The Unsung Heroes of Medical Technology: What You Didn't Know
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Chapter 1: The Enigmatic Role of Medical Technologists
Delve into the intriguing world of a profession that can be as perplexing as a cat trying to comprehend quantum mechanics. During my university days, I held a naive belief that simply stating my job title would lead to instant recognition. Just mention your role, and everyone would nod knowingly. However, I was unprepared for the web of misunderstandings that awaited me, even among medical professionals.
I was often met with bewildering questions like, “Aren’t you a sales rep?” or “I thought they handled medical equipment,” and even the eyebrow-raising, “Isn’t that just another term for a nurse?” While these assumptions were not malicious, the reality of our profession is far more complex. Let's unravel the true nature of being a...
a medical technologist.
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Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
A Brief Background
After graduating with a degree in medical technology and successfully passing the board exam, I secured a position at a private hospital. My journey continued with the Philippine Department of Health and later the Zamboanga City Health Office. Fast forward three years of engaging with the medical field, and I made the life-altering decision to prioritize love over lab coats, moving to Malaysia with my husband.
While my resume might resemble a brief tale, those three years felt like juggling flaming torches in a circus—varied jobs, different companies; it was a vibrant experience.
What Exactly Do Medical Technologists Do?
This section seeks to debunk the notion that we are merely salespeople for medical devices or equipment.
Alright, let’s reveal the secrets of the lab! According to esteemed medical resources, we are known as Medical Technologists—sounds impressive, doesn’t it? But let’s break it down: we are the professionals who draw blood, analyze urine, collect fecal samples (yes, the less glamorous stuff), and even examine phlegm for TB tests.
Talk about a diverse array of specimens! Some of us specialize in areas like testing bacterial resistance to antibiotics, working with samples like spinal fluid, and growing bacteria as if it were a science project. Meanwhile, the “ordinary” medical technologists handle tasks from sanitizing workspaces to performing routine tests like urinalysis and everything else needed.
During my internship, I even had to manually document patients' results by hand. Yes, that’s how things worked in a developing country.
Now, let’s dive into what we actually do with these intriguing specimens.
Starting with blood, we conduct tests like complete blood counts, cholesterol screenings, H. pylori evaluations—you name it! It’s akin to a medical buffet, where each patient receives a tailored testing experience.
When it comes to urine, we perform urinalyses—not looking for hidden messages, but rather checking for parasites, white blood cells, and red blood cells.
And fecal samples? While it’s not the most glamorous task, we perform manual fecalysis: smearing a bit on a slide, adding saline, and—voilà—microscopy magic! It’s similar to urinalysis, where we search for red and white blood cells, and for the little ones, we also check for fat globules.
Now, onto the not-so-glamorous part—phlegm. For those of us trained in TB testing, it’s a search for TB chains. And, living in the Philippines means some tests still require that personal touch.
But wait—technology is on our side, right? Well, not always. Machines can malfunction, leaving us to become the "machine whisperers," trying to troubleshoot or calling for backup. Here’s the twist: the age of machines doesn’t always guarantee immediate results.
Ever had to tell someone to wait a couple of hours, only for the machine to take a full day off? Yep, that’s happened to me!
So, being a medical technologist? It’s not exactly a stroll in the park, but we certainly keep the lab drama engaging!
Common Misunderstandings About Medical Technologists
“Are you the one selling those new blood pressure monitors?”
Nope, while we might assist patients in understanding and selecting medical devices, sales are not our forte. Medical technologists are the scientists of healthcare, analyzing samples and data to aid diagnoses and treatments. Think of us as detectives using advanced tools to uncover medical mysteries—definitely not salespeople pushing the latest gadgets.
“Can you fix my computer? You seem good with technology.”
While we are proficient with medical technology, our expertise lies in biology, not IT. We operate sophisticated instruments like microscopes and analyzers, focusing on interpreting cell and tissue abnormalities—not troubleshooting software issues. Leave the tech troubles to IT professionals; trust medical technologists to decode the body’s language.
“Don’t you just take blood pressure or give shots?”
While nurses often handle those tasks, medical technologists dive much deeper. We analyze blood, tissue, and other samples using microscopes and advanced machines, searching for signs of diseases. We are the scientists behind the scenes, ensuring accurate diagnoses that guide treatment decisions (but diagnosing isn’t our role).
“Doctor, my test results came back… can you explain them?”
While flattering, medical technologists serve as diagnosticians, not physicians. We analyze tests ordered by doctors, providing crucial information for informed health decisions. Consider us translators, interpreting the body’s cryptic signals and paving the way for your doctor to determine the treatment path.
Conclusion
So, the next time you meet a medical technologist, remember we are not merely lab coat-wearing salespeople, technicians, or nurses. We are the scientific backbone of healthcare, the detectives revealing secrets within your body, and the unsung heroes whose knowledge informs your doctor’s decisions (no bragging intended).
Let’s give us the respect and recognition we deserve for our vital role in maintaining your health!
Chapter 2: Unmasking the Unexpected Challenges
In this video titled "I SHOULD NOT HAVE MADE THIS… (don't scam)," the creator shares insights into the pitfalls of misconceptions in the medical field and the importance of understanding roles.
The video "Halo MCC - This is Not the Greatest Lab in the World... - Achievement Guide" humorously contrasts the expectations versus the reality of working in a lab, shedding light on the challenges faced by medical technologists.