Note: This article by Professor A.A. Sandosham, a former Director
of IMR and former President of the MMA, was published in the magazine of
the Silver Jubilee of the Union of Medical Laboratory Technologist in
1979.
It was at
the turn of the century that scientific knowledge began to be applied to
medical diagnosis. The disciplines of bacteriology, biochemistry, etc were
called in aid in the diagnosis of medical conditions of patients. No longer were
we satisfied with relying solely on history-taking and observations based on
the five senses. We had to have men who could employ instruments and methods of
precision. Thus came into existence the clinical pathology aspects of the work
of physicians.
Clinical Pathologist
As time went on and the demands for clinical pathology increased, physicians
could no longer tackle the subject as a part-time job. It was relegated to full
time medical men. These, however, were few in number as the new specialty was
not too popular with medical men. As the knowledge of the application and
adaptation of physical, chemical and biological methods in establishing
diagnosis and assessing the course of disease in patients increased
tremendously, the demand for workers in this specialised field increased
correspondingly. Non-medical scientist were recruited to assist. Even these
were inadequate in numbers and the medical profession has come to rely more and
more on technicians.
Medical Technologists
Thus, the responsibilities of the present day medical technologists are very
great indeed. They should have a sound scientific training to start with. It
realises the complexity of vital processes they must know, not only to handle
their intricate instruments but also have a knowledge of the rudiments of
physiology and pathology. They must understand their relationship to the
patient whose specimens they are examining and the doctor who wants the
investigations to be carried out. They must be careful and accurate in their
work and have absolute integrity. They must be honest and be prepared to admit
their mistakes and repeat the investigations if necessary.
Tremendous advances in our knowledge continue at an accelerated pace and newer
techniques and more sophisticated instruments are being constantly introduced.
To cope with this, the medical technologists have to be perpetual students.
They have to devote extra time to reading widely and attending night classes,
seminars, workshops, etc. to keep abreast with the advances.
Medical Technologists in Malaysia
We have been in the forefront in recognising the value of laboratory services
to the medical profession in diagnosis and disease prevention in Malaya. As
early as 1900 was established the Pathological Institute in Kuala Lumpur later
designated the Institute for Medical Research. In addition to research in
tropical diseases, the Institute set out to provide laboratory services in
histopathology, parasitology, bacteriology, biochemistry, etc. to improve the
diagnostic procedures in the country.
The medical and scientific staff for carrying out this work was totally
inadequate. The senior officers took on local school boys and trained them in
their respective fields. That they proved efficient and competent in their jobs
is evident from the unqualified praise bestowed on them by eminent visitors. To
single out a few outstanding examples of local technicians who have made good.
I would mention Dr.Lim Boo Liat A.M.N. M.Sc.,Ph.D.,M.I Biol., former head of
Medical Ecology Division, who was recently awarded the Sandosham Medal by the
Malaysian Society of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine for outstanding
research in Parasitology, Mr.M.Nadchatram, M.S.,M.I.Bio., the head of the
Acarology Division who has described many new species of acarines, Mr.Yap Loy
Fong who has illustrated and helped to describe several new malaria parasites
and coauthored a book on the “Microscopical Diagnosis of Human Malaria” and
Mr.Yau Wah Chew whose observations led to the evolvement of Field’s rapid
staining of blood films.
More recently, a three year course in theoretical and practical training has
been organised for medical laboratory technologists at the Institute for
Medical Research. With the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine in the
University of Malaya came a similar training course for medical laboratory
technologists so that today the hospital and research laboratories in Malaysia
can be assured of the services of qualified technicians.
The Future
There is no gainsaying that medical technology is a profession but whether it
will be recognised as one by society will depend on the technologists
themselves. Each profession professes to enjoy a substantial monopoly over a
body of esoteric services to the public. The body of knowledge comprises
varying degrees of theoretical and practical elements, especially the former.
Knowledge and ability thus forms the assurance of each profession’s
justification of a claim to privilege within society. The professionals claim
from the public an exclusive right to self regulation - for licensure and
registration and hence self protection and self enhancement. However the
profession should not lose sight of the overall public interest.
It is the responsibility of the professional associations, societies and unions
to implement the functions of self control, socialisation and education of its
members, communicate with the public and the defence of the professional
interests against infringements by other groups. The members having
successfully completed formal training should be encouraged to improve
themselves by unconventional processes such as self study, experience and
continuing education programmes. It may even be possible for the
Association to develop a system of awarding credit, (which will ultimately
receive recognition by Government and the public) for the successful completion
of continuing education programmes such as attending talks, night classes,
workshops, seminars etc. The society should encourage its members to contribute
articles to their own and other professional journals. In this way it should be
possible for medical technologists to gain recognition and be awarded
professional status.
Personal Note: Professor Sandosham was the 15th Director of IMR in 1964 and what was stated more than 3 decades ago in 1979 seemed still fresh and MLTs who love their profession can take it as an inspiration.
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