RE: [Histonet] Re: Changing dynamics in histotechnology
TeriI think you are right about the promotion of the status quo, and this is a definate concern for me in staying in this field. There seems to be so much change resistance. Also, it is my understanding that many MT programs used to require histology rotations in histology here as well, but it seems many now do not. It seems to me that many MT programs are 2 +1 or 3 +1, which is fine by me, but I never thought this was the same as doing a full undergrad curriculum, and never understood why it offers MT gradstrumping for any advanced lab roles, over any other similarly educated lab person with equal or greater education and training? I have concluded that we are fighting a perception, and that is not going to be easy. Personally, I have no issue with an MT doing histology if they want to learn it sincerely by whatever means, but some seem to think that since they know clinical lab, that it does not take any additional learning, formal or otherwise. I often wonder why it seems outrageous to the same, if it were to be worked the other way? I believe that I would be ignored completely or scoffed at, if I tried to apply, or walked into a clinical lab to work. Also, I think some people in histology have put considerable effort into dialogue about our field and its needs for well prepared staff in the main-stream media, but I agree that it is far below the level of communication that will be needed to change the aforementioned perceptions. Interestingly, most histotechs I have encountered are unwilling to dedicate much time, since it is rarely for any pay, to any activities like these- since it often involves a lot of work and preparation to construct/publish an article or give a presentation out in the public arena. I know that over time, I have donated probably hundreds of hours, and most of the time it is a fight just to be allowed to do this ( such as take time off from work with your own vacation to travel or attend). If anything in my current environment, people roll their eyes at me for doing anything of this sort. If you want to encourage people to participate, we will have to work to see it supported within organizations and applauded within the group. So what usually is a frustration/dissappointment for me is when people will complain, but most won't bother to take any action ( not directed at you or anyone in particular, just expressing frustration with general lack of initiative)...anyhow your points are well taken. If we are to move forward as a group, we are going to have to get on the same page ourselves and put forth some consistent and concentrated efforts. Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC From: tjohn...@gnf.org To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:06:37 + Subject: [Histonet] Re: Changing dynamics in histotechnology Ok, my workplace blocks Facebook, so here is the article for those of you who can't read it from the original link provided: http://www.clpmag.com/issues/articles/2012-09_04.asp Many good points have already been raised and discussed and I will not rehash them here. Here are my thoughts on the matter: - First - kudos for the NSH, state societies, committee members and histology professionals for working their butts off to provide us with information and training opportunities, and for promoting our profession. They are doing what they can to provide the water for us to drink. It is up to us to partake in it. - Why are we keeping this information in laboratory-centric publications? How in the world are we ever going to get the word out about our shortages and challenges unless we move outside of our own little box? Advance, Laboratory Medicine, NSH, etc are only read by personnel currently involved in laboratory testing. Sorry but we've been talking about this for YEARS and almost always in Lab publications. Is anything happening? What about People Magazine, or USA Today, or Sunday Morning or Good Morning America? - We have long fought to keep Med Techs from coming into the histology lab and taking over the higher complexity testing because they have a 4-year degree and most of us don't. To say that it is a mistake to bring them in because only histologists fully understand the preparation process and its effects of the variation of results and can effectively work, partner with the pathologist to provide the information and testing results required to make personalized medicine a reality is like trying to hide behind a shield made of aluminum foil. If we can learn it on the job (as most of us have), then so can they. Encroachment by MTs might be the single biggest factor in promoting education in our field. - I'm wondering if anyone(in clinical laboratory education) has started thinking about putting a histology component into Med Tech training. I know their schools are in trouble as well, but maybe the answer isn't to stay
RE: [Histonet] Re: Changing dynamics in histotechnology
Honey! We have been trying to get this group on the same page since the 70s. We're a bit closer but we're still singing different songs... fa la la la, la la la la... Joyce Weems Pathology Manager 678-843-7376 Phone 678-843-7831 Fax joyce.we...@emoryhealthcare.org www.saintjosephsatlanta.org 5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Road Atlanta, GA 30342 This e-mail, including any attachments is the property of Saint Joseph's Hospital and is intended for the sole use of the intended recipient(s). It may contain information that is privileged and confidential. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete this message, and reply to the sender regarding the error in a separate email. -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of joelle weaver Sent: Tuesday, September 18, 2012 1:58 AM To: tjohn...@gnf.org; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Re: Changing dynamics in histotechnology TeriI think you are right about the promotion of the status quo, and this is a definate concern for me in staying in this field. There seems to be so much change resistance. Also, it is my understanding that many MT programs used to require histology rotations in histology here as well, but it seems many now do not. It seems to me that many MT programs are 2 +1 or 3 +1, which is fine by me, but I never thought this was the same as doing a full undergrad curriculum, and never understood why it offers MT gradstrumping for any advanced lab roles, over any other similarly educated lab person with equal or greater education and training? I have concluded that we are fighting a perception, and that is not going to be easy. Personally, I have no issue with an MT doing histology if they want to learn it sincerely by whatever means, but some seem to think that since they know clinical lab, that it does not take any additional learning, formal or otherwise. I often wonder why it seems outrageous to the same, if it were to be worked the other way? I believe that I would be ignored completely or scoffed at, if I tried to apply, or walked into a clinical lab to work. Also, I think some people in histology have put considerable effort into dialogue about our field and its needs for well prepared staff in the main-stream media, but I agree that it is far below the level of communication that will be needed to change the aforementioned perceptions. Interestingly, most histotechs I have encountered are unwilling to dedicate much time, since it is rarely for any pay, to any activities like these- since it often involves a lot of work and preparation to construct/publish an article or give a presentation out in the public arena. I know that over time, I have donated probably hundreds of hours, and most of the time it is a fight just to be allowed to do this ( such as take time off from work with your own vacation to travel or attend). If anything in my current environment, people roll their eyes at me for doing anything of this sort. If you want to encourage people to participate, we will have to work to see it supported within organizations and applauded within the group. So what usually is a frustration/dissappointment for me is when people will complain, but most won't bother to take any action ( not directed at you or anyone in particular, just expressing frustration with general lack of initiative)...anyhow your points are well taken. If we are to move forward as a group, we are going to have to get on the same page ourselves and put forth some consistent and concentrated efforts. Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC From: tjohn...@gnf.org To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:06:37 + Subject: [Histonet] Re: Changing dynamics in histotechnology Ok, my workplace blocks Facebook, so here is the article for those of you who can't read it from the original link provided: http://www.clpmag.com/issues/articles/2012-09_04.asp Many good points have already been raised and discussed and I will not rehash them here. Here are my thoughts on the matter: - First - kudos for the NSH, state societies, committee members and histology professionals for working their butts off to provide us with information and training opportunities, and for promoting our profession. They are doing what they can to provide the water for us to drink. It is up to us to partake in it. - Why are we keeping this information in laboratory-centric publications? How in the world are we ever going to get the word out about our shortages and challenges unless we move outside of our own little box? Advance, Laboratory Medicine, NSH, etc are only read by personnel currently involved in laboratory testing. Sorry but we've been talking about this for YEARS and almost always in Lab
Re: [Histonet] Re: Changing dynamics in histotechnology
Teri, A few thoughts about your post: I totally agree with you about putting our name out there in publications other than lab-centric journals. I once had a bizarre idea that the president of NSH could appear with Matt Lauer on the Today show to promote Histo Professionals Day. Why not? Having gone thru a MLT program back in the 60's (I'm old) I can tell you that there once was a histology component in the training. I loved that part of the program. Maybe it would be good idea to welcome them into histology but have they done a really good job in promoting their profession? I think that the histotechs have done a much better job but we just don't have a very loud voice...yet. Andrea Grantham, HT (ASCP) Senior Research Specialist University of Arizona Cellular and Molecular Medicine Histology Service Laboratory P.O.Box 245044 Tucson, AZ 85724 algra...@email.arizona.edumailto:algra...@email.arizona.edu Tel: 520.626.4415 Fax: 520.626.2097 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] Re: Changing dynamics in histotechnology
Well, this honey has been on the same page since the EARLY 1960'S. I crossed over from the MT side into histology and never looked back. It was obvious very early on that histology was far more interesting than working as an MT, poor pay or otherwise. Way back in the Dark Ages, our MT training included histology and the ASCP MT registry exam tested us on histology. Becoming an MT simply led to histology, and the MT training in clinical chemistry, microbiology, parasitology, virology, hematology, etc., enhanced our knowledge for working in histology. Your (plural) discourses have been interesting, to the point and certainly no offense is taken about being an MT! It is admirable when histotechnicians go above and beyond their jobs and take the time pass on their expertise to present workshops, teleconferences, presentations and writing articles with hopes the written word is actually being read. Don't stop! Ignore the critics, the complacent! Educate! Gayle M. Callis MT, HT, HTL (ASCP) -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Weems, Joyce K. Sent: Tuesday, September 18, 2012 8:16 AM To: 'joelle weaver'; tjohn...@gnf.org; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Re: Changing dynamics in histotechnology Honey! We have been trying to get this group on the same page since the 70s. We're a bit closer but we're still singing different songs... fa la la la, la la la la... Joyce Weems Pathology Manager 678-843-7376 Phone 678-843-7831 Fax joyce.we...@emoryhealthcare.org www.saintjosephsatlanta.org 5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Road Atlanta, GA 30342 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of joelle weaver Sent: Tuesday, September 18, 2012 1:58 AM To: tjohn...@gnf.org; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Re: Changing dynamics in histotechnology TeriI think you are right about the promotion of the status quo, and this is a definate concern for me in staying in this field. There seems to be so much change resistance. Also, it is my understanding that many MT programs used to require histology rotations in histology here as well, but it seems many now do not. It seems to me that many MT programs are 2 +1 or 3 +1, which is fine by me, but I never thought this was the same as doing a full undergrad curriculum, and never understood why it offers MT gradstrumping for any advanced lab roles, over any other similarly educated lab person with equal or greater education and training? I have concluded that we are fighting a perception, and that is not going to be easy. Personally, I have no issue with an MT doing histology if they want to learn it sincerely by whatever means, but some seem to think that since they know clinical lab, that it does not take any additional learning, formal or otherwise. I often wonder why it seems outrageous to the same, if it were to be worked the other way? I believe that I would be ignored completely or scoffed at, if I tried to apply, or walked into a clinical lab to work. Also, I think some people in histology have put considerable effort into dialogue about our field and its needs for well prepared staff in the main-stream media, but I agree that it is far below the level of communication that will be needed to change the aforementioned perceptions. Interestingly, most histotechs I have encountered are unwilling to dedicate much time, since it is rarely for any pay, to any activities like these- since it often involves a lot of work and preparation to construct/publish an article or give a presentation out in the public arena. I know that over time, I have donated probably hundreds of hours, and most of the time it is a fight just to be allowed to do this ( such as take time off from work with your own vacation to travel or attend). If anything in my current environment, people roll their eyes at me for doing anything of this sort. If you want to encourage people to participate, we will have to work to see it supported within organizations and applauded within the group. So what usually is a frustration/dissappointment for me is when people will complain, but most won't bother to take any action ( not directed at you or anyone in particular, just expressing frustration with general lack of initiative)...anyhow your points are well taken. If we are to move forward as a group, we are going to have to get on the same page ourselves and put forth some consistent and concentrated efforts. Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC From: tjohn...@gnf.org To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:06:37 + Subject: [Histonet] Re: Changing dynamics in histotechnology Ok, my workplace blocks Facebook, so here is the article for those of you who can't read it from the original link provided: http
RE: [Histonet] Re: Changing dynamics in histotechnology
Thank you Gayle, I appreciate your comments. And no, I definately did not mean any disrespect to MT's now or ever. I know they work hard too, and they have the same hurdles in many ways. We all deserve more recognition. I just wish all us laboratorians could unite and we would be a force to be reckoned with for sure. Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC From: gayle.cal...@bresnan.net To: joyce.we...@emoryhealthcare.org; joellewea...@hotmail.com; tjohn...@gnf.org; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Re: Changing dynamics in histotechnology Date: Tue, 18 Sep 2012 12:00:31 -0600 RE: [Histonet] Re: Changing dynamics in histotechnology Well, this honey has been on the same page since the EARLY 1960'S. I crossed over from the MT side into histology and never looked back. It was obvious very early on that histology was far more interesting than working as an MT, poor pay or otherwise. Way back in the Dark Ages, our MT training included histology and the ASCP MT registry exam tested us on histology. Becoming an MT simply led to histology, and the MT training in clinical chemistry, microbiology, parasitology, virology, hematology, etc., enhanced our knowledge for working in histology. Your (plural) discourses have been interesting, to the point and certainly no offense is taken about being an MT! It is admirable when histotechnicians go above and beyond their jobs and take the time pass on their expertise to present workshops, teleconferences, presentations and writing articles with hopes the written word is actually being read. Don't stop! Ignore the critics, the complacent! Educate! Gayle M. Callis MT, HT, HTL (ASCP) -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Weems, Joyce K. Sent: Tuesday, September 18, 2012 8:16 AM To: 'joelle weaver'; tjohn...@gnf.org; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Re: Changing dynamics in histotechnology Honey! We have been trying to get this group on the same page since the 70s. We're a bit closer but we're still singing different songs... fa la la la, la la la la... Joyce Weems Pathology Manager 678-843-7376 Phone 678-843-7831 Fax joyce.we...@emoryhealthcare.org www.saintjosephsatlanta.org 5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Road Atlanta, GA 30342 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of joelle weaver Sent: Tuesday, September 18, 2012 1:58 AM To: tjohn...@gnf.org; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Re: Changing dynamics in histotechnology TeriI think you are right about the promotion of the status quo, and this is a definate concern for me in staying in this field. There seems to be so much change resistance. Also, it is my understanding that many MT programs used to require histology rotations in histology here as well, but it seems many now do not. It seems to me that many MT programs are 2 +1 or 3 +1, which is fine by me, but I never thought this was the same as doing a full undergrad curriculum, and never understood why it offers MT gradstrumping for any advanced lab roles, over any other similarly educated lab person with equal or greater education and training? I have concluded that we are fighting a perception, and that is not going to be easy. Personally, I have no issue with an MT doing histology if they want to learn it sincerely by whatever means, but some seem to think that since they know clinical lab, that it does not take any additional learning, formal or otherwise. I often wonder why it seems outrageous to the same, if it were to be worked the other way? I believe that I would be ignored completely or scoffed at, if I tried to apply, or walked into a clinical lab to work. Also, I think some people in histology have put considerable effort into dialogue about our field and its needs for well prepared staff in the main-stream media, but I agree that it is far below the level of communication that will be needed to change the aforementioned perceptions. Interestingly, most histotechs I have encountered are unwilling to dedicate much time, since it is rarely for any pay, to any activities like these- since it often involves a lot of work and preparation to construct/publish an article or give a presentation out in the public arena. I know that over time, I have donated probably hundreds of hours, and most of the time it is a fight just to be allowed to do this ( such as take time off from work with your own vacation to travel or attend). If anything in my current environment, people roll their eyes at me for doing anything of this sort. If you want to encourage people to participate, we will have to work to see it supported within organizations and applauded within the group. So what usually
[Histonet] RE: Changing dynamics in histotechnology
I worked as a generalist for 4 yrs and then was in Microbiology for 8 yrs prior to moving to Histology in 1990. I have always felt the experience of working in the other areas of lab helped me understand the entire process, especially those involving fluids which were shared between multiple disciplines within clinical laboratory. We have an MT school and many of those students ask to spend time in Histology to observe. I appreciate their interest and willingness to learn how AP and Clinical Lab fit together. I have promoted the field by encouraging tours with local high school students taking Anatomy, Advanced Chemistry and Advanced Biology classes. Several of these students are now working as MTs, CTs and HTs. I now have a daughter interested in Histology because of the many trips to the lab to visit me. She will be moving to the KC area and will be completing her AS there. I just hope she can find a hospital willing to teach her Histology as there are no schools in the area. If anyone has a contact or would be willing to mentor please let me know. -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Teri Johnson Sent: Monday, September 17, 2012 5:07 PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Re: Changing dynamics in histotechnology Ok, my workplace blocks Facebook, so here is the article for those of you who can't read it from the original link provided: http://www.clpmag.com/issues/articles/2012-09_04.asp Many good points have already been raised and discussed and I will not rehash them here. Here are my thoughts on the matter: - First - kudos for the NSH, state societies, committee members and histology professionals for working their butts off to provide us with information and training opportunities, and for promoting our profession. They are doing what they can to provide the water for us to drink. It is up to us to partake in it. - Why are we keeping this information in laboratory-centric publications? How in the world are we ever going to get the word out about our shortages and challenges unless we move outside of our own little box? Advance, Laboratory Medicine, NSH, etc are only read by personnel currently involved in laboratory testing. Sorry but we've been talking about this for YEARS and almost always in Lab publications. Is anything happening? What about People Magazine, or USA Today, or Sunday Morning or Good Morning America? - We have long fought to keep Med Techs from coming into the histology lab and taking over the higher complexity testing because they have a 4-year degree and most of us don't. To say that it is a mistake to bring them in because only histologists fully understand the preparation process and its effects of the variation of results and can effectively work, partner with the pathologist to provide the information and testing results required to make personalized medicine a reality is like trying to hide behind a shield made of aluminum foil. If we can learn it on the job (as most of us have), then so can they. Encroachment by MTs might be the single biggest factor in promoting education in our field. - I'm wondering if anyone(in clinical laboratory education) has started thinking about putting a histology component into Med Tech training. I know their schools are in trouble as well, but maybe the answer isn't to stay separate but to consolidate? I know, some of you are howling right now because this is an emotional issue for us. But take a moment to consider that other countries require folks who do Histology to be biomedical scientists, proficient in many laboratory disciplines including Histology. If we cannot adapt and educate ourselves with or without the assistance of the NSH, local Histo groups, pathologist support or employer support then I consider this may be a potential answer to the staffing issues. - Having said all this - I like being separate from Med Techs. I like what makes us different. We make a decent wage considering the current lack of formal education requirement. I'm often surprised our profession doesn't make the list of higher paying jobs without advanced degree requirement. I am thinking that it's probably a good thing it hasn't as it might inadvertently promote the status quo. Teri Johnson HT(ASCP),QIHC Disclaimer: The thoughts conveyed above are strictly my own and do not reflect in any way on my employer, co-workers, family members, deceased pets, and future ex-husbands. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet Cindi Robinson HT(ASCP) Mercy Medical Center Dunes Medical Laboratories 350
[Histonet] Re: Changing dynamics in histotechnology
Ok, my workplace blocks Facebook, so here is the article for those of you who can't read it from the original link provided: http://www.clpmag.com/issues/articles/2012-09_04.asp Many good points have already been raised and discussed and I will not rehash them here. Here are my thoughts on the matter: - First - kudos for the NSH, state societies, committee members and histology professionals for working their butts off to provide us with information and training opportunities, and for promoting our profession. They are doing what they can to provide the water for us to drink. It is up to us to partake in it. - Why are we keeping this information in laboratory-centric publications? How in the world are we ever going to get the word out about our shortages and challenges unless we move outside of our own little box? Advance, Laboratory Medicine, NSH, etc are only read by personnel currently involved in laboratory testing. Sorry but we've been talking about this for YEARS and almost always in Lab publications. Is anything happening? What about People Magazine, or USA Today, or Sunday Morning or Good Morning America? - We have long fought to keep Med Techs from coming into the histology lab and taking over the higher complexity testing because they have a 4-year degree and most of us don't. To say that it is a mistake to bring them in because only histologists fully understand the preparation process and its effects of the variation of results and can effectively work, partner with the pathologist to provide the information and testing results required to make personalized medicine a reality is like trying to hide behind a shield made of aluminum foil. If we can learn it on the job (as most of us have), then so can they. Encroachment by MTs might be the single biggest factor in promoting education in our field. - I'm wondering if anyone(in clinical laboratory education) has started thinking about putting a histology component into Med Tech training. I know their schools are in trouble as well, but maybe the answer isn't to stay separate but to consolidate? I know, some of you are howling right now because this is an emotional issue for us. But take a moment to consider that other countries require folks who do Histology to be biomedical scientists, proficient in many laboratory disciplines including Histology. If we cannot adapt and educate ourselves with or without the assistance of the NSH, local Histo groups, pathologist support or employer support then I consider this may be a potential answer to the staffing issues. - Having said all this - I like being separate from Med Techs. I like what makes us different. We make a decent wage considering the current lack of formal education requirement. I'm often surprised our profession doesn't make the list of higher paying jobs without advanced degree requirement. I am thinking that it's probably a good thing it hasn't as it might inadvertently promote the status quo. Teri Johnson HT(ASCP),QIHC Disclaimer: The thoughts conveyed above are strictly my own and do not reflect in any way on my employer, co-workers, family members, deceased pets, and future ex-husbands. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet