AMT's McCullough: from grass roots to high stakes; With a membership of 31,000 allied health professionals who can be contacted as part of a grass roots campaign, AMT is a Clinical Laboratory Coalition member that can add some political muscle to the message

Medical Laboratory Observer, March, 2005 by Amy Haigh

Advocacy efforts:

AMT is active on the state legislative and regulatory fronts to protect its members' interests. We have a model state licensure bill and have worked well with other groups where state licensure is a reality. AMT regularly participates in the activities of the Clinical Laboratory Coalition in Washington, DC, and represents our members on issues such as Medicare reimbursement and lab personnel shortages.

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Membership has its advantages:

Among the three major clinical lab certification agencies--AMT, ASCP, and NCA--AMT is both a certifying body and a member service organization. AMT's state societies' delegates elect our leaders at the annual meeting. Members can obtain and track CE credits and access networking and leadership opportunities at state and national meetings. State society membership is automatic with national membership.

Career assistance:

AMT certification is, in itself, a benefit to any healthcare professional's career. It signifies the individual has met high standards in the field. The "Career Connection" page on AMT's website features job openings throughout the country. The AMT Institute for Education (AMTIE) helps members track their CE credits--an invaluable tool for showing employers their ongoing dedication to learning.

Making education accessible:

AMT's Journal of Continuing Education Topics and Issues addresses a variety of subjects of interest to lab professionals. Each educational article is followed by questions that members can answer to obtain CE credit for a nominal cost. Each year, our numerous scholarships enable members and potential members to pursue their educational goals. CE sessions are a vital part of state society meetings and our national convention, and many of our CE modules are online at www.AMT1.com.

Encouraging young laboratorians:

The television program CSI paints an interesting picture of one aspect of lab science; increased interest in MT and MLT teaching programs in North Carolina may be related to this program's influence. Print media should promote awareness of laboratory medicine's importance; few laymen know that lab test results aid an estimated 65% to 70% of physicians' diagnoses. Laboratorians should participate in career days at the middle- and high-school levels. Students should be informed of opportunities in lab science, including positions in hospital, clinic, reference, and industrial labs, as well as research, sales, and teaching positions. This field is seldom boring, rapidly changing, and always challenging--what more could one ask of a career choice?

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Professional

Current president and 50-year AMT member; previously served eight years on its Board of Directors and as vice president. Started career as a staff technologist at St. John's Hospital in Andersen, IN, in 1955. Worked at Northern Hospital of Surry County in Mt. Airy, NC, as the assistant chief medical technologist from 1957 to 1960, then as its technical director and administrative director of laboratory services from 1961 to 1999. Occasionally instructs within the nursing and phlebotomy programs at Surry Community College in Dobson, NC.

Education

Graduate of Carnegie Institute, Cleveland, OH. Certified in 1955 as medical technologist by AMT and in 1975 by HEW.

Personal

A fondness for small towns like Mt. Airy (TV's Mayberry). Self-described "golf nut."

By Amy Haigh, Associate Editor