The 2016 Medical Technology Intrernational Summit uplifted the practice of the

Medical Technology profession by introducing new laboratory techniques, instigating

profound bioethics in workplaces and research laboratories, recognizing advanced
researches by professors and graduates, and inspiring the audience to engage in
educational studies that may contribute to the unremitting development of the
profession.
The first plenary speaker, Prasad Digamber Sawant, who took a doctorate
degree in Biochemistry from Mumbai University, talked about ISO 15189 which
focused on the requirements for quality and competence in medical laboratories.
Being a medical technology intern, I learned that a laboratory cannot function
properly without good personnel management, constant machine calibrations and
working facilities. All clinical laboratories strive in the pursuit of accuracy. Preanalytical, analytical and post-analytical analyses must be put into consideration.
Laboratory results must be reported accurately through the help of WHO standards
as the baseline of normal values as well as the standards set by legal manufacturing
companies.
Mr. Kevin Davies, who served as the second plenary speaker, reiterated the
importance of smooth laboratory workflow. He also emphasized the voice of the
customer with regards to professional handling of peevish situations. As an intern, I
also experienced irritable patients complaining to the laboratory about sluggish
results, incomplete tests, blood extraction concerns, and many more. Mr. Davies
told the audience to handle the matter professionally and to always consider the
welfare of the patients. I learned that it is indeed important to elevate patient care
to its optimum level in order to render high-quality services.
The third plenary speaker, Mr. Ban Joseph Ang, adhered to the principle of
nurturing leadership in the health sector. He said that in this field, experience and
skills were the basis of getting job promotions unlike in other professions where
seniority and leadership were the primary criteria. However, he didnt quite agree
with that notion and I, too, consented with him. Leadership must always be present
in any workplace because it gives the workers encouragement, as well as being able
to rely on someone whom they can put on their trust.
To make Khon Kaen University in Thailand as the Medicine city of AEC was the
main topic of Doctor Patcharee Jearanaikoons speech. She showed us her
enthusiam in developing the academics and research in Thailand. She also stated
that the Philippines could practically lead the Southeast Asia in research for the
Filipinos were outstanding researchers. As a student, I learned that research was
indeed a part of my life, especially in the field of Medical Technology where new
discoveries were being constantly proposed.
Of course, every good medical technologist started as a student. And a
student needs a professor that can influence him to love his chosen profession.

Doctor Edwin Cancino pointed out the practices and standards in teaching. He also
called out to enhance the academic practice in schools in order to produce
competent medical technologists. Being a student, I could relate to Doctor Cancino.
Students need encouragement and someone to look up to in order for them to be
inspired as they go along their journey to being health professionals. Indeed,
professors really do influence their students, in terms of ideals, goals and
perspectives.
The last plenary speaker, Dr. Edith Sangalang-Tria, called out to all medical
technologists regarding the issue about other allied health professions eating up the
work of Med-Techs. She said that the matter must be acted upon immediately. I
indeed agree with her. It was alarming that MTs were being stripped of their
unique workloads starting with phlebotomy. Certain government or certified public
health organizations were now offering a 2 month-training course for those who
wanted to become a phlebotomist. Out of pride and admiration to the profession,
medical technologists were being indignified. As a soon-to-be clinical laboratory
professional, I also strongly oppose to the current situation. Medical technology is
undoubtedly a tough profession. And it is indeed alarming that the profession might
be unrecognized or worse, dissolved in the future due to continuously developing
machineries and embezzlement of MT work by other allied health professions.
Over-all, the International Summit provided me a new insight to the
profession. It gave me a sense of understanding and appreciation to the field I am
currently dwelling in. Medical technology, as a profession, is without a doubt
wonderful. It is so vast and ever-developing. New researches in the medical field are
practically within reach due to the presence of outstanding clinical laboratory
scientists. Maybe, there will come a time wherein the mysteries of the human body,
from the nucleotides building up human DNA up to the largest tissue comprising the
organ systems, will be unveiled in the near future through the help of the critical
minds of stupendous medical technologists.