FREDERICTON, May 23, 2019 /CNW/ - The Canadian medical laboratory community is coming together in Fredericton for the next few days for LABCON, the annual professional development conference hosted by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS). LABCON will take place at the Fredericton Convention Centre from May 24–26.
In Canada, medical laboratory professionals perform over 440 million tests every year. With the information provided in these test results, doctors are able to make accurate, informed medical decisions to diagnose and treat their patients. Without qualified professionals to produce these lab results, quality patient care is impossible.
"In Canada, we are experiencing a shortage of medical laboratory professionals. Within the next 10 years, approximately 50% of the workforce will be eligible to retire and the new supply of graduates entering the labour market is nowhere near enough to compensate for these retirements," says CSMLS President Maria Klement. "This shortage is already having an impact in rural and remote communities across the country".
LABCON allows these professionals to keep their finger on the pulse of new strategies and technologies in medical laboratory science.
"LABCON is a great opportunity for Canada's medical laboratory professionals to enhance their skillset so they can successfully navigate and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of health care," says CSMLS CEO Christine Nielsen.
This year, the three-day conference is offering over 40 educational sessions and workshops. Speakers include but are not limited to Dr. John M. Dornan, who is presenting on the impact of gender dysphoria in the lab, and Vitalité Health Network CEO Gilles Lanteigne, speaking on modernization strategies within the context of workforce shortages.
Dr. John Butt, forensic pathologist will be sharing his personal stories from the crash of SwissAir Flight 111. Dr. Butt led the team that successfully identified the crew and passengers of the plane crash.
About CSMLS
The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science is the national certifying body for medical laboratory technologists and medical laboratory assistants and the national professional society for Canada's medical laboratory professionals. Incorporated in 1937 as the Canadian Laboratory Technologists, the society has over 14,000 members in Canada and in countries around the world.
SOURCE Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact, Michael Grant, Director, Marketing & Communications, 1-800-263-8277, ext. 8687, or [email protected]
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