Last Update: 04/22/08

Letter from President Bush --

Happy Lab Week
April 17, 2008

I send greetings to those observing National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week.

Across our Nation, medical laboratory professionals are meeting the needs of the sick and bringing hope to patients and their loved ones. National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week is an opportunity to recognize the dedicated men and women who help detect and prevent disease, monitor treatments, and deliver the best care to our citizens. These efforts contribute to a healthier future for our Nation and help save countless lives.

I appreciate the skill and dedication of our Nation’s medical laboratory professionals. Your efforts reflect the innovative and compassionate spirit of America.

Laura and I send our best wishes.

George W. Bush

AASU to Host Clinical Laboratory Educator's Conference Feb. 21-23

Armstrong Atlantic State University (AASU) will host the 24th annual Clinical Laboratory Educators' Conference (CLEC) to be held February 21-23 at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront.

Hosted by AASU's Department of Medical Technology in the College of Health Professions, the conference is the most important annual event for faculty, administrators and other professionals in clinical laboratory science education, according to the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.

Hassan Aziz, head of medical technology at AASU, will provide welcome remarks starting at 12:30 p.m. He is serving as 2008 CLEC general conference chair. Lisa Anderson and Michelle Butina co-chaired the program committee.

"CLEC is an event where theoretical perspectives and practical implications are explored, and new educational technologies are presented," said Aziz.

Clinical laboratory science education trains students to become skilled professionals who can perform medical laboratory work that is vital in health care. Working as healthcare detectives, laboratory science practitioners uncover and provide information from laboratory analyses that assist physicians in patient diagnosis and treatment, as well as in disease monitoring and prevention.

The conference will attract more than 500 clinical laboratory education faculty and other professionals from around the nation and other countries.

For further information on the conference, sessions, and contact information, please visit www.ascls.org/conferences/clec2008. (February, 2008)

Click here to read the Advance article.

Singapore and Qatar Welcome AASU's Aziz

(Savannah, GA, January 3, 2008) Hassan Aziz, department head of medical technology at Armstrong Atlantic State University (AASU), visited Singapore and the State of Qatar during the course of the fall semester.

Aziz was invited to Singapore to speak on the topic of global emerging infections. He addressed medical personnel at the National University Hospital and visited five universities.

During his visit, he discussed the factors that contribute to the global spread of infectious agents such as the avian influenza A (H5N1) virus and MRSA, an antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection that can be fatal.

Singaporeans had a close call with the avian influenza when neighboring Indonesia became the nation worst hit by the disease starting in 2005. Government-led education campaigns in Singapore raised public awareness about the dangers of the disease and how to minimize the risk of infection.

Shorlty after returning to Savannah from Singapore, Aziz flew to the State of Qatar to serve as leader of a site visit team invited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS). The Qatar University medical technology program is the first international program to seek accreditation by the U.S. agency.

The fact-finding visit included Duncan Samo, director of the medical technology program at Del Mar College, and John Landis, professor emeritus at Ferris State University.

"Qatar is moving toward American standards of education and they are setting themselves up to be a leader in the region," Aziz said. "They understand that having a good education system is as vital as having a good healthcare system."

Aziz added that, "the biggest challenge they face is that there are cultural differences between our countries but they are working toward compliance with the accreditation standards."

Aziz, who joined AASU in 2000, received the 2007 Clinical Laboratory Scientist of the Year from the American Society for Clinical laboratory Science-Georgia (ASCLS-GA). He has been honored with the Governor's Teaching Fellowship and AASU's Brockmeier Faculty Award.

Read the News Release

.
Medical Technology Faculty Scholarship - May 2007

Michelle Butina, in collaboration with a 2005 Medical Technology graduate, Jennifer LeFebvre, published an article "Advanced Alcoholic Cirrhosis: A Case Report". The article appeared in the 2007 Spring issue of Clinical Laboratory Science.

Hassan Aziz and Lisa Anderson published an article entitled "New Hire: Best Fit or Misfit Body?" in Clinical Leadership and Management Review. Aziz was the guest editor for Volume 19, number 11 issue of Advance for Medical Laboratory Professionals. (May 2007)

CLS of the Year

2006-2007

  
The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science - Georgia (ASCLS-GA) awarded Dr. Hassan Aziz the Clinical Laboratory Scientist of the Year Award. This is the most prestigious award given by ASCLS-GA.

Dr. Aziz is the Head of the Medical Technology Department at Armstrong Atlantic State University, Savannah, Georgia. In his relatively short tenure at Armstrong and ASCLS-GA, he has established himself as an outstanding scholar in the field of medical technology with a number of publications, national presentations, and invited lectures. The Award recognizes Aziz's leadership and perseverance which was instrumental in attracting national recognition to his program. Worthy recipient, Hassan Aziz has been on the board of directors for ASCLS-GA since 2000. In his tenure, he has chaired many committees and served as President in 2006-2007. He exhibited the greatest commitment to the field and the association through committee involvement, time and resources invested, and demonstrated ability to make a positive impact on the organization.

 

Since arriving at Armstrong Atlantic State University, Aziz had the opportunity to teach a range of courses to a widely diverse group of students He has been honored with success through positive evaluations, academic awards, and most importantly, tangible student achievements. He was hand picked from a huge list of highly qualified educators in the state of Georgia for the Governor's Teaching Fellowship. He was also the recipient of the Brockmeier Faculty Award, an award given to an Armstrong faculty member who has been recognized as an outstanding teacher, and who has made significant contributions through service to the university and to its students.

Aziz is involved in various professional activities. He is an active member of several national professional and scientific societies and organizations. He is fast in sharing his expertise as a service to local community. Aziz serves on the Diagnosis and Staging Workgroup of the Georgia Cancer Coalition and the Georgia Division of Public Health by invitation and on the Medical Devices Advisory Committee of the Food and Drug Administration by appointment. His affiliations include the National Certification Agency for Medical Technology Personnel (NCA), American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS), Clinical Laboratory Management Association (CLMA), American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science - Georgia (ASCLS-GA), and American Society for Microbiology (ASM). His research interests include medical technology education and the laboratory manpower shortage. (May 2007)

NATIONAL MEDICAL LABORATORY
PROFESSIONALS WEEK

April 22-28, 2007


The Medical Technology Department
is Celebrating Medical Laboratory Week in Georgia

Congratulations and enjoy
National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week
New ASCLS Student Forum Officers
Elected in Marrow, Georgia
At the ASCLS-GA Annual Meeting, the Student Forum has elected new officers. They are:

President: Amber Melton - Armstrong Atlantic State University
Vice-President: Canditra (Candi) McLemore - Medical College of Georgia
Secretary: Kristin Inot - Dekalb Technical College

The Forum is experiencing great changes within the student organization: We
are very happy to finally have an MLT student holding an office. Also,
Candi is a distance learning student - we've never had a distant
learning student involved in Student Forum activities. Additionally we
have 2 other students who will be serving on Student Forum Board along
with the new officers: Amily Burchfield from Thomas University and Jeff
Mosser from West Central Technical College. The new Board will
also recruit more representatives from other MT/MLT schools in Georgia.

The election speeches presented at the meeting were all very impressive
- all three officers have fund-raising experience which
should come in handy when planning to attend the San Diego meeting.

Houston: We have a conference!
Hassan Aziz, Lisa Anderson and Lara Hewitt from the South Carolina Hospital Association (SCHA) headed to Houston from March 24-27, 2007, for the Clinical Laboratory Management Association's (CLMA) ThinkLab Conference & Exhibition. They presented the educational model that was created collaboratively by the Medical Technology Department at AASU and SCHA. The presentation was entitled "Hospitals and Education: A Different Approach to Train Medical Technologists". ThinkLab '07 is the laboratory industry conference that focuses on career development and professional growth. (March 07)
The Deaprtment of Medical Technology is pleased to announce that Ms. Larua Roberts won a $500 scholarship presented by the South Carolina Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. The SC society gives one MLT and one MT scholarship each year. Laura is completing her laboratory rotation at Palmetto Health Richland in Columbia. Congratulations Laura.(March 07)
SCCLS SCHOLARSHIP
In The Winner's Circle

The Department was chosen by the Labs Are Vital™ program to receive the CellDyn - 1800 Hematology instrument. Sixteen clinical laboratory educational programs from across the United States have been selected to receive diagnostic equipment, supplies and service through a $1 million donation sponsored by Abbott Diagnostics. The state-of-the-art equipment includes automated immunoassay analyzers, hematology systems and handheld point-of-care automated diagnostic instruments. The donation is a major component of Labs Are Vital™, an Abbott Diagnostics initiative that seeks to revive the laboratory profession and improve the quality of lab life. In particular, it addresses one of the most serious problems facing the clinical lab today: college and hospital-based training programs that are increasingly underfunded and in short supply. For more information on the "Labs are Vital" program, please visit www.labsarevital.com. (March 07)

Read article in Clinical Laboratory Products Magazine: http://www.clpmag.com/clprime/2007-03-14_01.asp

Medical Technology Faculty Scholarship

Michelle Butina, medical technology, was a contributing author for new textbook, "Hematology Clinical Principles and Applications" published by Elsevier in March.

In February, Lisa Anderson and Hassan Aziz attended the Clinical Laboratory Educators Conference in Louisville, KY. The two delivered a presentation entitled "An Interdisciplinary Web-Based Case". At the same meeting, Aziz presented "Student Criminal Background Checks in Allied Health Institutions" and it was well received by the attendees.

"Understanding Transfusion Reactions and How to Resolve" was the title of the presentation delivered by Anderson at the 35th Annual Meeting of the Society of Armed Forces Medical Laboratory Scientists February 26-March 1, 2006 in Boston, MA.

Aziz worked with recent graduates, Cathy Fitch, JoAnna Aviles, Angel Minnifield and Charles Pauldo in publishing the article "Criminal Background Checks" in the January issue of Advance for Medical Laboratory Professionals.

Aziz, in collaboration with a 2005 Medical Technology graduate, Mary Nelson, published an article "Direct Inoculation Osteomyelitis Due to Eikenellacorrodens Following Oral Radiation Therapy". The article appeared in the 2007 Winter issue of Clinical Laboratory Science. (March 07)

Senior Symposium 2006
  
Armstrong Atlantic State University (AASU) graduating seniors in the medical technology field showcased their work at the second annual Medical Technology Senior Symposium on November 15, in the Armstrong Center. The event was free and open to the public.

The students presented a total of 23 patient cases they have studied during their clinical practicum rotations. A variety of topics were presented in the areas of microbiology, hematology, chemistry, blood bank and molecular diagnostics. Two hours of continuing education credit were earned by attending five sessions. (November 06)

Click here to see images of event

  
Light The Night Walk

Click here to see images of event
The Medical Technology Department participated in The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Light The Night Walk which took place on October 27, 2006. This event is a nationwide evening walk dedicated to build awareness of blood cancers and raise funds for cures. More than 747,000 people in the United States and Canada have blood cancer.
Armstrong Atlantic State University was well represented at this walk by not only the Medical Technology Department but Respiratory Therapy, Dental Hygiene, Nursing, and Radiology Sciences. The event was a huge success. Everyone walked from downtown Savannah's Forsyth Park to City Market and back. During the 2 mile walk, there was a little rain but this did not dampen the participant's spirits. Walkers carried illuminated balloons, white for survivors and red for supporters to celebrate and commemorate lives touched by cancer.
The five departments at Armstrong raised well over $6000.00 with the Medical Technology Department collecting over $3300.00 of that total. Thanks to everyone who participated in this event. All proceeds from this year's walk will go to further the mission of curing leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma and myeloma and improve the quality of life for the patients and their families. (November 06)
Five Points of Life Cycling Team
to Visit AASU Campus!

 

On Monday, October 9th , the riders will be visiting Savannah, Georgia on the campus of Armstrong Atlantic State University. There will be an event held at Shearhouse Plaza on the Armstrong Atlantic Sate campus, to help the riders spread the word about the importance of donation to students and members of the local community. The event will take place form 11:30 am until 3:30 pm and will include a blood drive from 11:30 - 3:30, a cookout from 11:30 - 1:30, speeches by the riders between 1:00 and 2:00, and other fun activities throughout the day.

We invite the media to join us at the event, meet and talk with the riders, and help spread the word about the importance of donation and saving lives in our local community.

For more information please contact Donna Zielke with Savannah Community Blood Bank at 912-355-0271.
(October 2006)

Click here to see images of event

The Five Points of Life Ride 2006 is made up of 11
cyclists who travel from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on September 8th and ride there bikes all the way to Miami's South Beach, Florida where they complete their ride
42 days later on October 20th . The purpose of this ride
is to raise awareness for the five ways we can share
life with others through donation of blood, aphaeresis,
marrow, organ/tissue, and cord blood. The cycling team consists of amateur cyclists who each have a personal connection to one or more of the Five Points as donors, recipients, or in some cases, both. The team acts as messengers for the program, sharing their experiences
and the reason why it is so important to donate. As they travel along the route, they stop at events arranged by
local donor organizations to share their stories and
hopefully inspire more people to become donors.

Pauldo Received Scholarship

Charles Pauldo, a recipient of the 2006-2007 Mary Howden Gibson and Lois Gaddis Hamilton Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is sponsored by the Candler Hospital Auxiliary and is awarded to qualifying students who are pursing a degree in an allied health profession. The award is based on academic achievement, acceptance into an approved educational program, financial need, and a written account of the applicant’s desire to succeed in his/her program of study. (september 2006)

New Officers for Med Tech Club

The Medical Technology club elected its new officers for 2006-2007. The following students were elected by their peers to serve as the Junior Club Officers:
President: Cynthia Mendoza (pictured)
Vice President: Brittaney Haire
Treasurer: Brittney Shipman
Secretary: Amber Melton
(September 2006)

New ASCLS-GA Officers
From AASU

Ms. Lisa Anderson, Assistant Professor/Clinical Education Coordinator in the Department, was named President of the American Society of Clinical Laboratory Science-Georgia for 2006-2007 during the annual meeting. Ms. Anderson is a graduate of Armstrong Atlantic State University and holds a Master's degree in Health Service Administration also from Armstrong. She is active in various professional organizations including the American Society of Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS), American Society of Clinical Laboratory Science - Georgia (ASCLS-GA), and the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB). Throughout her career, she has worked to increase the awareness of the need for blood donors by sponsoring and organizing blood drives throughout the community.

On March 9, 2006, the student members of American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science - Georgia (ASCLS-GA) voted Yvonne Jefferson, Tram Nguyen, and Angel Minnifield as their new Student President, Vice-President, and Secretary, respectively. The election was held at the annual ASCLS-GA meeting in Macon. Their office took effective immediately and will run until March 2007. (September 2006)

FDA Appointment

Hassan Aziz was appointed to the Medical Devices Advisory Committee of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Committee reviews and evaluates data on the safety and effectiveness of marketed and investigational devices and makes recommendations for their regulation. The panel provides advice to the Commissioner on complex or contested scientific issues between the FDA and medical device sponsors, applicants, or manufacturers relating to specific products, marketing applications, regulatory decisions and actions by FDA, and Agency guidance and policies. The Panel makes recommendations on issues that are lacking resolution, are highly complex in nature, or result from challenges to regular advisory panel proceedings or Agency decisions or actions (August 2006).

My First National Meeting!

Sears Tower, Millennium Park, Lake Michigan, McCormick Place, Michigan Ave, Navy Pier..... All words to describe the great city of Chicago, IL where the 2006 National ASCLS meeting was held. From July 25-29, laboratorians from all over the nation gathered to share ideas, earn CE credits, vote on important issues, hold elections and network with other laboratorians.

This was my first time attending a national conference, and it was definitely a unique one. I had no idea that so many meetings and educational sessions could be held in such a short time period and have time to visit the vendors at the vender exposition. I have to say, we packed a lot into our days, but the hustle and bustle was worth it.

The conference was opened by the Galileo Players. The comedy group took issues and laboratory topics and developed skits to demonstrate them. I have to admit, it was a good change from the normal motivational speech keynotes tend to give. Comedy first thing in the morning is always a good way to start the day off and by the amount of laughter and smiles, I think everyone enjoyed them.

The event was followed by a national awards ceremony to highlight top societies and individuals. ASCLS-Georgia was fortunate to be well recognized by winning several awards. We won first place for the Fundraising Award, third place in the Constituent Society Publication-Website Edition category and a host of individuals won other awards. I was chosen for the Quest Diagnostics Student Forum Leadership Award, Michelle Butina won the Theriot Award and Elizabeth Barrows won the Student Submitted Case Study award. Michelle Butina, Jennifer LeFebvre and Mary Nelson were all recognized as Keys to the Future of ASCLS. The last category that ASCLS-Georgia was acknowledged in was the distinguished Omicron Sigma award. The following members were chosen: Elizabeth Kenimer-Leibach, Hassan Aziz, Lisa Anderson, Michelle Butina, Joeline Davidson, Jill Dennis, Bonnie Gum, Cynthia Parrish, Lester Pretlow and Catherine Weaver. Our Georgia members were very proud to have been recognized in so many ways.

The conference was formally underway and everyone went their own directions to attend the sessions they were interested in. A large variety of topics were covered, including case studies in Hematology and Transfusion medicine, Pharmacogenomics, Microbiology Issues, State Licensure and Leadership and Management courses. Participants could also attend sessions from breast cancer, lymphomas and herbal medicine to cardiac markers. There was surely something for everyone.

Social events were also scheduled in each night to promote networking and fun. From attending the First Timers reception to the Boot Scootin Boogie Bash, each night was a different experience.

The conference ended with a presentation on how to manage work, family life and stress without loosing your sanity! This was a presentation that I think we all needed to hear considering how busy our lives tend to get. Hopefully each person walked away with some advice on how to manage their lives better as I did.

All in all, the conference was a success in my opinion. It will always be special to me considering it was my first national conference and trip to Chicago. It seems like its been such a long time ago when I first joined ASCLS and then was elected Student Forum Vice President of GA. Attending two state conferences and now a national conference, I have been able to grow in many ways. Leadership and becoming involved with promoting the profession of laboratory medicine has been my focus thus far. I am excited about what the future will hold and what new endeavors ASCLS will lead me into.

I encourage everyone to try and attend next year's event, not only for the great information that is presented, but for the experience and networking with other lab professionals.

Jennifer LeFebvre, MT (ASCP)
Class 2005
Memorial Health University Medical Center
Savannah, GA
August 2006

See Images of trip!

ASCLS Annual Meeting

Lisa Anderson, Hassan Aziz, Michelle Butina, Yvonne Jefferson (senior student) and Jennifer LeFebvre (Class of 2005) from the Department of Medical Technology returned from Chicago after attending the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) Annual Conference. The five represented Georgia at the national conference. Anderson is the current president of ASCLS-GA while Aziz is the immediate past president. Jefferson is the Georgia student president.

Butina was the recipient of the Theriot Award for developing an educational CD-ROM entitled "Peripheral Blood Explorer". The award recognizes and encourages the development of significant materials in the areas of media and equipment.

LeFebvre received the Quest Diagnostics Student Forum Leadership Award. The award recognizes a student member of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and contributed to the growth and development of the ASCLS Student Forum.

Butina, LeFebvre and Mary Nelson (Class of 2005) were also recognized as ASCLS Keys to the Future. Anderson, Aziz, and Butina received the prestigious Omicron Sigma Award.

Dean Eckert (Health Professions) and Aziz delivered a presentation at the meeting entitled "Health professions Workforce: Partnership can be the Answer". (August 2006)

Aziz to Serve on a Georgia Cancer Coalition Workgroup

Hassan Aziz was invited to serve on the Diagnosis and Staging Workgroup as part of the Georgia Cancer Coalition and the Georgia Division of Public Health. Aziz and others were asked to revise the state's comprehensive cancer control plan. The purpose of the plan is to create a roadmap that builds on current strengths, establishes priorities, allocates responsibilities, and sets targets using evidence-based metrics that will focus the efforts of all stake holders. The goal of the Georgia Cancer Coalition is to develop a plan that will be the national model for comprehensive cancer control, a plan that will minimize the impact of cancer on the citizens of Georgia (August 06).
ASCLS Region III Spring Council Meeting

Savannah was the host city of ASCLS Region III Spring Council meeting. It was a typical spring weekend in Savannah. Clear skies and warm temperature welcomed the 23 attendees representing the different states in the Region. Hassan Aziz and Armstrong Atlantic State University hosted the meeting.
For some, this was an opportunity to visit with old friends, while for others; this was an opportunity to make new ones. Some came to Savannah for the first time eager to explore its beauty and rich history. The rest enjoyed another beautiful spring day with the sites and sounds of Savannah.


See More Pictures
The meeting started on Saturday morning (May 20th) with Lynn Ingram welcoming everyone. The aroma of fresh coffee and Krispy Kreme Donuts made the ice breaking activities more enjoyable. In her last meeting as Region Director, Lynn gave a historical overview of the past 6 years. The achievements were numerous and the sweet memories were engraved in people's minds. Lynn proceeded to discuss the national ASCLS meeting and outlined the expectations of each state constituency. State representatives took turns delivering their reports. Dan Southern, as always, was the photographer of the day and succeeded in capturing many excellent images of the group.

The first day finished around 4:30 pm, enough time to rush back to the hotel to freshen up and to grab a spouse, a family member, or a friend before heading downtown. Two Armstrong vans drove the participants to Franklin Square where a shuttle was reserved for the group to tour the historic city. The 75-minute fully narrated journey allowed the group to take a closer look at the narrow streets and the squares landscaped with splendid live oaks adorned with Spanish moss. Before heading to dinner, the group walked through the City Market and stopped at the different shops. The dinner was a treat. The group amused their taste buds with delicious food at the famous Lady's and Sons. The atmosphere inside the restaurant was excellent.

The talk on Sunday was motivational. Lynn updated the group on several national issues. The presentation was well received and the participation and interaction by the group was intense. The day ended early when the participants left Savannah for their home base, while a few chose to stay on for more of what Savannah has to offer.

MT Students Receive National Award

The Medical Technology department is proud to announce that Ms. Cathy Fitch, Ms. Ella Guzman, and Mr. Michael Bridges received the National Student Honor Award given by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). The award is established to recognize those students in the laboratory professions who demonstrate both academic excellence and a commitment to community service and leadership activities. (May 2006)
   

NATIONAL MEDICAL LABORATORY
PROFESSIONALS WEEK

April 23-29, 2006


The Medical Technology Department
is pleased to announce that Governor Perdue
proclaimed April 23-29 as Medical Laboratory Week in Georgia

To view Proclamation, click here

Congratulations and enjoy
National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week

AASU Celebrated Lab Week

The week of April 10th - 13th the Medical Technology students celebrated National Laboratory Professionals Week. The festivities started with games that included "Guess that Tech" which involved matching baby pictures to students and faculty. In addition students wore funny hats and the top three were awarded prizes. Tuesday began our "Lab Olympics" that included several events such as Lab Coat Relay, Pipette Tosses, WBC Races and Get the Last Drop. The students enjoyed the time out of the lab to relax and have fun competing against one another. The "Fact Finder" game stumped them all trying to match unknown facts to individuals. The next day concluded the activities with an award's lunch during which prizes were given for games and Olympics. (April 2006)

Read NMLW article by Dr. Aziz in PDF format

 

March Madness

March was a very busy month for the Faculty of the Med Tech Department. As spring is the season of renewing and refreshing, it is also the time for many of the professional societies to have their annual meetings to enrich, enthuse and enliven clinical laboratory professionals. The MT Faculty played an active role in encouraging professionals by presenting at various venues.
On March 2, Ms. Anderson, Ms. Butina, and Dr. Aziz attended the Clinical Laboratory Educators Conference in San Antonio, TX. The three delivered a presentation entitled "Improving Lines of Communication Between Academic Institutions and Clinical Facilities". The presentation was well received by the attendees, many of whom would like to implement a similar format in their clinical laboratory science programs.
A week later, the faculty, along with the students, headed to Macon, GA to Rock-N-Roll and attend the ASCLS-GA Annual Meeting. This year, Dr. Aziz, President of ASCLS-GA, Ms. Anderson, President-Elect and Ms. Butina, District II Director, were instrumental in planning the conference. Many attendees felt it was the best meeting they have ever attended. The students enjoyed the experience and the networking opportunity to meet with professionals and fellow students across the state. In addition, each of the faculty members presented sessions at the meeting.
The following week, while the students were enjoying the Spring Break, Dr. Aziz was busy traveling to Washington, D.C. He was accepted into the Leadership Development Program of the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions and attended the first portion of the program March 13-17.
Two days later, Ms. Anderson and Dr. Aziz packed their bags once again as they were invited to present at ThinkLab '06, the annual conference for the Clinical Laboratory Management Association. The meeting was on March 19-21 in Charlotte, NC. Finally, as the end of the month was drawing near, it looked as if March Madness might be almost over, but not quite yet.
On March 27th, Ms. Anderson traveled across the United States to Reno, Nevada where she presented "Cases in Transfusion Medicine" at the annual Society of Armed Forces Medical Laboratory Scientists (SAFMLS) conference. Finally, on the last day of the month, Ms. Butina and Dr. Aziz participated at the 6th Annual Teaching and Learning Symposium in Savannah. (March 2006).

FEBRUARY BLOOD DRIVE

On Thursday February 3, 2006 from 10am to 3pm the College of Health Professions hosted their ninth blood drive with Savannah Community Blood Bank. The Medical Technology students wanted to make this drive a big success, so they organized a cookout selling hamburger and hot dog lunch combos outside the blood mobile to fund raise money for the upcoming ASCLS-GA state meeting in March. In addition, a donor referral program was used to recruit students from around the campus to encourage them to donate. The MT students handed out the cards that contained information about the date, time and location of the drive as well as blood donation facts. This served as a useful tool in recruitment, which brought 34 individuals to the drive who signed in and attempted to donate. In all, 18 whole blood units were collected from the donors. This blood drive was a big success and the next scheduled drive is April 13, 2006 from 10am to 3pm in front of Ashmore Hall on the AASU campus. The MT students are planning another big event to attract donors and serve the community. For more information or locations to donate, contact SCBB at 912-355-0271 or the donor center at Memorial Health at 912-350-5643. See images of the blood drive (February 2006).

Department Receives Contribution

The department received a check for $1000 from Dr. J. Ralph Edgar of the Savannah Pathology Group to support the departmental scholarship funds. The department is very grateful for this generous contribution.

Standiford, Aziz Publish an Article

Darron Standiford, CLS(NCA), MT(ASCP), class of 04, and Hassan Aziz, co-authored an article, "Emerging pathogens and revisted Prevention Strategies for the Clinical Environment" which was published inOrthopedic Nursing, November/December 2005.

Med Tech Club Participated in Light the Night

Light the Night is the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's annual evening walk to raise funds in the fight against leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. The Med Tech club sold Leukemia and Lymphoma Society wristbands at several events on-campus and off-campus. Many of the club members participated in the walk held in downtown Savannah on October 21, 2005. The club raised over $1000 for Light the Night!
Successful MT Club Booth at AASU Day


The Med Tech booth at AASU Day was a grand success! The participation and
enthusiasm of the students really made the day enjoyable. In fact, the
booth sold out of funnel cakes before the day was over! Club president
JoAnna Aviles would like to thank her fellow members for their hard work
and dedication. This show of cooperation amongst the students is
definitely a sign of great things to come.

Students Receive National Award

The Medical Technology department is proud to announce that Ms. Jennifer LeFebvre and Ms. Mary Nelson received the National Student Honor Award given by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). The award is established to recognize those students in the laboratory professions who demonstrate both academic excellence and a commitment to community service and leadership activities. (October 2005)
Busy Summer


Hassan Aziz, Department Head, had a busy summer. In addition to teaching two online courses, he published an article entitled "Chlamydia: The Silent Infection" in In-Service Reviews in Clinical Laboratory Science. He collaborated with other authors to publish a new textbook in microbiology. Also, he completed two book reviews (October 2005).

Brockmeier Award


Hassan Aziz, Department Head, received the 2005 Brockmeier Award. The award is presented each year to a faculty member who is recognized as an outstanding teacher, and who has made significant contributions through service to the university and to its students (July 2005).

Department Receives Award

Savannah, GA—July 27, 2004— The Department of Medical Technology at Armstrong Atlantic State University (AASU) has received a Wal-Mart Good Works Award. Hassan Aziz, interim department head, accepted the check for $500 during the recent grand opening of the national retailer's Montgomery Crossroad location in Savannah.

Wal-Mart presented the award to recognize the department's academic excellence and community service. Through its Med Tech Club, the department works several local health care facilities to promote a healthier community and to assist in blood drives on and off campus.

“I am very excited that we were selected,” Aziz said. “This award shows that our program's presence is felt in the community. It also demonstrates the kind of difference a good corporate citizen like Wal-Mart can make.”