Canada’s medical laboratory professionals – medical laboratory technologists, assistants and scientists – are on the frontlines of the public health system. Their skill, accuracy and dedication help to save countless lives each day. They protect public health in a wide variety of settings, from hospitals to community health clinics to public health laboratories. They work on infection control teams and help make sure that our food and drinking water are safe.

As the nation’s third largest group of health care professionals, medical laboratory professionals play an essential role in Canada’s health care system. Whether fighting old diseases or new ones, medical laboratory professionals protect the health of all Canadians. Eighty five per cent of physicians’ diagnosis and treatment decisions are based on laboratory results.

To raise awareness of the medical laboratory profession’s role in Canada’s public health system, the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) is launching a new campaign for National Medical Laboratory Week. The theme for the week, which runs from April 24 to April 30, is Canada’s Medical Laboratory Professionals – On the Frontline for your Health.

Ross Memorial Hospital’s Laboratory is planning a number of special events during National Medical Laboratory Week such as: a staff open house and laboratory tours for local High School students on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of this special week.

“We are proud of the work that we do to support the health and well-being of people in our community,” says Annette Larocque Medical Laboratory Technologist at Ross Memorial Hospital. “National Medical Laboratory Week is an excellent opportunity to raise the profile of our profession and to educate the public about the important role we play in our health care system.”