[Histonet] Unregistered techs

Thu May 24 18:27:55 CDT 2012

Let me add more fuel to this fire. Will makes strong points. I have been in
this field over 35 years ( has it been that long) Any way. I have worked in
and have managed many labs. I have had registered and unregistered techs.
Some good, some not so good, some I told that their talents would be better
served in another career field. Some people in histology come for the pay,
others for a career. However, I have seen some clinicians, nurses and other
healthcare providers do the same. I went to a neurologist once (emphasis on
once). I was trying to explain to him my lengthy previous medical history,
which has been plagued by  heart problems for years. He was not interested
in that. He wanted to get me in and get me out within the 15 minute time
limit. 
My point is this: I don't care what job you do, there are going to be people
who look at it as a job, others look at as a career. My youngest sister had
some cognitive issues. She worked at minimum wage jobs all her life. One job
was at a laundry mat that had several large accounts. I met her for lunch
one day before I joined the Air Force.  I watched her fold sheets so tight
that they looked like you would cut your fingers on them if you ran them
across the creases. I asked her why she took so much care in folding the
sheets. She looked at me and said "Joey, I do it because anything you do,
you have to do it good. If you ain't gonna do it good, don't do it at all".
I still carry that notion and I hope I have passed that idea onto my
children. When I was in Basic Training, making my bunk, I would always think
of that day with my sister. Consider yourself lucky if you work with more
people who think Histology as a career rather than just a job. I always do. 
I'll get off my soap box now and return you to regular programing.

Joe Nocito

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of William
Chappell
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 6:03 PM
To: Davide Costanzo
Cc: histonet
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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>> 
>> 
>>> Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
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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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