This is National Medical Laboratory Week – I love being a medical laboratory professional!

National Medical Laboratory Professional week is  April 21-27 2019.  We had the pleasure of Interviewing, Erin Hache, a Medical Technologist!
 
Here at Higgins Insurance, we have started a new education series on some professionals who work in different fields. We will be highlighting them throughout the year and they will range from correctional officers, social workers, doctors, police, nurses, engineers, education support staff, arts, housekeepers, etc.

Our goal is to inspire our youth so they can learn more about different professions, as well as to showcase the amazing people that perform those jobs in the Maritimes. If you would like to be featured, please let us know by email. 

How Long have you have been Laboratory Technologist?
 
I have been a laboratory Technologist for 17 years, it’s hard to believe that 23 years ago I was sitting in the science library wondering what I was going to do with a biology degree. I stumbled upon the bachelor of Medical Laboratory science by accident.  I decided to switch all of my credits that I obtained for the first three years of my degree to the BMLS program. This decision was the best choice I have ever made. 
 
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your profession?
 
The most rewarding part of my job is caring for patients and providing with the necessary antibiotics to treat their infections, some of which are life threatening. I also truly love working with students and recent graduates, they are like sponges and want to know everything about everything, which keeps me on my toes.
 
I love the challenge of my every day job. There are 5 disciplines that I was trained for but for the past 12 years I have worked in microbiology, with a specialty in tuberculosis. 
Every day there is something new. Bacteria are forever changing as are the antibiotics to treat them. 
 
What advice would you give for those who wish to follow this career path? . 
 
I would encourage anyone who loves science and who loves to make a difference to consider this career. Get your application in early and see if you can shadow a technologist for a day so you can truly get an idea of what we do. 
 
Leave us with a fun fact about your occupation?
 
Fun fact : the Saint John Regional Hospital is the reference centre for tuberculosis. 
 
To learn more about National Laboratory Week, visit labweek.csmls.org  Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science. 
 
Erin,  we thank you for taking the time to raise awareness about your profession!   
 
Higgins Insurance has been protecting families since 1993. You can reach us 1 866 273 2911.
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