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Press Start: Lead an Empowered Life as a Clinical Laboratorian

Happy Thanksgiving!

Published November 21, 2007 10:36 AM by Glen McDaniel

Tomorrow, the entire nation celebrates Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving, like most holidays, holds different meanings for different people. For some it's simply time off from work, for others it's an opportunity to get together with friends and family. There will be lots of socializing, eating, drinking and watching television. But for some, Thanksgiving is a reminder of old tragedies and loved ones no longer here.

It seems that this past year has been rife with challenges for several friends and even on a personal level. Yet I realize that I have so much to be thankful for. I recognize and "own" the challenges as a part of my life, but instead of dwelling on them, I choose to make gratitude my mantra for tomorrow.

No matter what's going on in your life, you can be grateful that you are a member of a valuable, crucial profession. Your training and technical skills (the envy of many) give you the ability to influence lives each day. Your dedication and attention to detail have made the difference between life and death, several times just this year alone. As you celebrate tomorrow, don’t forget to give thanks that you are the honored member of a valuable profession. No matter how advanced technology has become, it's your eyes, ears, hands and mind that have made the difference. Many of those people celebrating tomorrow have been given a second chance or have an improved quality of life because of your careful, competent attention to detail. That's awesome!

Whether you are spending time with loved ones (or in the lab making a difference while others are at home). Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

posted by Glen McDaniel
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2 comments
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Kristy:

I commend you for taking the initiative to post this blog in your laboratory.  There are some things that seem self-evident, but we definitely need a reminder from time to time. Pride in our profession, gratitude for family and friends are way up there on the list of such things.

When I first entered management I used to keep a file in which I would keep articles, sayings, tips and so on about management. As I found them, I'd clip and stuff in the file.

Those always proved invaluable as I'd  often have in my file exactly the information I needed as I'd write something or take on a new project. I'd also share them with colleagues or my employees whenever appropriate. I'd often attach a note saying something like "I thought you'd like this" or "here are some ideas you might consider". That was before the Internet when everything was in printed form. I dont do that as much anymore these days; but it's still a great idea.

Kudos for your foresight and willingness to help (yes, "help) your colleagues.
Glen McDaniel December 18, 2007 5:16 PM

Thanks, for this article.  It is very easy to lose sight of what is important about our jobs when we are facing so many challenges on a daily basis.  I am going to post this in our lab in the hopes of overcoming some negativity that's been circulating.
Kristy Lindsey, Serology/Virology - Advanced Med Tech December 13, 2007 8:20 PM
springfield MA

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