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EL TECNICO Vol. 50 No. 2 Fall 2012

Official Publication of the

NEw MExICO STaTE SOCIETy Of aMErICaN MEdICaL TEChNOLOgISTS

In This Issue:

Highlights of the State Society’s Spring Meeting Highlights of the AMT 73rd National Meeting

Delegates’ Reports Total Quality Management in the Laboratory

New Mexico State Society Officers

V

Henry Oh, PhD, MT(AMT), AHI Virgil Marchand, RMA President and Editor Vice President/ Acting Secretary

2844 E. Main St. Ste.106 3501 Santa Teresa NW Farmington, NM 87402 Albuquerque, NM 87120 (505) 288-2680 (505) 462-8107 (office) [email protected] [email protected] Rachael Porlas, RMA Jojo Naval, BS, MT Treasurer Acting Associate 524 Hartman Drive SW Editor & Chair, Albuquerque, NM 87121 Scientific Committee (505) 925-4994 (office) (505) 901-9203 [email protected] [email protected]

Deborah Vance, MT Ken Hawker, MT Barbara Ware, MT

Board Member Western District Councilor Board Member Route 3 1807 Fowler 6631 Sunrise Oak Dr P.O. Box 8179 Roswell, NM 88201 West Jordan, UT 84081 Roswell, NM 88202 (575) 622-1972 (office) (801) 252-8976 (cell) (575) 317- 4046 (Cell)

[email protected] (801) 280- 8004 (home) (575) 625- 9238 (home) [email protected] [email protected]

Michael McCarthy

Legal Counsel 1027 T. Jefferson, SW Ste. 800 W

Washington, DC 20007

El Tecnico Fall 2012 / 2

mailto:[email protected]







About AMT and the State Society

2 NM State Society Officers 4 AMT Mission Statement / Standards of Practice/ Certification 5 Message from the President and Editor 5 Message from the Councillor 6 Delegate’s Report from the Vice President 13 Message from the Legislative Chair 13 Bylaws of the NMSSAMT 14 Delegate’s Report from the Treasurer 15 Delegate’s Report from the Legislative Chair Featured Articles on Leadership and Management 8 “Fine” or Silence, by Laurel Christensen, MLS, CLC(AMT) 16 Total Quality Management in the Laboratory, by Jojo Naval, BS, MT(AMT) Highlights, News and Transitions 10 Highlights of the 2012 AMT National Meeting 11 Highlights of the NMSSAMT Spring Meeting 2012 17 News and Transitions Science and Health Education 17 Effects of Free Radicals on Cells 17 Natural Alternatives for Menopause Relief 17 Natural Alternatives for Erectile Dysfunction Meeting Agenda and NMSSAMT Supporters 18 Fall Meeting Agenda 19 Advertisers


El Tecnico is the official publication of the New Mexico State Society of the American Medical Technologists (NMSSAMT), and is published two (2) times a year in the spring and fall. Any article published is the sole responsibility of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of the NMSSAMT unless so designated. The editor reserves the right to accept, reject or revise any material submitted for publication. This publication is printed for the members of the NMSSAMT.

Advertising Rates:

Full Page $50.00 Quarter Page $30.00 Half Page $40.00 Business Card $20.00

Contents

AMT Mission Statement

The mission of AMT

is to manage, promote, expand upon and continuously improve our

certification programs

for allied health professionals who work in a variety of disciplines

and settings,

to administer certification examinations in accordance with the highest standards of accreditation,

and to provide continuing education,

information, advocacy services and other benefits to our AMT

members.


AMT

“Pride of the Profession”

AMT Standards of Practice AMT seeks to encourage, establish, and maintain the highest standards, traditions and principles of the practices which constitute the profession of the Registry. Members of the AMT Registry must recognize their responsibilities, not only to their patients, but also to society, to other health care professionals, and to themselves, which define the essence of honorable and ethical behavior for a health care professional.

AMERICAN MEDICAL

TECHNOLOGISTS Incorporated in 1939

AMT is a national certification agency for: Medical Technologist (MT) Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA) Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) Certified Laboratory Consultant (CLC) Certified Allied Health Instructor (CAHI) Certified Medical Administrative Specialist (CMAS) ***************** For certification requirements, please contact: AMT 10700 Higgins Rd. Suite 150 Rosemont, IL 60018 Phone: 1-847-823-5169 ***************** AMT is a member of the: Institute for Credentialing Excellence/National Commission for Certifying Agencies Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute

Message from the President and Editor

To My Fellow AMT Members, I’d like to thank the members who attended the Spring Meeting on April 21, 2012 at Brown Mackie College in Albuquerque. I also wish to express my sincerest thanks to Jim Cheslek, JD, Dean of Academic Affairs, and Eric Rudie, Campus President, from Brown Mackie College, for their support to our state society. Many thanks to the following individuals who served as speakers during the Spring meeting: Adam Gross, Demi Bliesner, Chance Torres, Lindsey DeAnda, Tawnya Yarbro, and Jojo Naval. They did an excellent presentation. Our State Society has made it again to the Honor Roll of State Societies. I appreciate the efforts and cooperation of the dedicated officers and members who helped in achieving the honor roll status of our state society. Barbara Ware, MT, Virgil Marchand, RMA and Rachael Porlas, RMA, attended and served as delegates to the AMT National Meeting in San Antonio, Texas in August 2012. Barbara accepted the publication award on my behalf. Our journal, El Tecnico, won second place. Virgil received the Honor Roll of State Societies award for our state society. Rachael accepted the Distinguished Achievement Award on behalf of Desny Wheeless. One of my goals is to have all officers and board members earned recognition and awards at the national level. I believe that I achieved this goal during my tenure as president. I’d like to summarize these awards: Rachael Porlas, RMA, Distinguished Achievement Award 2010; Barbara Ware, MT, Becky Award 2010; Virgil Marchand, RMA, Distinguished Achievement Award 2011; Desny Wheeless, MT, Distinguished Achievement Award 2012; and Robert Reid, AHI, Chester Dziekonski Award 2009. Congratulations to all of you! My special thanks to Virgil who is serving both as the vice president and secretary of the state society.

Thank you, too, to Jojo Naval, who has volunteered to serve as acting chair of the Scientific Committee, and associate editor of El Tecnico. I thank all my students, past and present, who supported the state society by attending our meetings. I look forward to our next state society meeting on Oct. 20, 2012 at Brown Mackie College. Thank you so much for the great opportunity to serve you. I wish you all the best. Take care.

Henry Oh, PhD, MT, AHI, RRT-NPS President/Editor

Message from the Councillor

Greetings! The wheels on the jet have retracted and San Antonio, Texas is fading into the south. The doors have closed on the 74th annual AMT National Educational Seminar and Business Meeting. Once again our national office staff, our Board of Directors and the Scientific and Speakers Committees have provided us with a dynamic and stimulating meeting. We had a registered attendance of 385. This year’s meeting was the first step in an evolutionary change to the format of this annual AMT family reunion. This year we reduced the meeting by one day. The President’s reception replaced the usual Friday night social. Next year in Pittsburg, PA the changes will continue. The meeting will be shortened by yet another day with the business meeting and town hall being held on Thursday instead of Friday. We will be expanding the hours for CE classes into the evenings so that the same number of CE opportunities will still be available. It is not too early to begin planning for next year. One of my favorite highlights of each year’s meeting is the awards banquet and presentations. This year the Western District did very well. Six of our state societies were recognized for Honor Roll status. (to page 6)


(from page 5) Thus far in 2013 all nine of our societies are on track for this recognition in Pittsburg. Fourteen Western District members received special recognition through the receipt of various awards. Among the winners were: Sheryl Rounsivill (CA) – RPT of the Year; Sujanalatha DeAlmeida (CA) – RMA of the Year; Robert Newberry (AZ) – MT of the Year; Juanita Stocke (NV) – the President’s Award and Distinguished Achievement; George Cook (CO) – Silver Service Award; Teresita Hacuman (CA) – Editor of 1st place Newsletter; Dr. Henry Oh (NM) – Editor of 2nd place Journal; Terrie Bruckner (WY) – Distinguished Achievement; Jeannette Hobson (CA) – Exceptional Merit; Clifford Colvin (OR) – Legacy Award and Ashley Bennett (CA) – 3rd place Student Writing Award. Our education team at the national office announced some exciting changes at this year’s meeting. Among these changes are newly formatted packages of STEP CE programs. In addition, there are several recorded workshops from both the 2011 and 2012 national meetings that are available for purchase for a nominal fee. They have also developed an online RMA practice exam that is now available. If you have any questions about what is available please contact the national office. The available options are in a constant state of expansion. For those of you who enjoy using social media, i.e. Facebook, Linkedin, etc., please be aware that AMT is actively pursuing the use of these communications tools. We now have our own Facebook page that you can access for the latest and greatest happens on a national level. As you prepare for your fall meetings, don’t forget that this is your opportunity to highlight and honor the RMA members of your state society. National Medical Assistants Week is October 15 – 19, 2012. The North Carolina State Society has issued a general challenge to all our states to prepare a tri-fold story board to tell the story of your state society. They would like to encourage each state to bring their story board to the next National Meeting in Pittsburg next July. A special display area will be provided for these to be made available for all to enjoy. El Tecnico Fall 2012 / 6

The final act at each year’s business meeting is to install our Board of Directors. This year the members elected Heather Herring from Michigan to the Board. Our officers for next year are: President – Mary Burden; Vice President – Everett Bloodworth; Secretary – Jeffrey Lavender and Treasurer – Janet Sesser. I’m just about “newsed” out so I will close with a wish for a great summer and dynamic fall meetings. Sincerely,

Ken Hawker, MT(AMT) Western District Councillor

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Delegate’s Report from the Vice President

The first day I attended a Workshop on Spanglish 101. We were taught to use a combination of Spanish and English to get across instructions to patients who primarily speak Spanish. The second day started with the Keynote Speaker, Charlie Todd. His theme was about making a scene. He started Improve Everywhere, which is about coordinating efforts of a group of people and recording the reactions of the general population. He stressed to enjoy life to the fullest and take time to play. The late morning was about Medical Errors in Healthcare settings. The leading cause of medical errors is a lack of communication among people. I volunteered for the Mentor Committee. One of our duties was to sit at a table and answer questions from members. A majority of the questions were giving directions to the next sessions being held. Also the always, where are the restrooms? The next session was on Dealing with Difficult People. We learned the difference types of difficult people and how you deal with them to make a positive situation.Later that night I attended the Convention and Mentors Committee. We reviewed last meeting minutes, went over the agenda items for this year, and then prepared for the Welcoming Party that (to page 7)

(from page 6) Night. This year’s Welcome Party had more tables for sitting and the food was a lot better. Wednesday started with, “What’s Next in My Career and How do I get there.” We learned about doing a cover letter and how to conduct ourselves at an interview. The next program was important to me. It was on the Limits on the Scope of Practice for the Medical Assistant and the Phlebotomy Technician. We went over the states that require licensure to work in the state. We learned what you can do and what you can not do as a Medical Assistant. After lunch was an opportunity for Resolutions and to Meet the Candidates for election. No resolutions were presented this year. Questions for the candidates were collected earlier and from these, questions were selected by the Nominating Committee to ask. Each candidate was given an allotted amount of time to answer each question. This made the questioning run very smoothly. Finishing the day at 1900 was a session on ECG and its use for Diagnosing Cardiac Conditions. We learned what the different waves that appear on the ECG reading mean and what the likely cause is for this to happen. Thursday was my first meeting with the District Councillor as the appointed state representative. We discussed concerns for each of the states. At the end we were joined by the other districts to go over the new banking system that was started after the Nevada Convention. The states that are participating said it is making their life easier. Some states not in the program expressed concern about their Certificates of Deposits and saving accounts. How will these accounts be worked into the new system? More information is coming. The late morning session was on Stress Management in the Workplace. We learned about ways and exercises we can do to help reduce this stress. Attending the Armed Forces Committee meeting was an excellent opportunity to meet with fellow members who have served their country. Point of Care testing in the Physician’s Office opened showed that lab results can be affected if Quality Control testing and manufacturer’s directions are not followed.

The last session this day was on, “I have to do WHAT?” This gave current officers and anyone interested in being an officer what to expect from other officers, the District Councillor and the AMT home office. Help is only an e-mail or a phone call away from other officers, the District Councillor and the AMT home office. Friday started with the District meeting. The old STEP articles are being archived and placed in “packages” for ordering. Last year’s convention sessions are being made available as on-demand courses. Practice questions for the RPT and RMA certifying examinations are available for purchase. Starting next year state societies will be able to go on-line to print labels for mailing. You should be able to sort the mailing labels by disciplines. You will not have to mail out meeting notices or journals if members have an e-mail address. Membership listings will have the e-mail addresses of members who have provided theirs when they renew their membership. You still need to mail out notices and publications to members who request them. You no longer have to provide hard copies of publications to the District Councilors or the AMT Home office. All publications will be judged from on-line submittals. From January to June this year around 33,300 members have been decertified. We are not sure why there has been this many decertification but we figure the economy with lack of jobs is a big factor. At the Town Hall meeting members had the opportunity to ask questions of the Board members. The question about the new Banking System occupied most of the questions. We received the overall numbers for the convention. There were a total of 385 people registered with 47 first timers. We then reviewed the committee reports that appeared in the Annual Report 2012 received at the time of registration. The Business meeting started with the Roll Call of States. The proposed amendments to the AMT By-Laws were presented and accepted. Nominations were made for the open positions on the board. Mary Burden, Jeff Lavender, and Heather Herring were elected. (to page 8)


(from page 7) The AMTIE business meeting started with the result of their election. Linda Jones and Taffy Durfee were elected to the board. Two awards were given out for Continuing Education Competency; a monetary award was given to a selected second timer, three awards of $1500.00 and three awards of $500.00 were given to students. The meeting was adjourned. The AMT Board returned and Mary Burden was elected President, Everett Bloodworth was elected Vice President, Jeff Lavender was elected secretary, and Jan Sesser was elected Treasurer. Later that evening a reception party was held at the Lone Star overlooking the Alamo. Respectfully submitted,

Virgil E. Marchand, RMA(AMT) Vice President

“FINE” OR SILENCE By: Laurel Christensen, MLS, (CLC) AMT

The other evening a friend and I spent an evening in a local restaurant. The service was wonderful, the atmosphere delightful and the wait staff very personable. The problem was my food! The meat was grey and cold, so I put it on the side of my plate and finished the rest of the meal. El Tecnico Fall 2012 / 8

When we checked out I made a mistake most of us make when asked “How was everything?” I replied, “Fine.” In doing so I did a disservice to the owner and staff of the business through my dishonesty. Hopefully, the problem could have been addressed if I had voiced my concerns. More and more of our institutions are required to provide their patients with surveys on their satisfaction with services and care. Usually these surveys are only filled out when there is a complaint. If a patient is satisfied with his service, he should tell the institution about his positive experience as well. Surveys should give patients an opportunity to tell management how their needs have been met. A patient who replies “fine,” or is just silent, sends an important message to management about service received. When a patient complains, management knows the truth is being told, and should listen to him. When a patient returns an enthusiastic response, also listen, as there is a satisfied customer. But when the response is “fine,” or silence, management has a problem. It could be underneath the “fine” is an unhappy patient. Management must listen most carefully when the patient isn’t talking. It is important to recognize that responses of “fine,” or silence, give a message in itself, which indicates that questions about the patient’s experience should be asked. Patients have learned from past experiences that management doesn’t really want to know what they think and feel. But when caring and sincere questions about an experience are asked and the patient is heard, the organization will gain credibility. This can be a difficult task, but if time is taken to do it, patients will respond. When there is an opportunity for serious conversation, patients will recognize that you are serious about their issues and will do something to address a problem. Management must recognize that responses of “fine,” or silence, convey an important message. So the next time I have an unsatisfactory experience, I will voice my concerns. By the same token, when my clients voice their concerns by “fine,” or silence, I will ask for clarification and listen well.

Highlights of the AMT 74th Educational and National Meeting

Hyatt Regency Hotel San Antonio, Texas

July 12, 2012


Highlights of the State Society Spring Meeting

Brown Mackie College Albuquerque, NM

April 21, 2012


Highlights of the Spring Meeting Brown Mackie College, Albuquerque, NM, April 21, 2012


Message from the Legislative Chair

Fellow Members of NMSSAMT, You will find the amended and proposed NMSSAMT Bylaws published in this Fall issue of EL Tecnico. These changes were reviewed at the Fall Business meeting in 2011 and Spring Business meeting in 2012, and all changes have been made. Per National guidelines and requirements, the Bylaws are being published for your review. Please review them for content and errors. If you find any errors or wish to make comment on the content, contact President Henry Oh or Vice president Virgil Marchand (their contact information is on the front page of this journal) or present them at the upcoming spring Business meeting. The Bylaws will be up for vote and adoption at this meeting. Upon adoption, they will be sent to the AMT Judiciary Councillor for approval. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at Brown Mackie College! The program and information are also in this publication! Respectfully,

Barbara E. Ware, MT (AMT) Chair, Legislative Committee

BYLAWS NEW MEXICO SOCIETY OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGISTS Preamble This organization shall be known as the New Mexico State Society of the American Medical Technologists or NMSSAMT. Its purpose shall be the advancing of the purposes, principles, standards, profession, promotion of educational and functions of all the

members of American Medical Technologists also known as AMT. It shall be operated as a non-profit organization. Article I Members All members and associate members in good standing of AMT residing in this state shall be, respectively, members and associate members of this society. The voting members of this society shall be the members, not associate members, who are “members in good standing” in accordance with the Bylaws of AMT. Article II Meetings of Members The NMSSAMT shall hold each calendar year scientific meetings to include educational seminars, lectures and/or workshops, business meetings and Board of Director meetings as is required in the AMT Organizational Manual to maintain Honor Roll status. Article III Officers and Board of Directors

1. The officers of this society shall be a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer. They shall have the duties and powers usually exercised and held by such offices as described in the NMSSAMT Standard Operating Procedure Manual which complies with the AMT Organizational Manual, Officers Manual and National Bylaws.

2. The Board of Directors shall consist of the officers of this society, two (2) elected directors-at-large, the editor and/or associate editor, if applicable, of the state publication and the immediate past-president. The directors shall plan, manage and conduct the business and affairs of the NMSSAMT as described in the NMSSAMT Standard Operating Procedure Manual which complies with the AMT Organizational Manual, Officers Manual and National Bylaws.

3. The president and vice-president shall have been members in good standing of AMT for two (2) full years prior to taking office and have attended at least three (3) of the four (4) business meetings held in that two (2) year period. The secretary, treasurer, editor and board of director members-at-large shall have been members in good standing of AMT for at

least one (1) year prior to assuming office and have attended the business meetings held during that year. (to page 14)


(from page 13) 4. The officers and board members-at-large shall

be elected by a majority vote at the fall annual business meeting to serve a two year term. The editor and/or associate editor shall be appointed by the Board of Directors with the editor not having a vote on such appointment.

5. In case the office of president becomes vacant for any reason, the vice-president shall succeed to the presidency. In all other cases of vacancies of an elective office, the Board of Directors shall appoint a person to fill the vacancy until the next semi-annual business meeting where the members will, by majority vote, fill the vacancy.

6. The president and secretary shall be jointly responsible for notifying the AMT Executive Councillor, Western District Councillor and AMT Office of all elections and appointments immediately following such appointment or elections.

7. The NMSSAMT Board of Directors (BOD) shall meet in conjunction with each semi-annual membership meeting and, in addition as needed, on the call of the president or vice-president or three (3) BOD members with ten (10) days notice. A majority shall constitute a quorum.

8. No NMSSAMT Board of Directors (BOD) elected director who has served for three (3) consecutive two-year terms shall be eligible for reelection as a director or officer until he or she shall have been absent from an elective position on the Board of Directors for a minimum period of three (3) years.

Article IV Dues

1. The annual NMSSAMT rebate from AMT

comes from the renewal fees of NMSSAMT membership certificants.

2. All other revenues of the NMSSAMT shall be used only for the purposes of this society and no part of such revenues shall be used for the sole benefit of a member of the NMSSAMT.

Article V Law of the Society

1. Robert’s Rules of Order, current edition, shall govern the procedures and the meetings of


this society where not in conflict with these 2. bylaws or the AMT Bylaws, manuals and

directives which shall, in all things govern the NMSSAMT.

3. These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote at any annual business meeting of the NMSSAMT provided the members have been given thirty (30) days notice of the proposed amendment which must also have been published in El Tecnico and provided the AMT Judiciary Councillor subsequently approves such amendment.

Article VI Committees

1. The president, subject to the approval of the

Board of Directors, shall appoint all standing and special committees.

2. All committees shall be appointed in accordance with the Bylaws, manuals and directives of AMT. In addition, there shall be such other committees as shall be necessary and convenient to the functioning of this society.

Adoption Clause These bylaws were adopted by vote of the members of the New Mexico State Society of American Medical Technologists present at a duly called and held meeting of such state society at ___________________________________ on ___________________________. Approved on ______________________ by the Judiciary Councillor of AMT. __________________________________ Judiciary Councillor

Delegate’s Report from the Treasurer

I’m pleased to write my Delegate’s Report on the 74th Educational Program and Annual Meeting held in San Antonio, Texas. Our hotel room faced the Alamo, which was located about a block away. We went on a river cruise and our captain told us about the old hotel buildings and about the local scenery.

(to page 15)

(from page 14) My husband and I also took a horse-driven carriage ride, which took us downtown. Our tour guide gave us a different view of the old hotels, some of which were built in the 1800’s. We also went on a walking tour through the Alamo. The Hyatt Regency was a very nice hotel with a great staff. This report is on the most interesting workshop that I attended. The speaker was Deborah Janeczko, RMA. It was entitled Multiple Generations in the Workplace. Following is some of the information that she told us. This is the first time in American history that we have four generations working side-by-side in the workplace. People communicate based on their generational backgrounds. The Traditionalists are those people born between 1922 – 1943 between the Great Depression and World War II. They are the mature, silent generation, respectful of authority and demand respect. A diploma was not necessary – they were the “self-made man”. These are the people that say “teach me.” The Baby Boomers were born between 1943 and 1960 and are the postwar babies. They invented “Thank God it’s Monday” and the 60 hour work week. They believe in a fair and level playing field for everyone. These 49 – 64 year old people dislike change and have a driven and dedicated work ethic. They are motivated to learn with the desire to win, willing to work overtime as well as take work home. These people respond well to the traditional classroom or workplace with interacting, networking and teamwork approach. A diploma is the right of passage. These people say “lead me to the information.” Generation X includes the 29 – 48 year olds born between 1961 and 1980, known as the “latchkey kids” because both parents held jobs outside the home. They require feedback and flexibility, dislike close supervision. They take a non-traditional approach to completing work. They resist customary time-frames, such as set working or classroom hours. Use of multi-media vs. conventional textbooks, enjoy role playing, are comfortable with change, fearless, always ready to jump into projects. A diploma is a necessary inconvenience. They say “connect me to people.” The Generation Y Millennial or Nexters include ages 8 – 28 born between 1980 to the present and are the most optimistic. They think life is just going to work out, eager to work and learn with a combination of can-do and teamwork. Education taught them to value diversity. These people are very computer savvy, can multi- task very well. Their preferred method of learning combines teamwork with technology. They have a high priority on making money, respond to teaching strategies tied to

economic outcomes. The preferred method of learning includes being entertained, and they bore easily. A diploma is a stepping stone and it doesn’t matter how you get it. They say “connect me to everything.” Opportunities within the work environment include multiple perspectives in group learning, mentoring by older as well as younger employees.

Employers can promote learning by encouraging open communication, respect the different values held by different age groups. They can promote generational partnerships and collaboration, avoid stereotypes, remain flexible, and work together. Each generation has something valuable to add to the workplace or classroom, so we should take the time to listen to our co-workers or fellow students. On Friday, July 13, 2012, the Western District Meeting was held. Ken Hawker, our District Councilor let us know that one of the changes for the Annual Meeting format proposed for next year is to start on Monday and end on Thursday. The 75th Educational Program and National Meeting will be held on July 8 – 12, 2013 at the Omni William Penn Hotel in Pittsburgh, PA. The room rate will be $119.00. The 76th Program and Meeting is currently scheduled to be held somewhere in the Great Lakes Region.

Rachael Porlas, RMA Treasurer

Delegate’s Report from the Legislative Chair

Having taken an extra day to drive through the heart and hill country of Texas with Arizona State Society delegate Betsy Hurd, I arrived in San Antonio on Sunday. I was extremely grateful AMT had registration open to facilitate early registration. This allowed me the ability to setup my schedule for the whole week prior to Monday; as beginning Monday, my week took off at a run. (to page 16)


(from page 15) It was my honor to Chair the 2012 Mentoring Committee. The Mentoring table opened on Monday at 0730 to help attendees find the Monday workshops and registration. With the help of the Committee members, we were able to staff the table all week during all activities and sessions. The purpose of the Mentoring Committee table is to help first time attendees, students along with all attendee find sessions, locate registration or simple things like restrooms or breaks. It is a great place to meet attendees and say “hi” to AMT family. I sincerely wish to thank each of the Mentoring Committee members who served this year and helped cover the table for the whole week. I also chaired the Nominating Committee and so I was not able to always be at the Mentoring table. The Nominating Committing this year had been given a new charge and responsibilities by the Board of Directors. It was an honor to work with this Committee. The Nominating Committee moderated Meet the Candidates on Wednesday afternoon. AMT members, for the first time, were asked to put questions they wanted asked of the candidates into a box in advance of Meet the Candidates. The questions were then asked of the candidates at Meet the Candidates. The whole agenda this year was faster paced and moved quickly along but each attendee was able to obtain the same number of continuing education hours. I think everyone enjoyed the condensed schedule as it kept us hopping. The educational sessions were excellent and provided subject matter applicable to all disciplines. Great job to all who planned and put together this meeting!! Tuesday morning began at 0700 with the Orientation Session to greet the new members, first time attendees and students. I am pleased to say the room was packed!

The Keynote Address given by Charlie Todd on the Shared Experiences of Absurdity encouraged spontaneous humor through all of life’s experiences and showed the value of laughter in life. The welcome party was great with lots of really great baskets, food, fun and music. The New Mexico State Society Basket had a very unique hand-made, lead-glass alien (made by Max Vance Deborah’s husband) in it along with other memorabilia from New Mexico. The Committee Meetings were held on Tuesday night (to be continued in the Spring issue 2013) El Tecnico Fall 2012 / 16

Total Quality Management (TQM) in the Laboratory Setting

By: Jojo Naval, BS, MT(AMT) Many industries have applied the ideas within Total Quality Management for decades to improve processes and, therefore, improve products and services to their customers. Applying the ideas of TQM to the health care industry, especially within laboratories and hospitals, improves the accuracy of testing results and, ultimately, improves the quality of patient care. The birth of total quality management in the U.S was brought about by the challenges of the Japanese quality revolution industry after World War II. By the 1970s, the U.S. response to the quality process eventually became known as Total Quality Management. In her book, Clinical Hematology and Fundamentals of Hemostasis, author Denise Harmening writes “Total Quality Management comprises all of the processes that affect the quality of a laboratory test result from beginning to end.” In the laboratory, a quality test result means it is accurate and precise, free of error or defects. How then does a laboratorian ensure quality results? Quality processes should be implemented, strictly followed and monitored at every step of the patient testing while simultaneously complying with regulatory guidelines. CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) regulates all laboratory testing in the U.S. through the CLIA-88. According to CLIA’s “Survey procedures and Interpretive Guidelines for laboratories and Laboratory Services,” all laboratories that perform patient testing need a quality management plan. Laboratory policies and procedures should be checked against the College of American Pathologists (CAP) checklist questions on quality. When a laboratory practitioner fails to adhere to a set of standards, possible error may occur in the event of testing and may have adverse and irreversible effect on patients. TQM may be costly and requires time and patience but is a good investment. The result will have a lasting impact on the healthcare industry as it improves laboratory performance dramatically. I am currently part of the laboratory team at Los Alamos Medical Center where the goals of TQM are as follows:

1. Improve the overall quality and efficiency of our laboratory service

2. Evaluate the effectiveness of our lab’s policies and procedures

3. Identify problems and make corrections when necessary

4. Assure accurate, reliable and prompt performance of tests and reporting of results

(to be continued in the Spring issue 2013)

News and Transitions April Cole, MLT(AMT), is now an instructor of the Phlebotomy Program at Central New Mexico Community College (CNM). She is also pursuing her bachelor’s degree. She had been a speaker at the state society meetings, and will be a speaker again in the next meeting. Henry Oh, MT, AHI, has served as a speaker on Medical Ethics at the Four Corners Health Sciences Symposium (formerly Clinical Lab Symposium) at San Juan College on Sept. 29, 2012. It is jointly sponsored by the medical technology, respiratory therapy and health information technology programs. Attendees came from Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico. It is accredited by the Professional Acknowledgement for Continuing Education (PACE).

Congratulations to the following new AMT members:

Xiaofeng Liu, RMA Erla Enriquez, MT

Christina Lopez, RMA Crystallena Castro, RMA

Freddie Covero, MT Lisa Bean, RMA

Lacey Potts, RMA Natalie Crouchman, RMA Mohamad Hashem, MT Norma Herrera, RMA

Starlene Mooney, RMA Gloria Flores, RMA

Marisol Casarez, RMA Kelly McLaughlin, RMA Cassandra Lopez, MT

Kathy White, RMA Rita White, RMA

Sabra Mapp, RMA Lauren Wassmann, RMA

Analyn Covero, MT Amanda Wiseman, CMLA

Tracy Olguin, RMA Jacqueline Luna, RMA

Effects of Free Radicals On Body Cells

Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that inflict damage on proteins, lipids, and DNA in the cells in a process called oxidation. Free radicals come from all sorts of pollutants such as smog, tobacco, fried foods, and are also a by-product of natural metabolic processes in the body. Oxygen gives us life and energy, but it also produces free radicals that repeatedly attack our cells every day. Over time, our damaged cells lose their ability to withstand infection and disease, and eventually die. Antioxidants can help neutralize these free radicals. Examples are vitamins (C and E), minerals, enzymes and other compounds found in foods such as broccoli, tomatoes, and green tea.

Natural Alternatives for Menopause Relief

Soy contains isoflavones, plant compounds that act like a weak form of estrogen and may ease mild menopausal symptoms. They also appear to lower cholesterol and reduce bone loss. Flaxseeds are another source of plant estrogen. St. John’s Wort is a herb that may combat mild depression and insomnia. Chasteberry can provide relief of menopausal symptoms and help restore progesterone levels, which plummet during menopause. Vitamin E can reduce hot flashes, night sweats and female dryness. Walking and weight lifting help prevent osteoporosis, and aerobic exercise helps guard against heart disease.

Natural Alternatives for Erectile Dysfunction

Ginkgo biloba is a natural remedy for men with mild erectile difficulties. This herb appears to improve circulation by relaxing blood vessels, helping more blood circulate throughout the body. Adequate intake of zinc is important to the production of testosterone. Foods rich in zinc include yogurt, fortified cereals, wheat germ, nuts and seeds, shellfish, and poultry. Men with a 42-inch waistline are nearly twice as likely to have erectile dysfunction as those with a 32-inch waist. Smoking damages blood vessels, including tiny capillaries in the penis. (Source: Reader’s Digest Looking After Your Body, 2001)



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NMSSAMT Fall MEETING Oct. 20, 2012 Brown Mackie College 10500 Copper Ave., NE Albuquerque, NM 87123 08:00- 08:30 Registration/Introductions 08:30- 09:30 Medical Ethics Henry Oh, PhD, MT(AMT), AHI 09:30- 10:00 Vitamins and Minerals Madeline Teague 10:00- 10:15 Break 10:15- 11:15 Updates on Healthcare Donna Schwendinger,CMPE, MHA, MT(AMT 11:15- 12:15 (topic- to follow) April Cole, MLT(AMT) 12:15- 13:45 Lunch Break NMSSAMT Business and Board Meeting 13:45- 14:45 Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Jojo Naval, BS, MT(AMT) 15:00 Adjourn Directions to Brown Mackie College (BMC): If traveling East on I-40, exit on Eubanks Blvd., and turn right, then turn left to Copper Ave., and drive towards back of Walmart, where school is located. If traveling West on I-40, exit on Eubanks Blvd., and turn left, then turn left to Copper Ave. Registration Fees: AMT members- $10.00 Non-members- $15.00 Students- free (need school ID) Please make checks payable to “NMSSAMT.”

NMSSAMT Fall Meeting

Oct. 20, 2012

National Medical Assistants Week Oct. 15-19, 2012

National Breast Cancer

Awareness Month October 2012

COPD Awareness Month

November 2012


C-B LABORATORY, INC. 313 West Country Club Road #8

Roswell, NM 88201

Deborah Vance, MT, Owner

(575) 622-1972

AMT 75th Educational Program & National Meeting July 8–12, 2012

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Henry O

h 2844 E. M

ain St. Ste. 106-242 F

armin

gton

, NM

87402

NM

SSAM

T Fall Meeting

October 20, 2012

Brow

n Mackie C

ollege A

lbuquerque, NM

A

MT 75th Educational Program

and N

ational Meeting

July 8-12, 2012 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

el tecnico - americanmedtech.org society... · fold story board to tell the story of your state...

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