President's Welcome Message

Welcome to the ASCLS-Indiana Website!

There was a very historic event at the ASCLS meeting in Chicago
this past week. On Thursday night the NCA and the ASCP registry for the
profession of medical technologists/scientists merged into one registry.
The joining of the two registries for medical technologists (now medical
laboratory scientists) has created some anguish and jubilation all at
the same time. ASCLS has historically been the supporter of the NCA
registry, though many members are ASCP registered, such as myself. The
NCA was not successful in marketing itself and therefore, did not have
much of the market share when looking at the national picture. If there
was to be any bargaining leverage with ASCP, the time for NCA was now.

Although combining the NCA and ASCLS clears up a confusing situation
that has existed for years for our profession, there are still many
unanswered questions as to how this will be rolled out and exactly what
the "conditions" will be for recertifying. There was lively debate at
the ASCLS House of Delegates a few days following the announcement, but
the overall message was clear. This melding of the two registries needed
to happen for the good of the profession, but exactly what all this
means for us now is still yet to be determined.

Another message I feel needs to be shouted from the laboratory rooftops,
as medical laboratory scientists we need to be involved in our
professional organizations, as now, more than ever, we are in a position
to shape how our profession as laboratorians moves forward and to at
least have some input as to how the government proceeds with healthcare
reform.

Please consider an active role in your state and national organizations
so the wealth of information and knowledge we possess as a profession
can weigh in on determining the path we follow in the future for
delivering healthcare to our patients and family members.

As the President of the Indiana chapter of ASCLS, I would be happy to
field any questions about membership in the ASCLS or assist in making
connections for you in your state if you are interested in
participating. United we are much stronger and influential than any one
of us alone.

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