[Histonet] Unregistered techs

[Jackie O'Connor]

I've personally tried to train monkeys to do this - they suck at it.  I've trained a lot of histotechs, and learned early on that not just any Joe Schmo can do this job (my apologies to any real Joe Schmo's out there).  There is a certain skill level and intelligence needed to perform good microtomy, optimize and antibody, or troubleshoot a special stain.  I've been in labs where people were just told 'this is a block, put it in the holder on that machine, crank the handle as fast as you can, and pick up what comes off".  LITERALLY.  This is a skill, and it requires talent.  To be good at it requires intelligence and good training.  To be great at it requires desire. You're really lucky if you love your job, and I do love this work.    I can clicker train monkeys and dogs, but not histotechs.
Jackie O'   


-----Original Message-----
From: William Chappell <chapcl <@t> yahoo.com>
To: Davide Costanzo <pathlocums <@t> gmail.com>
Cc: histonet <histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
Sent: Thu, May 24, 2012 6:02 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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>> 
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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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