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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