The Status of Clinical Chemistry in Canada
Eleftherios P. Diamandis
MD, PhD, FRCPC
Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto
(Spetses,Athena Society,Sept 19,2000)
As of September 2000
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History First
• In the 1960’s and 1970’s, the clinical chemists were thought to be …
“EXTREMELY USEFUL”
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• In the 1970’s and 1980’s, the clinical chemists were thought to be …
“VERY USEFUL”
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• From 1980 to 1987, the clinical chemists were thought to be …
“USEFUL”
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• From 1988 to 1991, the clinical chemists were thought to be …
“NOT SO USEFUL”
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• From 1992 to 1996, the clinical chemists were thought to be…
“USELESS”
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• From 1997 to 1998, the clinical chemists were thought to be …
“NOT SO USELESS”
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• And now in 2000, the clinical chemists are thought to be …
“PROBABLY USEFUL”
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RECRUITMENT
Becoming very difficult From 2yr to 3yr program DISASTER Competition with industry (great demand for PhD’s) Uncertainties of the 1990’s for job opportunities
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THE CHANGING ROLE OF THE CLINICAL BIOCHEMIST
• Gatekeeper of information
• Accreditation/Documentation
• Quality Monitor/Point of Care
• Educator
• Manager
• Consensus Guidelines
From a method development specialist/expert clinical consultant to :
TYPE A
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• Bench to BedsideTYPE B
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• Discovery/ Innovation
TYPE C
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THE NEED TO CONTINUOUSLY CHANGE OUR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Our educational and certification standards do not evolve as quickly as the changes of the profession.
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CONCLUSION
It’s a moving target!!
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