- American Medical Technologists

PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE PAID
NASHVILLE TN
PERMIT NO. 429
TENN-O-SCOPE
Official Publication of the Tennessee State
Society of American Medical Technologists
Address correction requested
TNSSAMT EDITOR
KAYE TSCHOP
4954 HOPEDALE DRIVE
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37211
Volume LVII
December 2010
No. 2
Tennessee
The Volunteer State
Tennessee State Society of American Medical Technologists
Officers & Board Members
www.amt1.com
PRESIDENT
BOARD MEMBERS:
Jerry Hudgins, MT
221 Windsor Park Lane
Hendersonville, TN 37075
[email protected]
(w) 615-328-5503
(m) 615-218-9154
Diane Robbins, MT
11-13
827 Apple Drive
Livingston, TN 38570
[email protected]
(h) 931-823-1879
(w) 931-403-2125
VICE PRESIDENT
Debbie Stinnett, MT
11-13
623 Greenleaf Avenue
Smyrna, TN 37167
[email protected]
Agnes Oslica, MT
90 Hancock Cove
Eads, TN 38028-3548
[email protected]
(h) 901-867-3644
(w) 615-562-9282
(h) 615-459-7561
SECRETARY
Annie Washington, MT
1186 Mary Jane Cove
Memphis, TN 38116-8900
[email protected]
(w) 901-595-3644
(h) 901-345-2887
(m) 901-734-6649
Charles Haun, MT
TREASURER
Chattanooga, TN 37412
8747 Cedar Mills Circle
Cordova, TN 38116-8900
[email protected]
(w) 901-595-3576
(m) 901-216-4736
(h) 423-867-3925
Walter Parsons, MT
10-12
1011 McMahan Avenue
Nashville, TN 37216
[email protected]
(h) 615-262-4229
(m) 615-415-8001
EX-OFFICIO
Christopher Seay, MT
5316 Moss Hollow Cove
Memphis, TN 38134
[email protected]
(w) 901-495-4867
(h) 901-385-7820
(m) 901-219-4099
Kay Burnett, MT
10-12
35 Cypress Heights Land
Buchanan, TN 38222
DISTRICT
COUNCILLOR
JUDICIARY
COUNCILLOR
Shannon Newman, MT
249 Willie Craig Road
Bassett, VA 24055
Kimberly Cheuvront, Ph.D.
100 Fair Oaks Drive
Fairmont, WV 26554
[email protected]
(w) 304-367-7488
(c) 304-641-0126
(h) 276-629-7827
(c) 276-732-9334
fax: 276-629-2621
2
09-11
3520 Cherokee Avenue
Veronica Larson, MT
[email protected]
Valerie Owens, RMA 09-11
521 Haynes Street
Nashville, TN 37207
[email protected]
(w) 615-327-3603
(h) 615-227-3473
[email protected]
(h) 731-232-8675
(w) 731-644-8549
(m) 615-830-6320
Kaye Tschop, MT Editor
4954 Hopedale Drive
Nashville, TN 37211-4853
[email protected]
(w) 615-873-7464
(h) 615-833-3427
23
23
A Delegate Report
By Christopher Seay, MT (AMT)
I have never met an AMT national meeting that I didn’t like and this was no exception.
As always, it was great to see old friends but what was almost better was meeting new
friends. So many new faces!!! This was one of the largest meetings with so many first
time attendees. Tennessee had three first time attendees. One I knew was coming and
the other was truly a surprise. Heather Carney, from East TN, was in attendance. We
had met at our fall meeting in Johnson City. Heather said she was truly enjoying herself. Unfortunately, she was not able to stay through the whole meeting. The other first
time attendees were from TN were ladies from Middle TN. Now Diane Robbins, I
know pretty well. She has conducted a meeting in Cookeville for TSSAMT and she also
serves with me on the TN Med Lab Board. Now her cohort, a Ms. Charlotte Mitchell, is
a real “ball of fire.” She was determined to show me the ropes. Her idea of a good time
was finding pecan pie at 10:00 PM outside the casino. I am really looking forward to
seeing her and Heather at more national and state activities.
Eagle Point - West Rim
Grand Canyon
I must say for Nevada to be such a hot state, I was totally
mesmerized by the beauty of the dessert. The glitz of Las
Vegas was a strong contrast to the barren beauty of the
mountains. The Grand Canyon, which has always been a
dream of mine to see, was magnificent. Like most military
personnel, I have had the opportunity to travel and see many
places and things but the grandeur of the canyon was awe
inspiring. The “Skywalk” over the canyon was more than
what some will ever dream. It was truly a great experience.
As much as I was enjoying the sights, I had to remember why I was in Las Vegas. As
usual, AMT had an array of presentations. I was really torn between some. This was the
first time I have attended a national meeting where I didn’t return with a mountain of
handouts. The home office had most of the presentation downloaded on flash-drives.
Those that were not on the flash-drives, the presenters were gracious to allow their presentations to be downloaded or would provide a website where the presentation could be
obtained. I had this experience when I attended the CASMET BGM in Trinidad. This is
a much more efficient process and definitely less cumbersome. All of the presentations
that I attended were exceptional. I learned from the keynote speaker that laughter was
the very best medicine. Healthcare providers were advised “don’t take yourself so seriously.” I was given a prescription to laugh at myself. I got a chance to hear from a technical adviser from my favorite show, CSI. I never thought CSI’s could do all those
things they do on the show. You know, even after all these years, some skin and wound
infections can still make your skin crawl. We heard about legal issues facing Allied
Health Providers. There is Davis’s Law and Wolf’s Law that deals with pain prevention
through activity. Hypersensitivities and Chronic Inflammation were topics that attracted
packed rooms. There were a couple of sessions that were standing room only and they
were great.
Bottom line: I never met an AMT national meeting that I didn’t like and you weren’t
there!! Hope to see you in Miami.
22
Table of Contents
President’s Message
4
Editorial
5
Councillor’s Message
6
Delegate Reports
7, 16, 17, 18 & 22
Committee Assignments
8
First Time Attendees
9
On the Cover
10
TSSAMT Fall Meeting Award Pictures
11
AMT’s 72nd National Award and Meeting Pictures
12 & 13
2010 TSSAMT Fall Meeting Pictures - Memphis
14
2010 TSSAMT Fall Meeting - Memphis
15
Legislative Report
18
New Members
20 & 21
The TENN-O-SCOPE is the Official publication of the Tennessee State Society
of American Medical Technologist and is published two times a year and
mailed Presorted Standard Mail from the Main Post Office 525 Royal Parkway,
Nashville, Tennessee 37230.
Articles appearing in this publication are the opinion of the author and do not
reflect the opinion of the Tennessee State Society and/or the American Medical
Technologists.
The editor reserves the right to edit all articles when necessary.
This publication was printed by Allegra Print & Imaging, 601
Grassmere Park Road, Suite 19, Nashville, Tennessee 37211
Advertising Rates - 2010
One Page
½ Page
¼ Page
Business Card
1 Issue
$ 75.00
$ 60.00
$ 40.00
$ 20.00
2 Issues
$ 150.00
$ 120.00
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$ 40.00
3
President’s Message Fall 2010
I find it very gratifiying to tell all of you, that this has been a very exciting year for the
TSSAMT. We started off with new officers and such an array of experience for our
many questions. Before I go any further, a big thank you must be expressed to all of our
previous officers and their hours of work for our state society.
We have excelled in the new additions to our Tenn-O-Scope, receiving a well deserved
award from our National Office, way to go Kaye and Valerie. Our society now has a
new TSSAMT pin and it is gorgeous, thanks to Martha Duncan for working with a local
jeweler to help design this. Have you logged onto the new state website? Well, it’s
about time you went to this site and notice the hard work that is being done, thank you
Chris Seay for helping to start this site. We must not forget Ray Polansky for his previous years of being our webmaster, a job well done.
The Magnolia Meeting in Panama City, Fla. was a complete success, excluding the 2729 degree nights we experienced. The lectures were great, socializing among our AMT
family was wonderful, and we must not forget how nice the accomodations were. This
was our first outing and what a way to begin our year of Continued Education.
If you haven’t taken a little time away from the work bench, then let me suggest going
to the National Educational Convention. This year it was in Las Vegas and I must say it
was probably one of the best, if not the best, I have attended. Our accomodations were
of the highest quality and the southwestern colors were very pleasant and appealing to
the eye, a great choice by the convention committee. I believe the records will support
my belief that the attendance was a record setter.
The meeting in Memphis was well planned, allowing for 18 speakers to present the
needed 15 topics and a wonderful variety of topics. There were 49 members present,
one visitor and from this group there were 10 first timers. We had the meeting at the
Hyatt Place Hotel and our group was treated like royalty.
In closing let me give you some wonderful information about the Tennessee State Society. Our total membership is now over 1,200. The actual membership for Tennessee
as of November 1st is 1,207.
As our year closes may we express our appreciation to our maker for the many blessing
He allows us to have each day and may He safely guide us through this upcoming holiday season. I’m personally excited about this next year. Let’s all try to attend some of
our local or national meetings and share the excitement of the group.
Jerry Hudgins, MT (AMT)
President TNSSAMT
4
New Members
Terrence Harrison, RMA
Debra Perkins, RPT
Tracy Ballew, RMA
Gina Boring, RMA
Dawn Feller, RPT
Diana Phillips, RPT
Wendy Coulter, RPT
Stacy Mynatt, RPT
Brenda Stanley, RPT
Donna Brown, RMA
Janet Roberson, RPT
Crystal Brito-Coronel, RMA
Penny Buckalew, RMA
Virginia Dockery, RMA
Connie Worley, RMA
Nancy Thomas, RMA
Annette Cochran, RPT
Ashley Davis, RPT
Ashley Hall, RMA
Ashanta Williams, RMA
Rosemary Irwin, RPT
Joyce Smith, RMA
Charma Allen, RPT
Sheneka Payne, RMA
Ashley Reed, RMA
Andre Simpson, RMA
Shananda Degni, RMA
Cari Lovell, RPT
Eric Raulston, RPT
Saul Anderson, MLT
Larry Cheeks, RPT
Lora Plowman, RMA
Kimberly Bailey, RMA
Viola Banks, RMA
Elizabeth, Price, RMA
Lakeisha Jones, RMA
Rebecca Chipman, RMA Daniel Coleman, RMA
Latona Fields, RMA
Andrea Jennings, RMA
Demetric Taylor, RMA
Nickaylynn Barner, RMA
Devie Davis, RMA
Trinca Richardson, RMA
Lakendra Smith, RMA
Valerie Butler, RMA
Sekia Conner, RMA
La Sonya Key, RMA
Francisca Rhodes, RPT
Francisca Rhodes, RMA
Joann Hunter, RMA
Jamena Polk, RMA
Annette Woods, RMA
Angela Dalton, RMA
Teresa Green, RMA
Melanie Bolden, RMA
Leann Chidester, RMA
Julee Williams, RMA
Lashawn Bedford, RMA
Morgan Jefferson, RMA
Chuong Nguyen, RMA
Lindsey Bolding, RMA
Randi Bradford, RMA
Diane Wilson, RMA
Melissa Ceaser, RMA
Doreen Mc Ree, RMA
Tamara Williams, RPT
Chun Luong, MT
Lacresha Barnett, RMA
Brittany Palmer, RMA
Levi Garrett, RPT
Kelly Denson, MLT
Dawn Pelfrey, MLT
Jason Cash, RPT
Crystal Markward, RPT
Shewinna Murray-Holt, RMA Melanie Maldonado, RMA
21
Editor’s Message
New Members
Angel France, RMA
Reginald Gresham, RMA
Hemdad Mawlood, MT
Crystal Parman, RMA
Irene Sanchez, RMA
Clarence Tangey, AHI
Erica Walls, RMA
Rebecca Potts, RMA
La Monica Rozier, RMA
Gloria Bawcom, RMA
Kristen Jarrett, RMA
Shannon Justice, RMA
Michelle Andrews, RMA
Yanci Arriola, RMA
Tabetha Greathouse, RMA
Linda Taliaferro, RMA
Ankitabehen Prajapati, MT
Mindy Huerta, RMA
Caroline Gilbert, RMA
Heather Lester, RMA
Jessica Puckett, RMA
Marie Cawl, RMA
Gloria Todd, RMA
Tamara Giles, RMA
Tami Jenkins, RMA
Jessica Simpson, RMA
Jennifer Stackhouse, RMA
Johnna Sullivan, RMA
Dixie Winters, RMA
Shantika Reiter, RMA
Donna Hay, RMA
Lindsay Tinker, RMA
Vanessa Patton, RMA
Brittany Smith, RMA
Lisa Harper, RMA
Alanna Kee, RMA
Edna Rosales, RMA
Trishta Alvarado, RMA
Tquilla Fuqua, RMA
Svetlana Versigora, RMA
Jessica Dalton, RMA
Jada Austin, RMA
Jessica Shepherd, RMA
Wanda Wallace, RMA
Mary Fowler, RPT
Tabitha Poole, RMA
Tabitha Burks, RMA
Sonja Howard, RMA
Rachel Ratledge, RMA
Misty Pollock, RMA
Clarissa King, RMA
Theresa Messer, RMA
Christina O Hara, RPT
Tracy Taylor, RMA
Scott Cassidy, MLT
Amy Shipley, RMA
Tina Colbaugh, RMA
Tracey Barr, RMA
Margaret Bentley, RMA
Donald Christian, RMA
Lori Shepherd, RMA
Amanda Turner, RMA
Jennifer Watson, RMA
Amy King, RMA
Pamela Triplett, RMA
Heather Phillips, RMA
Misty Jones, RMA
Gregory Little, RMA
Yvette Stratton, RMA
Peggy Taylor, RMA
Donna Bechard, RMA
Kristen Greenwood, RPT
Britany Ellis, RPT
Johnny Mc Bee, RMA
Latosha Adcock, RMA
Kelly Fowler, RDA
Courtney Misere, RMA
Nicole Oliver, RMA
Whether it is big or small or somewhere in between, doing it well means hard work and
paying close attention. If you’re like me, trying to focus on healthy eating as well as
healthy reading spells TENN-O-SCOPE. In this issue you will discover a great deal of
healthy reading and great accomplishments about our outstanding members. Not only
have they been known state wide, they have become nationally known as well. Tennessee earned bragging rights once again as an Honor Roll Society awarded to Jerry
Hudgins, President. Christopher Seay won an Exceptional Merit Award and Walter
Parsons won the GEM Award but the big jackpot award winner for the Las Vegas meeting went to Kaye Tschop. She was our “Triple Crown“ winner capturing the Pillar
Award, Second Place Journal and the O. C. “Skip Skinner” Uniform Service Award
which was named after one of Tennessee’s own legendary members. Kaye was also
awarded Tennessee’s Member of the Year at our Fall Meeting. As we continue to be a
great society, I encourage you to tip your hat at our award winners. In spite of the devastating floods this past May, our members certainly know how to rise above.
Valerie Owens, RMA
It is quickly approaching the end of the year when many of the holiday celebrations and
festivities begin. Thanksgiving is quickly approaching. A time of the year where we
pause and give thanks for family and friends, employment and good health. December
we celebrate Chanukah (Hanukkah), Christmas, Kwanzaa and of course the New Year.
Valerie and I would like to wish you and your family a wonderful Happy Holiday Season. In ringing in the New Year please be safe in all your endeavors.
Kaye Tschop, MT
Happy Hannukkah
Merry Christmas
Happy Kwanzza
5
20
District Councillor’s Message Spring 2010
You’re Journal is Going Electronic!!!
I am composing this message as I am returning home from the National AMT Convention. This year’s convention was held at the J. W. Marriott Las Vegas Resort and
Spa at Summerlin. It was an excellent meeting with workshops, exceptional seminars
and various fun-filled events throughout the week. This year was a record year for
attendance with a grand total of 497 attendees. There was an increase of attendance
in all disciplines. The first-time attendees increased to 137 attendees from 58 attendees in 2009, and students increased from 7 in 2009 to 13 attendees which 8 students
were from the great southern state of Alabama.
The Tenn-O-Scope will be going to an electronic
version beginning with the Spring issue 2011.
I would like to congratulate my great southern states for their hard work and continuing dedication to their state society. I am pleased to announce the southern district
had 14 National award winners. Julia Hardcastle from Kentucky received the highest
award: Order of the Golden Microscope. There were 2 distinguished achievement
awards received: Sol Goldenberg from Florida, and Rikki Sledge Packer from Alabama. Don Bouchelle from Virginia and Chris Seay from Tennessee received the
Exceptional Merit Award. Carletha Durham from Georgia and Kaye Tschop from
Tennessee received the Pillar Award. Paul Brown from Alabama received the Silver
Service Award. Kaye Tschop from Tennessee received the O.C. “Skip” Skinner Uniformed Service Award and 2nd place for journal. David McCullough from North
Carolina received the Cuviello Excellence in Education Award. Walter Parsons from
Tennessee and Gerald Boe from South Carolina both received the GEM Award and
Linda Wolfe from Florida was awarded the Legacy Award.
The 2011 National Convention will be a joint educational program of AMT and Caribbean Association of Medical Technologists (CASMET). It will be held at the Inter
Continental Miami, Miami, Florida on August 1-6, 2011. Room rates will be $119.00
plus 13% tax (valid from July 27 - August 9, 2011).
This year each member will be recording their own Continuing Education hours on
the AMT website. On the AMT home page members will login their ID and password. On the next page click on AMTrax which is under Track CCP/CE activities.
On this page one will see your current activity and will click on the add activities
where one can add all of their CE’s for the year. This is new so remember to record
your CE’s, or you can still send a copy in to home office if you do not have access to
the internet. If anyone has any questions contact Kathy Cilia at home office.
This is the second and last announcement required by the
editor informing you of our intentions. Your Tenn-OScope will be electronic and on our website beginning
with the June 2011 issue of the Tenn-O-Scope. Each
member must notify the editor if they wish to continue to
receive the printed version (also called a hard copy) of the
journal in the mail.
E-mail your request to continue to receive a printed version of the Tenn-OScope via mail to your editors Kaye Tschop at [email protected] and Valerie
Owens at [email protected]. You can also send us a postcard or letter
requesting your desire if you do not have computer access to continue receiving
your hard copy. Our addresses are located on page two of this journal.
We will send you a post card in the mail alerting you that
the June 2011 issue is available for viewing on the AMT
website at www.amt1.com unless of course you have notified your editors that you want to continue with the printed
version.
Remember, to view the June 2011 issue of the Tenn-O-Scope electronically, you do not need to do anything.
Our Mission
To promote the National Standards of the health care sciences within the
state. To provide opportunity for increasing technical knowledge of our
members and to support both National and State organizational goals.
Again, I would like to thank the members of the great southern states for their hard
work and dedication in keeping their state society running successfully. I hope to see
everyone in the near future.
Sincerely,
Shannon H. Newman, BSMT, AMT
Southern District Councillor
6
19
A Delegate Report
By Valerie Owens, RMA (AMT)
I was very excited about being in attendance at our 72nd National
Conference this year in Las Vegas, Nevada. Once again it was
an awesome success. Being the dancer that I am, Tuesday night
is always a great night for me. However, just to be in the presence with all my professional peers is always a blessing. This
year I got to moderate once again as well as be in attendance of
some very informational seminars.
At one point in the Medical Assisting Seminar I felt like I was at a symposium. Every
Medical Assistant present at nationals was present along with fifteen students from Alabama. The room was packed.
Janet Sesser was great at teaching us the legal and ethnical aspects of the do’s and don’ts
of the profession. She reminded everyone to abstain from whatever is deleterious and
mischievious. Do not take knowingly or administer any harmful drugs. We should do
all in our power to maintain the standards of loyality and profession.
If we look and feel our best in our jobs, it will show. She reminded us that if we want to
be appreciated for all our tireless endless work, we need to make sure we follow all the
rules and regulations at all times.
For those of you that missed this wonderful conference and are in need of some continuing education credits, it will be made available through our home office.
Sorry you missed out but it will be well worth the travel!
TN State Legislative Report
By Chris Seay MT, Annie Washington, MT & Diane Robbins, MT
The Tennessee State Medical Laboratory Full Board met Thursday October 14, 2010.
There were no personnel issues discussed during this session that would affect AMT or
TSSAMT. Rule 1200.06.01-.12 gives the following definition of continuing education.
Continuing education is planned, organized learning acts acquired during licensure
to maintain, improve or expand a licensee’s knowledge and skills relevant to medical laboratory practice in order for the licensee to develop new knowledge and skills
relevant to the practice, education or theory development to improve the safety and
welfare of the public. (TSSAMT Scientific Meeting Planners should keep this definition in mind when planning future meetings.) The Tennessee Medical Laboratory Website continues to updated monthly.
Members should be aware that the state licenses can now be suspended if child support payments are not made.
The next TN State Medical Laboratory Full Board meeting is scheduled for Jan 13, 2011.
18
A Delegate Report
By Kaye Tschop, MT (AMT)
AMT’s 72nd National Meeting was held at the JW
Marriott in Summerlin, Nevada July 12-17, 2010. I
decided to fly out a few days prior to the meeting to
do a little sightseeing. I went to the West Rim of
the Grand Canyon and went out on the Skywalk.
The beauty of the Grand Canyon was awesome. I
stood in awe of the beauty and works of the Colorado River as it carved out the Grand Canyon millions of years ago. I was excited to view the canyon while being suspended 70 feet out over the canyon and 4,000 feet above the canyon
floor on an engineering marvel called the Skywalk. I then spent the next day looking
and learning all I could about the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. It was quite interesting
to learn how they diverted the Colorado River and built the dam over 5 years in the
1930’s. The dam was dedicated September 30, 1935 and with the taming of the Colorado came the formation of Lake Mead. Today nearly a million people visit the dam
each year. Red Rock Canyon was an area I wanted to visit as well and it was only
about 15 miles from the hotel. The beautiful Red Rock formations were formed millions of years ago and is a favorite spot for hikers and climbers alike.
Vacation time was over and it was time for the meeting to begin and what a great meeting it was. The speakers were wonderful and the topics were so diverse that any topic
you were interested in you were sure to find it being presented this year. “Laughter Is
the Best Medicine”, “The Real CSI”, Delta Checks, Pain Prevention, OSHA, AABB, Medical Assisting, Parasites, Writing Procedure Manuals, Stem Cells and the list of topics go
on and on. All the sessions were presented by experts in their
field and they were so knowledgeable and informative.
Many classes were standing room only. The Awards Banquet and Convocation was a special evening for all who attended. AMT members and their family were dressed in their
finest attire as we were served a wonderful dinner. Awards
were presented to hard working AMT members who were
chosen for their hard work and years of dedication to their profession. It is no wonder
AMT’s motto is the “Pride of the Profession.” Friday
ended our weeklong meeting with the Town Hall Session,
Annual Reports, Business Meeting and the AMTIE Business Meeting. But before we said good-bye for another
year, we had one last event. We went out for dinner and a
show called “The Rat Pack is Back” at the Plaza Hotel. A
good time was had by all that attended. Our annual meeting was over for another year. It was great to see our AMT
family and friends from all over the country again. Before
you know it, it will be time to congregate at the InterContinental Miami Hotel over
looking beautiful Biscayne Bay in sunny Miami, Florida for AMT’s 73rd Annual Meeting, a joint meeting with CASMET. Mark your calendars now for August 1-6,
2011 and bring the entire family to beautiful Miami, Florida. You won’t regret it! 7
2011 TSSAMT Committees
A Delegate Report
by Jerry Hudgins, MT (AMT)
Historical -
Martha Duncan, MT*
Nat’l Lab Week - Kay Burnett, MT*
Publication -
Kaye Tschop, MT*
Valerie Owens, RMA
Nat’l RMA Week - Valerie Owens, RMA*
Legislative -
Chris Seay, MT*
Diane Robbins, MT
Annie Washington, MT
Bylaws/SOP -
Agnes Oslica, MT*
Linda Penn, MT
Gaye Hudson, MT
Charles Haun, MT
Scientific -
Agnes Oslica, MT*
Veronica Larson, MT
Nominating - Martha Duncan, MT*
Gaye Hudson, MT
Kaye Tschop, MT
Kimberly Wheeler, MT
Helene Kerpics, MT
Ex-officio -
Chris Seay, MT
Website -
Chris Seay, MT*
Proctor -
Kaye Tschop, MT*
Chris Seay, MT
Bonnie Wiseman, MT
Diane Robbins, MT
Valerie Owens, RMA
Audit -
Charles Haun, MT*
Valerie Owens, RMA
Debbie Stinnett, MT
Walter Parsons, MT
Membership -
Jerry Hudgins, MT*
Walter Parsons, MT
Photography -
Kaye Tschop, MT*
Chris Seay, MT
Publicity -
Helene Kerpics, MT*
*Indicates chairperson
Dates To Remember !!
National Dental Assistants Week - March 6-12 2011
National Laboratory Professionals Week - April 18-24, 2011
AMT 73rd National Convention - Aug 1-6, 2011
2011 AMT & CASMET Joint Convention
Miami, Florida at the INTERCONTINENTAL Miami
TSSAMT Fall Meeting - 2011 Fall TBA
National Medical Assistants Week - October 17-23, 2011
8
Sunday, July 11, 2010 would prove to be the start of a
fun filled week of excitement, hugs, smiling faces, different areas of knowledgeable information, Grand Canyon tour, Hoover Dam tour, and Red Rock Canyon tour
and it all started at the Nashville Airport. My lady
friend Teresa (LPN) and I left this airport about 8:55 am
on Sunday Morning, lay over in San Antonio and then
on to Las Vegas. We had purchased a transfer shuttle to
the J.W. Marriott and once loaded we were off. Approximately 5 miles from the hotel, we ran out of gas on the freeway, 106 degrees, no
water, windows don’t raise on those buses, and our driver had to admit “I failed to check
the gas”, well we survived, got to know each other better (about 12 people), got a replacement bus, and off we go again. Finally we get to the hotel and what a luxurious and
beautiful place it was. Southwest colors, clean, very well worth the price we paid
(normally this place has a rental price of about $ 230.00 day). We paid $ 129.00 per day.
The food was excellent and not that expensive, nice casino, and a good convention area
for our lectures. Hats off to the convention committee. Our opening speaker was Dr.
Brad Nieder, MD (The Healthy Humorist) and he definitely was a pleasure to listen to.
He explained how much laughter plays in our every day walks in this life, we just need to
use more of it.
The welcome reception was a colorful affair, wonderful food, and what a wild group this
is, lots of group dancing, mingling among the crowd and what about those “slow songs”,
last year all songs were fast, but this year they finally heard some of us “oldie” fans.
I was allowed to moderate the lecture titled “Chronic Inflammation: The Silent Killer,
presented by Gordon Ens B.A. MT(ASCP). This program had an attendance of 82 people, which might mean more and more people are wondering exactly what is causing
such an increase in cancer, heart disease, alzheimer's, and arthritis. At the completion of
this presentation, our speaker was surrounded by so many people with their own personal
questions and Mr. Ens was quick to try and supply what answers he could, great lecture!
Our banquet was very beautifully decorated and the TNSSAMT came away walking
proud, we just wish more of our members could be at these meetings to share in our
pride. The TNSSAMT received the Honor Roll Award, Chris Seay received the Exceptional Merit Award, Kaye Tschop received the O.C. Skinner Award, Pillar Award and 2nd
place for our Tenn-O-Scope publication, Walter Parson received the GEM award (Walter
was unable to attend due to previous damage caused by flooding), and last but definitely
not least Amy Pickelsimer, MT of Cleveland, Tn. received the AMT Feature Writing
Award for “Motivational Personalities in the Laboratory: What’s Your Type?”
Our week ended with a pleasurable Friday Evening of dinner and play. We had purchased a ticket for the play “The Ratpack is Back” and that was one of the best ways to
end a wonderful week. My personal hat is tilted to Diane Powell, she did such a wonderful job of heading up all of this program and activities, but I know it all could not have
been accomplished with out the help of the office staff.
17
A Delegate Report
First Time Attendees
The 72nd Educational Program and Annual Meeting of AMT were
held at the JP Marriott in Las Vegas Nevada. There were about
500 members in attendance at this meeting with 137 of them attending for the first time. The planning committee tries to make
new members feel comfortable by providing a meeting just for
first timers. The first timers’ orientation offers insight into what
one should expect and what AMT offers so that members can have
the best experience and meet the goals that they have set for themselves. There were opportunities for all members to obtain continuing education credits, enjoy a little site seeing or just relax after a busy day of meetings and workshops.
TSSAMT held it annual Fall Meeting at the Hyatt Place (Memphis/Wolfchase Galleria)
September 24-25, 2010. We had a wonderful meeting that included 10 first time attendees! How fantastic is that!! I took a picture of all first time attendees and asked them to
send me a few sentences telling me about what their first meeting meant to them.
By Annie Washington, MS, MT (AMT), SH (ASCP) CM
In addition to CE members have an opportunity to attend the “town hall” meetings where
any member can ask questions, submit ideas or voice their concerns. State societies can
offer resolutions (requests for amendments to the AMT National By-laws), which they
feel will help the organization is some way. Members discuss and vote on any resolutions presented for consideration. If the membership passes a resolution it will become a
part of the By-Laws. This is also a time for members to meet and ask questions of candidates seeking office.
Members also have an opportunity to attend the annual business meeting which is held on
Friday afternoon. At the business meeting members hear reports from the committee
chairpersons and new officers are elected. It is an opportunity to learn more about how
the AMT organization works and become part of the process. Members are encouraged to
be aware of legislative issues that affect the profession. AMT is involved in the legislative process at both the state and federal level helping to influence policies that affect
laboratory operation nationally. As an example, members of the AMT Federal Government Affairs Committee joined with other organizations in the legislative process to be
sure that clinical lab interests received fair treatment in the comprehensive healthcare
reform which President Obama sign this year.
If you have attended a national meeting but never attended the business meeting I would
encourage you to make a note to attend the next one. It can be very informative; some of
what you hear may motivate you to want to work on a committee or to become more involved in you state organization. And who knows where that might lead!
By Kaye Tschop, MT
First time attendees were as follows: Vanessa Adams, Sharon Toon, Tereyo Cox, Emily
Cooper, Joanie Weeks, Janice Brewster, Lucinda Stites, Stephanie Briggs, Swati Patel
and Christie Matthews. I received four emails from first time attendees. Here are their
thoughts on their first meeting:
“My name is Stephanie Briggs, I am a Registered Medical Assistant and a proud member
of American Medical Technologists (AMT). I attended the TSSAMT Fall Scientific &
Business Meeting on September 24th & 25th of 2010 for the very first time since certification in 2001. My plan was to go for CEU’s that I would be getting, but I truly has a lot
of fun meeting new people, winning prizes and getting my 10 year service award. After
that meeting I look forward to attending more meetings in the future. Now I’m planning
for the Florida convention in 2011, God willing, I’ll see you there.”
Stephanie Briggs, RMA
“First of all, I would like to thank everyone involved in the planning for the TSSAMT
Fall meeting. The accommodation, food and speakers were all excellent. The speakers
were all knowledgeable and passionate abut their topic and all had useful information. In
summary, I had a wonderful experience at my 1st state meeting and plan on not making
it my last. Thanks to all for making me feel welcome and part of the group.”
Joanie Weeks, MT
“My first meeting was a wonderful experience! I enjoyed all of the topics and learned a
lot. Also, I meet some wonderful colleagues. I’ll surely attend more meetings!”
Lucinda Stites, RMA
“I really enjoyed my first AMT conference and plan on attending more conferences in
the future. I liked the material we went over and meeting people from different parts of
the country. The speakers were very knowledgeable. My favorite part of the conference
was meeting other RMA’s like myself. The AMT committee was very helpful and
knowledgeable in all areas of the meeting that was held.”
Christie Matthews, RMA
STOP
Don’t Spread Germs
Cover Your Coughs and Sneeze
Clean Your Hands Often
16
AMT - “The Pride of the Profession”
9
On The Cover
By Kaye Tschop, MT (AMT)
My co-ordinates are 35°47′18″N 87°27′21″W / 35.78833°N 87.45583°W / 35.78833; 87.45583 . My town has a total area of 10.9 square miles (28.2 km²), all of it land. My
elevation is 623 ft. (190 m) above see level. My population is approximately 4,550. I
am the county seat of Hickman county and I have ten other communities including
Aetna, Bon Aqua, Buck Snort, Duck River, Lyles, Mimosa, Nunnelly, Only, Pleasantville and Primm Springs.
Two native Hickman County women gained national fame: Beth Slater Whitson and
Sara Ophelia Colley Cannon. Whitson wrote several hundred songs, including “Let Me
Call You Sweetheart” and “Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland.” Cannon gained world
acclaim as “Cousin Minnie Pearl” on the Grand Ole Opry and the television show
“Hee Haw”.
Sarah Ophelia Colley was born in October 25, 1912 grew up in the nearby Colleyville
neighborhood. Her father was a lumberman who shipped logs from the Grinders depot.
In the 1900’s, Grinder’s Switch was a shipping town. Long after the depot disappeared,
the team track and its switch remained. In more recent times, this quiet farm community has become known all over the word as the home town of Minnie Pearl, the imaginary spinster of Sara Ophelia Colley Cannon. Long after the depot disappeared, the
team track and its switch remained, thus the name "Grinders Switch."
Minnie Pearl was country music's premeire comedian with her straw hat and its dangling $1.98 price tag, her representation of herself as a man-chasing spinster in the
small town of Grinder's Switch, TN, and her great-hearted holler of "How-DEE! I'm
just so proud to be here" as she walked out on the Opry stage. Pearl became an icon of
rural America even as she lovingly satirized its ways. Minnie Pearl was on the very
first ''Hee Haw'' show, and became a regular on the show. Her most memorable scenes
were the schoolhouse, the quilting bee, and the Hee Haw All-Jug Band. She stayed on
the show until it halted production in 1992. Sara Ophelia Colley Cannon passed away
March 4, 1996 at the age of 83.
She was a fine, cultured, gracious Southern lady. Minnie Pearl was a kind, funny, lovable American institution. Offstage, Sarah Cannon was known for her impeccable fashion sense and decorating style. Over the years, her comedy brought laughter to millions. Through her comedy, she preserved a valuable picture of life in the hills of Tennessee.
Do you know Who I am? I am Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon ALSO KNOWN AS “Cousin Minnie PearL”
I am the Town of Centerville, In the great state of tennessee !!
10
(Research information obtained from Wikipedia)
Memphis in the Fall
by Jerry Hudgins, MT (AMT)
If you haven’t traveled to west Tennessee in the month of September then you are in for
an obvious awakening. The corn fields are being harvested and the cotton is loading the
stalks like fluffy balls of snow ready for picking. What a glorious time to be traveling
in Our Father’s world. Luckily it is an opportunity to receive continuing education
hours and meet some of our old and new friends in our AMT family.
I have been somewhat anxious about this meeting, a new array of
speakers, a new meeting facility (I thought I was unfamiliar with)
but it turned out to be and previous meeting facility that received
a wonderful “facelift.” Our meeting committee out did themselves
on this one. The hotel “Hyatt Place” allowed its staff to treat us
like we deserved only the best of everything. In so many of these
facilities where the meetings are held, the beds aren’t comfortable
but not this one. After an evening of socializing and definitely eating with our family a
good night of sleep was welcome.
On our first night the board of directors meeting was held to discuss the pertinent matters of our state society. The meeting was called to order at 5:42 pm and concluded at
7:00 pm. Several things were considered by the group but one thing proposed, seconded and passed by the majority was a discount rate for seniors at our meetings.
These individuals must be 60 years of age or older and also include retired members
thus allowing them to get a 25% discount on registration at our state meetings. This
was considered as a way to get our members that can still be active in our society to
come to meetings so their knowledge can be expressed to our younger members.
The official meeting began Friday morning at 8 am and finished Saturday at 4:30 pm.
This allowed our group access to 15 hours of class room lectures from such a well
known group of speakers and the lectures presented were of the finest quality. Many
questions were asked and quickly answered by these intelligent individuals. Check out
some of the pictures taken on page 14.
The food at the continental breakfast could not be surpassed, along with the lunches
during both days of the meeting. “Hats Off” to the dietary department of this hotel.
I would be amiss if I didn’t mention our trip to Rendezvous Restaurant for Barbeque on
Friday Night. If you haven’t been to this place, it is down town Memphis and you will
stand in line to get your lips on a rack of ribs but it is certainly worth the wait!
Our next Educational Meeting will be in Middle Tennessee during the
month of September 2011. The meeting is already in the planning
stage. Try to set aside a little time and come join us as we learn new
things, socialize and meet new friends and definitely eat some good
food.
HATS OFF TO OUR TSSAMT FAMILY.
YOU ARE THE BEST!!
15
onic
s Ver
k
e
e
eW
Joani
TSSAMT Fall Meeting Award Winners
Taffy Durfee
son
a Lar
Zac &
Su
zan Ed
miston
Chris S
eay
Annie
Washington
5 yrs
Stephanie
Griggs
10 yrs
Peggy Edwards
30 yrs
Valerie Owens
15 yrs
Kaye Tschop
30 yrs
Sharon Toon—25 yrs
can
Martha Dun
Charle
sH
aun W
alter P
ars
ons
Valerie
Peggy
s
s Ow e n
Edward
Linda Penn
re
Dr. Pelmo
Chris Seay
Veronica
Larson
Agnes Oslica
Annie Washington
First Tim
e Attend
ee’s
Chris
n Annie
o
n
n
a
h
S
Charles
14
Kaye Tschop
11
TSSAMT National Award Winners Las Vegas 2010
Jerry Hudgins - Honor Roll Society
Various Photo’s from Las Vegas !!
Chris Seay - Exceptional Merit Award
Walter Parsons - GEM Award
Kaye Tschop - Pillar Award
Kaye Tschop - 2nd Place Journal
20
O.C. “Skip Skinner” Uniformed Services Award
12
Kaye Tschop
13