[Histonet] Unregistered techs

[Kim Donadio]

LOL, I was waiting for this thread to turn into a fist fight. I knew it would. 
 
A Fl Licensed HTL is someone who oviously had to take more test than a ASCP certified tech if they got it from 19 years ago. How do I know, I'm one of those who had to take all those test way back then. Florida is pretty stringent who can do what with what. Not as much as they used to be, because now the only route is through ASCP. You will not work in a hospital as a histologist without a Fl License. Maybe in a exclusive provider private office, but that is the only exception. 
 
As far as Monkeys. Whew! I think that's whats wrong with our profession, one thing anyway. Too many people veiw it that way. 
 
Personally I wish the Histo programs would go back to teaching on campus with using the MLT course comparison. Not to bash anyone who is either involved or has been involved with the internet programs that have popped up everywhere, but I'm not seeing the same level of technical skill or knowledge come out of these programs. I'm sure there are many super students who do get it, but many times they are pushed through on thier short rotations and used as gophers etc and dont have the skills even sometimes to cut a block. And forget about knowing what a good control for a GMS is. 
 
I'd like to see our profession go back to min AS degrees in Histology. The certification only have hurt us and the pay scale is changing I feel because of it. 
 
Also, if you really want to promote our field and improve it, be supportive of your state going to a license for our practice. ASCP supports states requiring license. 
 
Thats my 2cents for the day. Happy Friday! :)
 
Kim D


________________________________
From: William Chappell <chapcl <@t> yahoo.com>
To: Davide Costanzo <pathlocums <@t> gmail.com> 
Cc: histonet <histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu> 
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 7:02 PM
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

I have respected Jay's input in the past, but I too must say something.

Without realizing it, and by stating his opinion in a horribly crass way, Jay has touched upon an important truism.  There are two types of histologists, those that have a job that pays the bills, and those who have a career in which they thrive.  Neither are better than the other, both are needed.  I suspect, however, that the majority of Histonetters -- especially avid contributors are in the latter group.  I know I am.

Histotechs who approach histology as a job, go into work, embed, cut, stain and go home.  they are excellent techs, but are just not committed to expanding the field or doing more than is needed to provide the pathologist with a perfect slide.  Jay refers to these people as no better than trained monkeys.  That is a horrible insult with a small (very small) grain of truth.  One day those histologists will be replaced by a mechanical/robotic process.  The march of progress is unstoppable.

The career histologist has a much longer life span however.  We analyze and troubleshoot problems.  We understand or endeavor to learn the organic chemistry of stains.  We know EXACTLY how a Rabbit Monoclonal antibody is made.  We know more about the practice of histology than ANY pathologist.  We invent and develop antibodies and special stains.  And we conceptualize and perfect the instruments that will replace the first group in the future.

Jay, that is why so many are offended.  We don't do this simply because it is a good paycheck.  We are histologists because we are professionals who choose this career.  You may be going to a job cutting slides (which is great and necessary), but we are enjoying our life.

Will Chappell, HTL (ASCP), QIHC, MBA
and histologist by choice, not accident


On May 24, 2012, at 6:48 PM, Davide Costanzo wrote:

> I'm sorry - I cannot let this rest. The comment: "we are just as much
> needed as pathologists, blah, blah,
> blah......." is so upsetting I cannot sit back and listen to that without
> saying something!
> 
> Everyone, regardless of their lot in life, is a very worthwhile part of the
> whole. Let me ask you a question, since you highly undervalue humans that
> are not MD's - let's say that you are a patient at Hospital X, and you go
> in to have your toenail removed. Who plays a more important role in your
> survival - the Podiatrist or the hospital janitor? I would argue that the
> janitor is more crucial in this instance, for if he/she fails to clean up
> the MRSA from the last patient you could conceivably die. The doctor solved
> your fungal problem, but the janitor prevented you from getting a
> potentially life-threatening infection. Think before you speak like that -
> everyone involved in your care is critical - and, yes, sometimes the doctor
> is not the most important person when it comes to keeping you alive and
> well!
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On Thu, May 24, 2012 at 2:01 PM, Jay Lundgren <jaylundgren <@t> gmail.com> wrote:
> 
>> Scott Lyons slnj07 <@t> yahoo.com
>> 
>> Give me a break, HTs and HTLs do not make diagnoses or treat patients. I
>> am a registered HT and a Florida licensed HTL with 19 years experience,
>> I've done it all in the lab. I believe the certification and licensure of
>> techs is a scam to bleed more money from people. Honestly, you can train a
>> monkey to do our job. And I don't want to hear from everyone saying it's an
>> art form, we are just as much needed as pathologists, blah, blah,
>> blah....... I work where they are hiring people from a masters degree
>> program for histology with certification, THEY KNOW NOTHING. Experience it
>> where it's at, whether certified or not, get off your high horse.
>> 
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> 
> 
> -- 
> *David Costanzo, MHS, PA (ASCP)*
> Project Manager
> *Blufrog Path Lab Solutions*
> 9401 Wilshire Blvd. Ste 650
> Beverly Hills, CA 90212
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