Medical technologists1 provide
''the hands and the minds'
through which research ideas o:
advances in laboratory techniques
[become realities, Dr. Thomas D,
i Davis of Charity hospital saic
here Friday.
Dr. Davis, associate pathojogisi at Charity, delivered the keynote address at the opening session o1 the convention of the Louisiana State Society of Medical Technologists in the Fontainebleau Motor hotel.
Speaking at a press conference, Dr. Davis said that the medical technologists, working under the supervision of chemists and pa-thologists, aided the development of improved methods of laboratory work.
"They are the wherewithal with which the research scientists work," he said. "They are the1 hands and the minds which push new ideas through."
AUTOMATION IN LAB
Dr. Davis said that one of the biggest advancements in this field was the introduction of automation into the clinical laboratories' through the use of complicated machines.
"But these machines do not replace the technoligist," he said. "In fact, they require highly educated persons to operate them. They contribute to the need for higher degree of technical skills and knowledge among technologists."
The present requirements here' for a medical technologist, he ex-. plained, includes three years of^ undergraduate college training and a year of internship at a hospital. This qualifies the student, he said, to take an examination to become a registered technologist.
Dr. Davis said that medical technologists should continue their education after they have finished their training through post gradu-^ ate courses.
POST GRADUATE WORK |
"My purpose at this convention, he said, "is to stert them thinking along this line. I want them to set up a hue and cry demanding post graduate courses. If they want to be recognized as professionals! they must take the responsibility of being educated, of keeping up with new developments, of never stopping their education."
Organizations of medical technologists, he said, could do a great deal to encourage further1 study. IHJHIIHH^^H
Dr. Rudolph X Mueiling Jr., "c& I rector of the division of medical technology at the Louisiana State university school of medicine, cited the LSU program.
He said that it was specifically designed for medical technologists. Many other colleges and universities, he said, crowd the medical technology courses in between other scientific courses.
INTELLIGENT STUDENTS
"And, it is perfectly amazing," he said, "the type of student that medical technology attracts. They are intelligent and scientifically minded."
Friday afternoon sessions were devoted to discussions of clinical tests and new developments in various fields of medical technol-i
ogy. The convention guests attended a banquet Friday night.
Presiding over the sessions Friday were Miss Freddie Leger, Baton Rouge, president - elect; Miss Bettie Catchings, New Orleans, president, and Miss Lucille
Sodelfer, New Orleans. Miss Adele Spence is convention chairman.
The three-day meeting continues through Sunday with lectures and workshops scheduled for the remaining two days.
PHOTO: PARTICIPATING in the opening session of the Louisiana
State Society of Medical Technologists convention were (from left) Miss Adele Spence, convention chairman; Dr. Rudolph J. Mueiling Jr., director of the division of medical technology at the Louisiana State university school of medicine, and Miss Lucille Godelfer of the Louisiana board of health.
