Greetings to all Members and Stakeholders,
Time certainly flies. With each fleeting moment, the Biennium is going full speed. It feels like just a few days ago I accepted the challenge to serve as the CASMET Regional President. I did so with humility and gratitude that I can contribute to my noble profession. This I pledge to do with diligence.
The 2021-2023 Regional Council and our AMT Partners are aware of the fact that we are serving in an unprecedented, unusual time. Faced with the challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic, new strategies, and survival skills had to be set in motion to keep the business of the Association viable, the minute the Regional Council took the oath of office. I applaud their resilience, courage, persistence, and cooperation. Being the online elected Council we are, we quickly put together strategies utilizing online platforms such as Zoom, go to meeting, and even WhatsApp and started to work. We have had several meetings online including Regional Council Round up meetings, Branch Chairpersons meeting, Branch Membership Round up meeting, various Committee meetings, took part in varying Branch activities, Continuing Education sessions and even ratified membership applications online. I am happy we seized the opportunity disguised in the COVID-19 challenge to accomplish more together. We have so much to be grateful for.
No one was expecting that we would have the opportunity to meet face to face, since the global COVID-19 pandemic was still wreaking havoc when we took office, however, again, determination led to the Council having their first face-to-face meeting since October 2019 on May 28th & 29th, 2022. We were very privileged to have the President of AMT (Now Immediate Past President) Mr. Christopher Seay, who is also CASMET’s AMT Liaison. There were five outstanding AMT leaders with us at that meeting. We really appreciate AMT’s unwavering support and look forward to the continued partnership. We were also blessed to have attended the AMT National Meeting July 18-22nd, 2022 where CASMET had over 11 attendees with 8 delegates. CASMET was again on the Honor Roll and 5 CASMET members received varying awards. We looked forward to the Magnolia Educational Treasure, September 30-October 2nd, 2022, where we would have held our second Regional Council Meeting. This was prevented due to inclement hurricane conditions and subsequently, it was held in Paradise Island, Bahamas, from October 29th to 30th.
We have listened to our members. Of course, although we are one Caribbean, we are a diverse set of people with varying professional needs. The strategic plan for 2021-2023 has been enacted. As we embark on actions to achieve the goals strategized, we crave the support of everyone. A major plan for this biennium is to mobilize and enact the long-envisioned CASMET regional certification examination. We strive to increase membership, be more visible, provide more continuing education opportunities and communicate more with our members.
We can achieve more if we work together and look forward to a great biennium.
Blessings.
The Caribbean Association of Medical Technologists (formerly the Society of Medical Technologists, W. I.) was founded at the Mona campus of the University of the West Indies, Jamaica in 1954. Subsequently Branches were established in The Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia, Grenada, Curacao and Suriname. In territories where there are no Branches, members are assigned to a neighbouring Branch.
There are members of CASMET throughout the twenty three nations of the Caribbean. The membership of CASMET is inclusive of Clinical Laboratory Professionals, such as Medical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians, Phlebotomists, other laboratory scientists and support staff, as well as students.
In 1989, CASMET became an affiliate of the American Medical Technologists (AMT), due to the perceived benefits to be derived as an associate of an internationally recognized organization.
Our present aims and objectives include the following:
- To promote the development of professionalism among Clinical Laboratory Professionals within the Caribbean.
- To function as a collaborative and advisory body to respective governments and teaching institutions.
- To provide opportunities for Continuing Education.
- To promote the ISO 15189:2007 standard.
- To encourage the certification and/ or registration of all practising Clinical Laboratory Professionals.
- To encourage members to participate in scientific meetings.
- To promote individual research in areas of Medical Laboratory Technology.
As a member of CASMET some of the benefits which may be obtained, include:
- Access to networking opportunities among the CASMET membership.
- Active participation in the growth, development and regulation of CASMET.
- Earning continuing education credits, through attendance of the Biennial General Meeting and Scientific Symposium as well as other related seminars or workshops.
- AMT membership at half cost.
Our Professional Culture
MISSION STATEMENT
To be recognized as the Caribbean Association for medical laboratory professionals dedicated to meeting the needs and requirements of its members and clients, providing dynamic visionary leadership, advocacy at the highest level, educational development and support for regulatory mechanisms encouraging members to aspire to the highest standards of professional conduct, thereby promoting delivery of quality health
VISION
Laboratory Professionals partnering to provide Quality Healthcare CORE VALUES - Excellence, Quality, Integrity, Professionalism (EQIP) care.
- Develop professionalism among Medial Laboratory Professionals within their countries
- Act as a collaborator and an advisory body to their respective governments and institutions
- Provide continuing education opportunities
- Maintain international standards in Quality Control and safety
- Uphold the ethics of the profession
- Encourage certification and registration of all practicing medical laboratory professionals
- Promote research and participation in scientific meetings
- Scientific symposium and awards banquet held every two years in one of our beautiful Caribbean island
- International and regional speakers give presentations on cutting edge technology
- Members address pertinent issues involving the growth of medical laboratory professionals
- International and regional exhibitors attend to show their instruments and products
CODE OF ETHICS
On entering at this time into the practice of Medical Technology, I accept with full realization of its implication, the responsibility associated with my duties.
I am aware that since the Physician or Surgeon relies upon my work in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, even an apparent trivial error may affect seriously the health or even the life of a patient. Every procedure, therefore, must be carried out with thoughtfulness and accuracy.
Knowing these things I recognize that my integrity and that of my profession must be pledged to the absolute reliability of my work.
I am aware of the need for co-operation and friendly understanding between my fellow workers and myself and for the patience, humanity and tact which must be exercised toward the patient who by reason of his illness is particularly needful of my skill and kindness.
I realize that the knowledge obtained concerning persons in the course of my work is privileged and confidential and that since the Physician or Surgeon has the ultimate responsibility in diagnosis and treatment, my results may be made known only to him or another having duly constituted authority.
To these principles I hereby subscribe, promising to conduct myself at all times in a manner appropriate to the dignity of my profession
- To be informed
- Become a leader among your peer
- Earn continuing education credits
- Maintain an affiliation with AMT at half the cost
- Provide financial support to an organization which directly satisfies your need for standardization and advocacy throughout your region
- Participate in the growth, development and regulation of Medical Laboratory Professional
- Networking opportunities
- Earn awards for your contribution and participation in CASMET and towardsthe advancement of the profession
