[Histonet] Unregistered techs

Fri May 25 07:45:08 CDT 2012

Than you Jackie. That was the point I was trying to make. I like my job and I hate it when researchers think "anyone can do histology", yet even though the MD has to have us tell him or his Post-docs what they need or do not need.
Bernce

Bernice Frederick HTL (ASCP)
Senior Research Tech
Pathology Core Facility
ECOGPCO-RL
Robert. H. Lurie Cancer Center
Northwestern University
710 N Fairbanks Court
Olson 8-421
Chicago,IL 60611
312-503-3723
b-frederick <@t> northwestern.edu

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Jackie O'Connor
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 8:09 PM
To: chapcl <@t> yahoo.com; pathlocums <@t> gmail.com
Cc: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

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!
> 
> 
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> 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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