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The Canadian Society for Transfusion Medicine (CSTM) annual conference took place in Montreal from May 25–28, 2023, welcoming attendees from various sectors of the health care industry. This year’s theme, "Moving forward after 25 years of evolution," also celebrates the anniversary of Justice Horace Krever’s publication around the tainted blood crisis. The groundwork laid by Justice Krever served as the cornerstone for the establishment of Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec, as they undertook the task of reconstructing the blood system with a commitment to prioritizing the safety of all Canadians.
The WorldLab – EuroMedLab conference was held in Rome, Italy this year from May 21–25, where former IQMH scientific committee member, Paul M. Yip, who served as a member on the Chemistry committee from 2010–2020 and as Chair from 2017–2020, presented a virtual poster on understanding how medical laboratories manage reference intervals and post-analytical reporting of ferritin, and the future of harmonizing reporting across Canada.
Together with our affiliate, Accreditation Canada, IQMH commemorates National Indigenous History Month throughout June. This is an opportunity to recognize the rich history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across Canada. During National Indigenous History Month, Canadians are encouraged to learn more about the history and diverse cultures of Indigenous peoples. This includes learning about the impact of colonialism, residential schools, and other injustices that have been imposed on Indigenous communities. In understanding the past and present experiences of Indigenous peoples, Canadians can work towards reconciliation and build stronger relationships based on respect, understanding, and shared values.
Together with our affiliate, Accreditation Canada, IQMH recognizes World Accreditation Day, a global initiative established by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) to promote the value of accreditation. Each year, June 9 marks an important day in the global health care community to recognize the pivotal role of accreditation in advancing quality in health care.
The highly anticipated 2022 Action Report by Accreditation Canada (AC) and Health Standards Organization’s (HSO) was recently released. The report highlights the advancements achieved through collaborative efforts with stakeholders in tackling challenging quality and safety concerns in today's global health ecosystem.
Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being and affects all areas of life, including work. There is a growing awareness of the importance of mental health in the workplace, and its impact on employee productivity, engagement, and retention. IQMH recognizes Mental Health Week, highlighting the need for greater support and understanding around mental health in the workplace.
The client portal QView™, and the IQMH websites will not be available starting 6:00 p.m.(EST) on Friday, May 5, 2023 until late Sunday, May 7, 2023. Please make appropriate work-related arrangements to accommodate this planned maintenance.
Amanda is a Senior Medical Laboratory Technologist, specializing in Genomics at Health Sciences North. She began her post-secondary education with interest in the pathology field. Amanda graduated from Laurentian University with a degree in forensics and continued her education at the Michener Institute, obtaining certification as a Medical Laboratory Technologist in genetics. She began her career in Sudbury, assisting in the opening of the molecular genetic testing laboratory where she continued, 20 years on, into her current role in the department of Genomics.
Dr. Larissa Matukas is an Associate Professor in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology at the University of Toronto, Head of the Division of Microbiology, Unity Health Toronto, and an Infectious Diseases specialist at St. Michael’s Hospital. Her specific areas of interest and expertise are in microbiology quality improvement, application of novel diagnostics, utilization and stewardship and antimicrobial resistance. With over 60 publications in her areas of interest, she has been sought out as an expert to contribute to guidelines on implementing quality management system in microbiology, best practices in specimen collection, and Choosing Wisely Canada for microbiology.
Marlou is a Medical Laboratory Technologist, specializing in Parasitology with Public Health Ontario Laboratory (PHOL) in Toronto.
As a member of the IQMH Parasitology Scientific Committee, Marlou has volunteered her time and expertise since December 2021 to prepare survey samples, microscopic analysis, homogeneity results, including pictures and morphologic descriptions of parasitic organisms.
Dr. Ronald Booth is a Clinical Biochemist in the Division of Biochemistry with the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital and the Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association (EORLA) and an Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Ottawa. He directs the Immunology and Neurobiomarkers Section of the EORLA regional laboratory at the Ottawa Hospital General Campus. He is also the Medical Laboratory Director and/or Clinical Biochemistry consultant for various community hospitals in the Eastern Ontario region.
Melanie is the Regional Discipline Manager for Transfusion Medicine in Tissue Typing/DNA and Molecular Diagnostics at Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association (EORLA). She has been a member of the Transfusion Medicine Scientific Committee since 2012 and highlights the value she has gained from attending committee meetings and working collaboratively with other experts from across Ontario.
This National Volunteer Week, we thank all the IQMH Proficiency Testing Scientific Committee Members who dedicate their knowledge and time to the proficiency testing programs. It is because of the incredible work undertaken on the scientific committees that IQMH can provide quality proficiency testing programs to improve medical diagnostic testing in health care.
In 1948, countries from around the world founded the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote health and serve the vulnerable, with the goal of attaining the highest level of health and well-being of the world’s population.
This April 7, 2023, the WHO observes its 75th anniversary of World Health Day, and uses the opportunity to recognize the improvements of public health successes over the last seven decades, as well as the current health challenges we face.
Each April, The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) recognizes the critical role of medical laboratory professionals in the health care system.
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