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Gwalior, MP, India 3rd
December 2011. As a part of efforts of IFCC-Task Force Young
Scientists (IFCC-TF YS) to promote networking between young
scientists, to involve them in activities of laboratory medicine,
and to promote the future of laboratory medicine, the IFCC-TF YS in
collaboration with the Association of Clinical Biochemists of India
(ACBI) held an Educational Workshop on 3rd Dec
2011. The programme was well attended by more than 100
candidates from various streams all over India. The event was
hosted by the ACBI Conference (ACBICON) 2011 Organising Committee
under supervision of Dr. Neelima Singh (Organising Secretary), and
held at the ITM University, Gwalior, MP, India.
IFCC has identified the need for
young scientists to participate in Task Force activities and to
understand the latest practices in laboratory healthcare sector.
Therefore, various Educational workshops have been organized during
IFCC and Member Societies Congresses under the roof of IFCC-TF YS.
The concept of these activities is to encourage interactions
between young scientists to face challenges, and to brighten the
future prospects of self and laboratory medicine.
In keeping with these objectives,
the Task Force organised Educational Workshop themed "Think The
Unthinkable". For the first time, this workshop, second in
continuation of the one-day workshop organized during the
37th Conference of the Association of Clinical
Biochemists of India in December 2010, brought the laboratory
medicine and Industry together, stressing on Various Job
Opportunities present in Industry and other sectors related to
Laboratory Medicine. This was an important step since it seeked to
share experiences, scope and a common platform for both the
laboratory personnel and the industry which will lead to
well-thought solutions to bridge the gap.
The workshop was organised with
close co-operation with IFCC and ACBI. Addressing the conclave, Mr.
J. Lopez (EB-IFCC & Past-President APFCB) praised the Task
Force initiative and stressed upon the need to share experiences
and challenges around the world. He explained the need of live
sessions to demonstrate the laboratory management to build the
future leadership. Then, Dr. Sucheta Dandekar (President ACBI)
addressed and summarised the ACBI initiatives for the young
biochemists. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Dabla, Convener and National
Representative IFCC-TF YS discussed the Task Force objectives and
commitment of focused trainings to strengthen the future prospects
of young laboratorians in absence of Damien Gruson, Chair IFCC-TF
YS. The all senior members and EB-ACBI were present to support the
cause.
Dr. Dabla stressed that "With a
robust general economy and with extraordinary advances being made
in biotechnology and biopharmaceuticals, excellent positions are
available in a wide variety of fields for current and future
college graduates". While discussing various fields he emphasized
on making a decision about what type of career and exactly what
field will be best for you and the importance of dual proficiency
of management training. Dr. Elizabeth Frank (Chair of the Clinical
Lab Management Committee of the IFCC & elected Secretary APFCB)
explained the work strategies related to jobs vs careers. Then she
discussed about Entrepreneurship and how to start and managing your
own business. Dr. Gurumukh Advani (Sales President Transasia) gave
the view on how India is emerging as leading player in business and
economy. He pointed out that "Healthcare delivery is growing as a
largest service sector with excellent 15% growth per annum in
India" and explained the role of biochemists in lab industry. In
this blend of excellent professionals, Mr Shankar Haveri, (Head
Healthcare Learning Academy, Siemens Healthcare) discussed the
learning academy programmes and opportunities in various less known
areas of IVD Industry. In row, Dr. Rajesh Bendre (Consultant
Pathologist & HOD Immunochemistry, Metropolis Healthcare)
explained the concept of Clinical Reference laboratories, the role
of laboratory professionals and the job profiles and career
opportunities. He emphasized on the need of multitasking behaviour
and flexibility. Dr Dabla, ended by giving Dr. Gruson's view about
the young scientists and laboratory medicine.
To summarize, the workshop has
provided tangible results for the young laboratory professionals to
select the right path after completing their studies. It has
provided the vision about the various techniques and essentials to
reach the right destination.
(Left) Dr Pradeep
Kumar Dabla, Head of the Department of Biochemistry,
Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalya Pediatric Super-specialty Hospital,
New Delhi
receiving a momento from Mr Joseph Lopez, IFCC Executive Board
Member, representing the President Dr. Graham Beastall.
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