BCSLS October Enewsletter - The latest BCSLS news for you

Under The Microscope

BC Society of Laboratory Science: October 2022

BCSLS news & updates

The BCSLS Enewsletter will focus on keeping our membership updated, knowledgeable and even entertained.

Message from the President and Executive Director:

September saw the return of one of our most favoured events, Congress 2022 which took place September 21 - 23 at the Harrison Hot Springs Hotel. Attended by both in-person and virtual delegates, 31 scientific/technical/general interest sessions were presented by outstanding speakers. In-person delegates attended the ever popular Exhibitor Reception and Hall, and participated in social events and activities throughout the 3 days. We wish to thank our Congress Planning Committee for all of their dedication and many hours of work, Employers that sponsored their staff to attend, and our Vendor partners. The Congress 2022 theme was about reconnecting, and it didn't disappoint!

The BCSLS AGM was held on September 22. Re-elected to the Board are Maryann Jiang, Alex Purdy and Bill Johnston. Newly elected to the Board are Jackson Wu, Eleanor Hooley and Colin Carey. Also joining the Board as the Student Liaison is BCIT MLT student Shanise Reddekopp. The AGM presented an opportunity to recognize and thank our outgoing Board members Sian Nuttall, Jason Rapps and Anne Megan Berg, and Student Liaison Caroline Soares from CNC MLT.

Special Days: October 15 - December 15

Congratulations to Heather Autio our Silver Award Recipient!

The BCSLS Silver Award recognizes significant contribution to the BCSLS and to the Medical Laboratory Profession over a period of years at the local level. Danielle Campbell, BCSLS Vice-President, (shown left in photo) was thrilled to announce that Heather Autio is the Silver Award recipient. Heather was not able to attend the AGM in person, so accepting the award on her behalf is Devena Steinmann, Senior Director, Laboratory Operations (shown right in photo)

It's Quiz Time!

Our monthly Quiz with prizes. It's a fun way to test your knowledge and win a little something for doing it.

Find the Quiz Link on our Trivia webpage.

Deadline: October 31st

Congratulations to the winners in 2022: Deeanna Saran, Michelle Bartel, Sue Whitehead, Marilyn Odberg, Lexie Christy, Joanne Rishworth, Laurie Craig, Susan Childs, LeeAnn Gosvig

October's Guest Contributor

-A Lab Adventurer's Perspective

A Short Time in Northern Canada

Written by: Joel Droogers

Finally, the three years of work, tears and sweat during the medical laboratory technology training were over, following was a frantic search for a full-time job as a medical laboratory technologist. I applied everywhere in Canada, willing to take a job where available. Little did I know the adventures that awaited.

The excitement of being an adult was intoxicating. I was finally applying for jobs, honing my interview skills. Then, before I knew it, I had an offer; a 6-month term in subarctic Canada. .... READ FULL ARTICLE HERE

Welcome to the Laboratory Profession! Happy Studying!

October - New MLAs at West Coast College and Stenberg College

Congratulations to the graduating BC Laboratory classes of Spring! Welcome to the laboratory Profession!

October 12 - MLAs from CDI
October 21 - MLAs from Camosun College
November 1 - MLAs from Vancouver Community College
November 11 - MLAs from Cambria College (Victoria and Surrey)
November 17 - MLAs from West Coast College
November 18 - MLAs from Vancouver Community College
November 28 - MLAs from Stenberg College

BCSLS Board of Directors 2022/2023

The AGM saw some changes to our Board of Directors.

For more information about the Board of Directors, see our webpage

Continuing their current Board term: Devena Steinmann, Danielle Campbell, Larissa Nygaard, Elsie Chan, Dylan Durham and Rosa Jo

Re-elected to the Board are Maryann Jiang, Alex Purdy and Bill Johnston.

A big welcome to our newly elected Board Members and Student Liaison:

Jackson Wu

Eleanor Hooley

Colin Carey

Shanise Reddekopp - Student Liaison

To read the full interview click here

When will you graduate? May of next year (2023)
What advice would you give to current students? These programs aren’t easy, but if you find a group or even a few classmates to study with, ask questions, or just chat with it eases the burden a bit. I think the pandemic has highlighted the negative effects of social isolation, so having a group you can rely on, especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed, is something that has really helped me so far.
What do you like to do in your spare time? I like to be outside and active! Rock climbing, hiking, camping and volleyball are some of my favorite activities. I also love trying new and delicious foods, so the lower mainland is a perfect place for that.

We want to take this opportunity to recognize and thank our outgoing Board members Sian Nuttall, Jason Rapps and Anne Megan Berg, and Student Liaison Caroline Soares from CNC MLT.

Sian Nuttall has been a vital part of the BCSLS Board for the past nine years providing significant leadership as the MLA Director. Sian is thanked for her mentorship, dedication and passion for the laboratory professions, and for furthering the practice of her profession. Thank you Sian, you will be missed!

Jason Rapps has provided leadership to the Board as the Professional Development Director, working with the BCSLS staff on the Back to Basics courses. Thank you Jason for your commitment to 'excellence in practice' through continuous professional development.

Anne Megan Berg has been a Director at Large on the BCSLS Board providing support to the other Directors and their portfolios, and never failing to come forward when things needed to be done. Thank you Anne for your dedication to the BCSLS. Anne attended the AGM virtually, so no picture is available.

Student Liaison Caroline Soares from CNC MLT: Thank you Caroline for your insight and energy. Enjoy the next part of your journey into the laboratory profession

Job Postings

Jobs from around BC and Western Canada can be found on the Careers Webpage. Check out the webpage often as it is updated regularly. https://www.bcsls.net/careers-page

Upcoming Events

Congress 2023:Sept 21-23 in Kelowna !!

P&P Analytic Symposium: Spring 2023