What is MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY and why I chose it?

As I graduated from high school, I was really firm with my plan of choosing Information Technology course in a well-known university. It was a neat plan to start building my future career until suddenly.... fate have shifted its direction...it changed my life...and the next thing I knew, I found myself in a medical school taking this course I'm not so familiar with... the Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology. 

Let me introduce to you my chosen profession... 

What is Medical Technology? 

BS Medical Technology is a four year degree program that equips students with knowledge and skills in laboratory tests used in the detection, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases (finduniversity.ph).  Medical technologists also known as medical laboratory scientists work in hospitals or free standing laboratories to collect and analyze/process patient's blood samples and other body fluids. They are trained to operate the machines used in each sections. They are the key players in patient diagnosis by providing accurate results to the physician. 

They are well-trained in the areas of:

• clinical chemistry- where tests like lipid panel (cholesterol, triglycerides), fasting blood sugar, creatinine are performed
• hematology - CBC
• microbiology - identifying isolated bacteria, fungi, viruses in cultures
• immunology -  performing Hepatitis panel, HIV Test, Thyroid panel
• immunohematology (blood bank) - crossmatching, preparation of blood units, operating the platelet apheresis machine
•  urinalysis and body fluids - stool exam, semen analysis

Why did I choose this course?

My father wanted me to become a doctor and he told me that this is the best pre-med course to take. Also, I've always loved science and it made me realize that the course is not so common as compared to information technology. Because of that, I defied the odds and choose this interesting course.

About my college life...

Choosing medical technology was very challenging yet interesting. To add, I had a scholarship to maintain. There were times when I don't know what subject to prioritize. All of them are difficult but then I had friends who made medtech life fun for me. I learned that it's not just always memorization on terms but also you should be able to understand its concepts. This was the time I was not that good in phlebotomy but I got better as internship came. It was a balanced learning actually, as we were fed with lots of theories during lower years and immersed with its application during the internship

Am I using what I learned in college?

Yes. During school and internship, I was able to apply everything I learned.  In school, I learned the manual method in the microscopic examination of urine as well as manual differential counts already. The identification of each cells made easier because of the morphology our instructors taught us. It made me appreciate more  the concepts that I learned in books in the actual practice. 

How long did it take to find a job after graduation?

Since most of the laboratories prefer licensed medtechs, I spent 4 months of preparing for the licensure exam. After I passed the boards, it took me only one week to find my first job. I worked as a all-around medical technologist in a secondary primary laboratory with a good chief medtech that served as one of my mentors.

My current job?

I'm now working as a registered medical technologist in one of the private hospitals here in Cebu.

Do I recommend studying Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology?

Of course. The Philippines needs more medical technologists. Aside from being considered as the best course if you're going to pursue medicine, being medical technologist has a lot to offer.  This profession provides you a continuing education. The pursuit of learning new techniques regarding new clinical advancements are endless and so are the employment opportunities. 

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course?

Be in mind that this course is a survival to the fittest. If you're already in it, you have to finish what you've started. Medical Technology entails sacrifice, dedication and confidence in your part, may it be while you're still studying or in a working scenario already. You have to possess a positive attitude that you will pass. Focus in your studies and learn to know the subject matter by heart. Theory and application should come together. The microscope is your friend so expect for practical tests on identification on various organisms. A licensed/registered medical technologist gets higher salary compared to those who are not so it is better if you pass the board exam.

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I hope this blog will enlighten your mind on choosing the right course. Good luck!

This MedTech student has just Graduated!

MAY 22- In my four years of putting a lot of effort to college, here I am reaping the fruits I've sown. Finishing the degree of Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology (Medical Laboratory Science) in Southwestern University is the major accomplishment I've reached so far! Thank you Lord!

The four years I've spent including the internship had created wonderful memories and experiences though I'm not saying I didn't go through a lot of sufferings and sacrifices. It's worth everything I've felt throughout my college life. Right now, I couldn't believe I've graduated and survived. It's still fresh on my memory the time when my parents enrolled me in the university and passed the entrance exam. Back that time, I have little knowledge of what's this Medical Technology is all about until I understand the whole of it as I journeyed.

For me, it's all worth it. Although I didn't graduate with honors but to see my parents happy as I went up to the stage is much more any medals could give. Through them I didn't give up and didn't lose hope that I can get through this. They didn't give up on me especially the times when I need financial support. I'm so thankful they are at my side on those times when I think I would fail. My family as well as my friends gave me the courage to go on and never surrender.

success together with my family

Again, I would like to thank all the people who were with me throughout my journey. My professors who were part of molding me to become an equipped medical technology student and to Southwestern University that made my dream possible. The road was indeed steep and rocky but you guys made it easy for me. I thank God for the blessings and his guidance. Right now, I'm proud to say that I successfully completed the four year degree course of Medical Technology! I did it! Yehey!

Next step: To pass the medtech board exam. I can do this! (With God's grace...Hopefully!)

Happy Graduate,
Cindy

medtech level up...INTERNSHIP! (my expectations)

at last, so happy with my scrub suit on!

Wow! This is it! The blue internship uniform! I couldn't believe that I'm wearing it now and will be wearing for the next six months to come. Right in front of the mirror, I see myself differently. It's like an updated version of me wearing that dignified scrub suit. Though I look so professional on that blue outfit but I just couldn't hide my worries and made-up 'what-ifs' to would happen for this span of time.

Yes, I know this will be the toughest one. Being a medtech intern isn't something to brag on because you're thinking you're near the finishing line but it's not yet. We need to work hard and if must, two times the effort that we do to our studies to pass not only internship but a subject called Seminar 2 as well. Now here's the deal, if I was able to escape from the evil clutches of seminar 1 then our clinical instructor reiterated that this time she will be hard on us to see who are those worthy to join the commencement exercises this coming May. Whoa! If most of us think this semester will be all about duty to different medical center, rotating to every department and catching each shifts then that's not it. I have to study still or I'll end up crying again seeing failing grades because of quizzes and practical exams.

my driving force why I'm trying my best to
every step of the way

During the two-week module, honestly I found it so difficult to do the laboratory procedures with order and precision. Truth to this is because when we were still third years, our performance in the laboratory is not evaluated individually. It is a group work all throughout semesters and we just have to observe the person actually doing the test. Well, I have to say that I'm not also that kind of person who easily gets the things to be done after being told. If possible, I have to clarify it first just to make sure things will run smoothly. At times, I'm not with my self letting fear overcome me that took our clinical coordinators to notice it. Waah! Presence of mind please. Most of the day, I feel so sorry with my partner he got himself a clumsy pair like me. (So sorry, please forgive me)

What I have to work more now is phlebotomy and the blood smear preparation coz these two are the essentials in the clinical laboratory and still I couldn't get it right. My first center is in the Sacred Heart Hospital and I hope I would be having a good start on my internship experience. Although they say the center is not so busy but I'm looking forward as to the help that I could render to the patients and for me to harness my skills in the clinical laboratory.

I know there might be extensions along the way but I hope this will not stop me from finishing all the rotations till May. I hope that I could get along with my groupmates as well. What I only ask are their understanding and their willingness to help their co-interns because that alone would lift up our mood and somehow that would build the trust the RMTs would be giving us.  I hope I'll learn more and more as I hop in to one center to the next.

I guess this will end my expectations. I have lots of them on my mind but I give it up to the heavens to be with me all the time. More internship diaries to come!

Feeling excited,

Cindy♥♥♥

RESEARCH STUDY “HEMATOPOIETIC PROPERTY OF THE ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF Pleurotus ostreatus (OYSTER MUSHROOM) AMONG Oryctolagus cuniculus (MALE RABBITS)”

Escoba, C.A.; Duarte, K.S.L.; Desabille, K.E.L.; Estella, K.D

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted to determine the effectivity of Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) ethanolic extract on the hematopoietic activity among Oryctolagus cuniculus. Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) has been found to contain vitamins B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B5 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine) and B7 (biotin). The phytochemical screening of the mushroom extract revealed the presence of tannins, terpenoids, and glycosides.

A total of 20 Oryctolagus cuniculus (rabbits) were randomly assigned and employed into four groups. All showed a normal hematopoietic activity prior to testing.  There is statistical significance between treatments and time, and interaction of treatments and time; RBC (treatment=.034, time=.021, .interaction=.003); hematocrit = (treatment=.032, time=.024, interaction=004); hemoglobin (treatment=.034, time=.021, .interaction=.003).

Based on the gathered data and results, the researchers concluded that Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) ethanolic extract has a potential hematopoietic effect among Oryctolagus cuniculus (rabbits).

RECOMMENDATIONS 

The researchers of this study yearn to improve the following:

1. That the future researchers might improve the methodology used by the proponents in this experimentation.

2. That there will be additional parameters to be studied upon aside from the red blood cell count, hematocrit and hemoglobin.

3. That there will be induction of any hematological abnormalities that could prove the effectiveness of Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) and show that there is possibility that it could be used as an alternative treatment.

Educational Psychology by healthcare practitioners

For almost four years, I realized that being a health professional, be in the clinical or in a academe setting must be able to impart his knowledge by educating the patient as long as he can. It’s not just we’re attending to their medications and treatment but I realized that we are more than what we are expected. It’s true that we are called to save people’s lives but our duty is also to promote healthcare awareness to humanity and spread it throughout the world using our skills which I think  the valuable tool of our profession.

We meet a certain goal, purpose, and objective by following a system or process that serves our basis to an effective patient education. We may encounter several barriers and obstacles in both teaching and learning but these things can be eradicated or alleviated if we learn the alternatives. We may not convince people at that certain point but it is an achievement for us health practitioners that somehow we tried our best to correct what has been their beliefs about that certain situation.

In teaching health education, psychology plays a major role in assessing students as well as their way in perceiving what they need to learn. Psychology is the foundation that has to be focused, now that we’re dealing with all kinds of people and not just students in the school. I realized that after all these years, this field of science built up my way of learning knowing that in behaviorism, I was able to achieve something because of positive reinforcements such as incentives and rewards and the negative reinforcement and punishment in which most of us are afraid of. Repetition has made me do things I'm now used to. Therefore, by the formation of behaviorism, people develop observable behaviors mostly by improving their personality.

As observable behaviors developed, mental processes tend to sharpen as well. The main assumption of cognitive psychology is that there are cognitive processes that take place and influence the way things are learned. Explanations of how cognitive processes work are known as information processing theories or models. The three-component model of information processing is being taught in Educational Psychology. It looks something like this. Important classroom principles from cognitive psychology include meaningful learning, organization, and elaboration. One has to deal with these psychological aspects because this plays an instrument for us to understand the basic abode of man.

RECOMMENDED MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY BOOKS

Hey co-medtechs!!! As each one of us is getting a next step higher towards our dream to be RMTs, we should be aware that more difficult challenges will come in our way. Maybe we should burn more candles and break a leg more often. HAHA. so I think studying in advance can help you to understand the concepts that you'll be taking in the next sem. So, I will share to you books which might be of help for your understanding to the next level...

NOTE: THE BOOKS SHOWN IN HERE ARE NOT INTENDED TO GAIN PROFIT WHATSOEVER. THIS IS BASED ACCORDING TO THE AUTHOR'S AND THE SCHOOL'S REFERENCE MATERIAL. 

SECOND (2ND YEAR)
ANATOMY

PHYSIOLOGY - 

THIRD (3RD) YEAR

PARASITOLOGY - 

CLINICAL CHEMISTRY -  

BACTERIOLOGY, MYCOLOGY, VIROLOGY - 

CYTOGENETICS -  

PHARMACOLOGY - 

HEMATOLOGY - 

ANALYSIS OF URINE AND BODY FLUIDS (CLINICAL MICROSCOPY)

IMMUNOLOGY AND SEROLOGY

FOURTH (4TH) YEAR
IMMUNOHEMATOLOGY (BLOOD BANKING)

SEMINAR 1 AND 2 

PREVALENCE OF ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCT IN NORMOLIPIDEMIC PATIENTS

Journal Critique in Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Elderly Normolipidemic Acute Myocardial Infarct Patients in India by CINDY  ESCOBA, PEARL HARRIETTE RAMIREZ, CHARISH PUENTENEGRA and GERARDINE CAÑETE under MR. JULIUS P. MARIO Faculty of the College of Medical Technology of Southwestern University, Cebu City

The concern of the uprising cases of myocardial infarction in patients had been tremendously looked upon by the researchers to come up with valuable parameters in determining myocardial infarction. Basically, they focused on the cardiovascular risk factors which are mainly associated with the disease but monitored with normolipidemic patients. With the emphasis of coronary artery disease, various conditions have shown that lipid levels play a crucial role in dealing cases with myocardial infarction due to free radical generation and ischemia. Facts pertaining to the importance of observing high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the introduction had been essentially explained as well as its mechanisms involving oxidation by the antioxidant enzyme system. The objectives presented are clear enough in accordance with the study and is in parallel with the use of practical instrumentations conducive to the researchers’ benefit. The abstract directly interpreted the significant results but with lesser elucidation as to how relevant is determining the risk factors in elderly normolipidemic AMI patients.

The methodologies used in the study are well-established. The normolipidemic status is judged by several diagnostic criteria. Although there is a thorough selection of patients but there is no explanation stated as to why they come to exclude several patients with diabetes mellitus or those with renal insufficiency. There is specificity of the methods employed to every parameter but there should have been an elaboration on the method’s principle why the researchers are in favor to use it. With its wide-variety selection of tests, this study can not be easily duplicated since all chemicals are of analytical grade and are some are manufactured and obtained from other countries. The advancement of technology in their country set an edge towards their study as quantitation is concerned.

The results obtained from the various methods are presented in a tabulated manner. The tables are differentiated according to the patient’s status and other biochemical parameters in patients. Moreover, the controls used provided a solid foundation for the basis of their study. A further justification of the legends has to be revised since some of it doesn’t correspond to the table shown. The discussion points out the risk factors that can serve as markers for detecting acute myocardial infarctions. The interpretation of results was carefully evaluated by the researchers such then there were some redundancy upon the antioxidants’ mechanism involving the disease. However, recommendations are indicated as to evaluation of other inflammatory markers to be given further consideration.

The topic and the research framework are appropriate for the journal. It clearly relates to the ideas discussed in the study. The abstract presented a brief yet an accurate summary of the article that defines its purpose, methodology and the discussion. The ideas are well-designated to its corresponding paragraphs in a sense that it correlates to the results. The proponents have conveyed understanding upon the readers as well as it exhibits a clearer picture of the problem. In general, the presented research study is logical and significant.