April 23, 2003
National Medical Laboratory
Week Celebration

The Clinical Laboratory Science Program’s 2003 celebration of National Medical Laboratory Week on April 23, 2003 was a huge success. We were honored to welcome guest lecturer Dr. Christine Ginocchio, Director of Microbiology/Virology and Molecular Diagnostics at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System Laboratory. Dr. Ginocchio’s dynamic presentation chronicled the evolution and use of molecular diagnostics in today’s clinical diagnostic and research laboratories. Dr. Ginocchio’s generous contribution of her time and expertise were greatly enjoyed and appreciated by the many guests in our audience.

The importance of licensure, which would guarantee highly qualified, educated and competent laboratory personnel, a viable component of the diagnostic healthcare team, was addressed. In support of this issue a letter writing campaign, which consisted of form letters and addresses to state legislators, was provided to all participants.

The celebration culminated with a complimentary luncheon and raffle of gifts in honor of National Medical Laboratory Week.

April 23, 2003
School of Health Professions and Nursing Spring Colloquium

The School Interdisciplinary Committee hosted a panel discussion for faculty and students titled “Exploring the role of distance learning in the health professions.” The participants were very knowledgeable about web-based education and presented an in-depth and elucidating discussion about the pros and cons of distance education. The information provided by the panelists will be extremely useful for faculty and students as they become more involved with web-based learning.

Panelists were in agreement that today is a time of transition for faculty regarding technology in the classroom. Implementing these advances place demands on teachers in the form of organizing, modifying, and become proficient with constantly changing technology and using technology as a tool to enhance teaching and learning.

Of special interest was discussion on what role technology will play in teaching a health profession class in the near future. The thirteen-year old children of today will be the freshman class in five years. It is believed that these students will fully embrace all that technology has to offer in the classroom. Universities must begin now to prepare for enhanced technology use within the classroom and in the work world.

May 15, 2003
Nurse Preceptor Workshop

The Department of Nursing is hosting a workshop/luncheon for nurse preceptors who do a most important job of mentoring the graduate students in the clinical areas at a variety of participating health care facilities in Nassau, Suffolk and Queens Counties. The preceptors will receive a Nurse Preceptor Manual that was developed by Dr. Mary Infantino, Director of the Graduate Program.