SMLTSA and SASCC Congress

Were You There?

If you did not attend the 19^th National Congress of the Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists of SA (SMLTSA) and the 14^th National Congress of the South African Society of Clinical Cytology (SASCC), which were held simultaneously, then this report is to motivate you to attend future conferences of these societies. With the congress theme “Quo Vadis”, you may also ask yourself, “Where am I going?”, because you let slip a change to update and improve your professional knowledge, to meet colleagues and friends again and to see the latest technology and instrumentation available from medical diagnostic laboratories!

450 Delegates

The City of Roses played host to approximately 450 delegates at the Sand du Plessis Theatre from the 27^th August to the 30^th August 2007. On the 26^th and 27^th August the Council of the SMLTSA met – a report about the proceedings will be published in a future MTN. Approximately 134 papers and posters were presented and 8 oversees speakers took part. Excellent and some very interesting papers were presented, and delegates had lots to think about!

Official Opening

The official opening took place at 18:00 on the 27^th August 2007.  Medical Technologist Mr. Vika Mavuso (Congress Chairman and Business Manager of the NHLS) welcomed the delegates and the Trade and offered a special welcome to the delegates from other countries. A special word of welcome was also extended to the speakers from abroad for visiting our country and sharing their knowledge with us. The invited oversees speakers included Mr. J. Qstrup, Prof. B. Bain, Dr. B.Wild, Ms. S. Hutchinson, Mr. G. Cooper, Prof. C. Parvin, Dr. M. Theis and Prof. S. Lee Mount. The congresses were then officially opened by Medical Technologist Ms. Joyce Mogale, Executive Manager of the Northern Branch of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS). Ms. Mogale said that the HIV and AIDS epidemic is increasing the demand for skills in laboratories. Strategies to address these issues will include more collaboration between Universities and the Employers as well as changing rolls and multi skilling. Demands call for new training programs and inter-discipline collaboration. She said these challenges are opportunities to review the knowledge and role of Medical Technologists.

 Mr. S. Harvey

 The out-going President of the SMLTSA, Medical Technologist Mr. S. Harvey thanked the Congress Chairman, Mr. V. Mavuso and the Congress Organiser, Mr. P. Divall for the organizing of the congress. He also said that the theme of the congress, “Quo Vadis”, is pertinent to the position in which Medical Technologists find themselves. The older generation needs to do some soul searching as to which direction the profession of Medical Technology will take in future, and for the younger generation of Medical Technologists it is imperative to take a long hard look at the present and make a decision as to where they want to be in future.

 New President

 Then the inauguration of the new President of the SMLTSA took place. Medical Technologist Ms. Elsie van Schalkwyk was elected during Council Meeting as the new President. Since the formation of the SMLTSA in 1951, Ms. Van Schalkwyk is the first lady to be elected as President. On behalf of all Medical Technologists, congratulations Elsie, we are all eagerly waiting to see where to you will lead our profession in the next few years!

Keynote Address

 Medical Technologist Mr. Greg Northfield (Director of Seperation Scientific) introduced Mr. Qstrup as the keynote Speaker. Mr. Qstrup addressed the gathering on “Screening the way to better health”. After the talk the delegates had a lot to ponder about!

Trade Exhibition

 Medical Technologist Mr. Peter Divall (Congress Organiser) officially opened the Trade Exhibition. He welcomed the Diagnostic Companies and thanked them again for exhibiting their latest technology. He said their participation made the congress possible and is much appreciated – without their support there would not have been a congress!

 Social Functions

 All the social functions were enjoyed by the “eager-to-enjoy-a –good-party” delegates. Following the official opening on the 27^th and the opening of the Trade Exhibition all enjoyed a Cocktail Function sponsored by the NHLS. On the 28^th an “International Evening” was held at the Central Show Grounds, this function was sponsored by Pro-Gen Diagnostics, Global Diagnostics and Inverness Medical Innovations. All delegates, except those permanently on the dance floor, will remember how cold it was – rumor has it that 0^oC was reached during the night. On the 29^th a formal Banquet and Awards Ceremony took place at the Sand du Plessis Theatre. The main sponsor for the evening was Beckman Coulter. Thanks a million to all companies who sponsored the social functions, lunches, registration, coffee and tea!

 Make sure you attend the 20^th National Congress of the SMLTSA in 2009!