For the first time ever, UHN’s Laboratory Medicine Program (LMP) is collaborating with The Michener Institute of Education at UHN to familiarize internationally trained medical laboratory technologists (MLT) with Canadian Standards of Practice.
The collaboration is part of Michener’s 16 week Medical Laboratory Science Bridging Program, and is designed to enhance student experience and better transition students from Michener’s simulated laboratory training to real, high volume clinical work.
“The new observership component of the program is set to provide students with insights to how a Canadian clinical laboratory operates,” says Carolyn Menezes, Manager, International Education and Bridging Programs, Michener. “It will also build upon the theory and simulated clinical experience already part of the bridging program, giving students greater confidence when it’s time to write their CSMLS (Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science) exam and enter the workforce.”
Students will visit five disciplines within LMP, spending a day in each observing safety guidelines, workflow, quality control protocol, and specialty techniques used for different tests and procedures. Rotating between departments, students will familiarize themselves with Chemistry, Hematology and Coagulation, Histotechnology, Microbiology and Transfusion Science.
Christine Cursio, Manager, Point of Care Testing and Clinical Coordinator, MLT/MLA Student Training Program, LMP says, “After working closely with Michener and the UHN International Centre for Education, LMP is proud to open its doors to internationally trained MLTs through the observership program.”
“There is a sure benefit to students as they’ll see how LMP staff work in what are very busy, high volume laboratories. But, the collaboration will also benefit our laboratory and others that look to hire competent, experienced lab professionals and what we hope to be future leaders.”
The observership program will begin Monday, February 13, and will take place over four weeks with five students participating each week. Student will rotate daily until all five lab areas are visited.
Observership rotations are planned as follows:
Rotation #1: February 13-17, 2017 Rotation #2: February 27-March 3, 2017
Rotation #3: March 6 – March 10, 2017 Rotation #4: March 20 – March 24, 2017
“We expect to learn a lot over the course of this first observership rotation,” says Christine. “And with potential labour gaps in the future we hope this opens the door for internationally trained MLTs to join the workforce more easily and more experienced. “
To learn more about Michener’s Medical Laboratory Science Bridging Program – click HERE.
The Pathology Report 
This is an excellent initiative! It is exactly what the internationally trained need! Hats off to everyone involved in putting together this fantastic initiative!