Back from AABB

I just flew back from Anaheim, CA, from my first laboratory conference, and boy, are my arms tired! (I heard someone actually use that "punch line" the other day ... is that even a teeny bit amusing anymore?)

Seriously, though. I left the strangely-warm-for-this-time-of-year climate of eastern Pennsylvania to the always welcome warm climate of California. Besides it being my first trip to The Golden State, it was also my first conference since joining ADVANCE in June.

I'll admit it -- I knew very little about the laboratory profession before starting my job. But, not to sound cliché, I feel I am learning more every day about the amazing work you all do. I was looking forward to finding out even more by attending AABB's conference in Anaheim.

The conference was a great experience for me. I got to meet some readers, attend interesting sessions and ultimately gain more knowledge about the blood banking field. Walking around the TXPO helped me gain a better understanding of the different products you blood bankers use on a day-to-day basis. And hey, I'll be honest -- the free pens were a nice bonus!

I'm looking forward to more conference travel in the future, so I can continue to educate myself on the inner workings of the profession and so you can give me feedback on ADVANCE.