a cruise line – a high paced, often stressful job yet he always manages to remain calm and balanced. I learn a lot from watching the way he works. My sons Samuel and Joshua are also a big inspiration to me. They are only 9 and 7 but remind me every day not to take life too seriously and enjoy everything as much as possible! Professionally, my colleagues in the Anatomy team inspire me every day with their dedication, kindness and enthusiasm. It is a wonderful team to be part of.

What are your other interests / hobbies?

I don’t often have much free time, but I love spending time with my children, walking our dopey puggle Hogan and I am currently working on a giant paint by numbers of said dog which should take me until 2025 to finish.