Welcome to MSH!

Tri-State has Gone Green!

In an effort to be more green we have decided not to print handouts again this year. If you would like a copy of the presentation prior to the event, please see the linked documents below. You are more than welcome to print a copy and bring it with you to the presentation.

PDF Handouts Coming Soon!

Wednesday, April 29th

3:00-4:00 hTERT, an Adjunct Biomarker for Investigation of Urothelial Cell Carcinoma

Michael Gunderson, HTL(ASCP) **Sponsored by Sienna Cancer Diagnostics

The telomeric end of the chromosomes prevent the rapid loss of genetic information internal to the telomere leading to cellular aging.  The telomere in cancer cells is repaired using an enzyme called telomerase.  Telomerase is an abnormal occurrence in cells and its presence indicates a higher likelihood that a lesion or even cancer is present.  The hTERT antibody detects the presence of telomerase in urothelial cells.

3:00-4:00 The Impact of Histology on Oncologic Care:  Classification to Cure

Joaquin Garcia, M.D.

The impact of histology on oncologic care cannot be overstated.  This discussion utilizes salivary gland neoplasia—one of the more challenging fields within surgical pathology—to illustrate the role of histology in oncologic disease classification, prognostication, and treatment.  Participants will learn the strength and limitations of histomorphology, histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and cytogenetics in challenging cases of salivary gland disease.  Even when the question relates to genomic and proteomic profiling, the answer often requires a 4 to 5 micron solution.

4:00-5:00 Unlocking Team Productivity

Stacy Hartman

Have you ever wondered what makes some teams more productive than others?  This collaborative session will open  with a TED Talk by former CEO Margaret Heffernan on the characteristics of effective teams.  We will then discuss how to foster these characteristics in ourselves and in our coworkers.

4:00-5:00 Staffing and Job Searching in a Candidate Driven Market

Melissa Owens, B.S., CHP **Sponsored by Allied Search Partners

The fact that we are currently in a candidate-driven market is not surprising. The Great Recession was over years ago and our economy has been on the mend for a decade or more now. Couple that fact with the laboratory industry where there is a shortage of laboratory professionals. Finding qualified laboratory candidates is indeed a daunting task. The different staffing strategies for this kind of market have evolved greatly over several decades with baby boomers retiring, and Millennials making up the largest generation in the workforce. To combat this generational change, and the candidate driven market, there are a few different staffing options to consider when choosing which arrangement is best for your organization. There are different perks, total rewards and ways to attract top talent in this market that did not exist decades ago and that candidates now use as their top motivating factors when considering a change. On the other hand, when searching for a new opportunity, navigating this market to leverage your talents, achievements and skills can be tricky. Most states in America are “Employment at Will” States and employment can end at any time, for almost any reason. Whether you are at the start of your career, or in the middle of considering a change, having the right tools is imperative to leverage your talents and find the best fit for you.

5:00-6:00 Digital Pathology: Opportunities and Challenges

Taofic Mounajjed, MD

The advent of "whole slide imaging" has been transforming the field of Anatomic Pathology; digitization of the traditional manual glass-slide based workflows promises increased efficiency, facilitated collaboration and portability, improved turnaround time, reduced errors, and improved quality and performance through the added-value tools of artificial intelligence and image analysis. This workshop will discuss digital pathology, the opportunities it presents, and the challenges curtailing rapid adoption. It will also consider how digital pathology could impact laboratory workflows and the role of histo-technicians.

5:00-6:00 Dermatology Specimens: Is That Noteworthy?

Betsy Whitfield, B.S., HTL(ASCP)

When grossing a dermatology specimen, there is a similar approach regardless of the type of specimen. With each of the different types, punch, shave or excision, the manipulation of the specimen can vary. In this interactive presentation, I will introduce the audience to the approach of grossing a dermatology specimen. As the different specimen types are addressed, the learner will be introduced to how the describe the overall specimen, any noteworthy lesions or areas of the specimen, and how best to manipulate the specimen. The audience will have the opportunity to help construct a gross description of some specimens via photo observation. The presentation will also include a few case studies that will connect the skills and working knowledge of the Histotechnologist/Histotechnician to the ultimate diagnosis by the Pathologist for the patient.

Thursday, April 30th

8:30-10:00 Body Language 101 

Jennifer Johnson, B.S., HTL(ASCP)

In every face to face interaction that we have with another person, we use both verbal and non-verbal communication.  Countless management classes discuss the power of the proper language and what to say to deliver a message correctly in today’s polite society.  But no matter how carefully we select our words, like it or not, our bodies clearly communicate a message without conscious thought.  In this class we will explore some of the most interesting aspects of body language and non-verbal cues and what they can mean.  We will learn to recognize some common postures, gestures and facial movements and of course, physical cues to detect whether or not someone is being truthful! The bottom line is that even if you can't read a person's exact thoughts, you can learn to interpret their body language.  This class will aim to teach the basics of body language to help us become better communicators both in the lab and beyond.

10:30-12:00 Why is Microsatellite Instability Important?

Rondell Graham, M.B.B.S.

Microsatellite instability refers to a phenotype of hypermutability manifest as an increased rat e of mutations involving microsatellites spread throughout the genome. This phenomenon corresponds to an increased risk of cancer I those who inherit germline mutations in the genes responsible for the mismatch repair proteins. Microsatellite instability correlates with increased neoantigens in the umor microenvinroment and this is leveraged to identify patients likely to benefit from immune checkpoint inhibition by PD-1 Inhibition. Also, Microsatellite instability has been shown to have prognostic impact in several tumor types. This presentation will use illustrations to communicate the key concepts and include tables describing the tumors where microsatellite instability is clinically important. After this presentation, the attendees will be able to define microsatellites instability. They will be able to describe the usefulness of microsatellite instability in clinical testing including its role in the diagnosis of Lynch syndrome, the identification of patients likely to benefit from immune checkpoint inhibition and in prognostication in several tumor types.

10:30-12:00 Have HTL, Will Travel: Lessons from My First Year on the Road

Stacy Geskermann, B.S. HTL(ASCP)QIHC

After 10 years in the same lab Stacy dreamed of combining her love of the lab and her love of traveling. The perfect storm of events led her to throw caution to the wind and begin a career as a traveling histotech. After her first year on the road Stacy is sharing her experience, tips, and pro/con list. With an emphasis on how to get started traveling, this session is will endeavor to answer your questions and soothe your nagging fears regarding changing careers. Discussion will be an important part of the session so bring your questions. How does housing work? Do I get insurance? Can I bring my dog? What is the work like? How much will I really get paid? Is traveling for me?

1:00-2:30 Trekking Nepal: Leprosy & Histology Lab Project

Debbie Wood, M.S.Ed, HT(ASCP) **Sponsored by Indiana University School of Medicine

Throughout history, leprosy has tormented humans, been feared and misunderstood. For a long time leprosy was thought to be a hereditary disease, a curse, or a punishment from God. Leprosy is still prevalent in many areas of the world. In Lalgadh, Nepal there is a very successful leprosy hospital that diagnoses over 1,200 new cases of leprosy each year and has over 12,400 leprosy patient visits annually. Since they are renowned for leprosy diagnosis and treatment, they receive a large number of patient visits for other dermatological conditions. Join me on a trek across Nepal to learn how volunteering has changed and saved lives in Nepal and Northern India. I will share what I have learned about leprosy and the stigma that goes along with it. I’ll also share my experience setting up a successful histology lab in a third world country. You will be provided a trail map to do the same in other areas of the world.

1:00-2:30 The Changing Landscape of Pathology:  IHC Multiplexing, Molecular and Digital Pathology 

Adam Malecha, HT(ASCP) **Sponsored by Biocare Medical

As technology all around us changes, pathology has seen many innovations and advancements over the past decade.  With the introduction of sophisticated diagnostic tools and genetic testing, technology is pushing the limits of pathologists, enabling them to gather, process, and relay information more efficiently and precisely. With all these advancements, what changes will we see in the laboratory?  Could molecular biology someday replace IHC?  Or is there room for coexistence?  In this presentation, we will look into some of the different technologies, advantages and obstacles, and potential interactions with artificial intelligence and digital pathology.

3:00-4:30 The ABC's of AFB

Jean Mitchell, BS, HT(ASCP) and Surena Becraft, HT(ASCP) **Sponsored by Newcomer Supply

In this wet-workshop, we will discuss the history of Acid-Fast Bacteria (AFB) histochemical stains dating from the 1880’s to the present and introduce Ziehl-Neelen and Kinyoun staining procedures, as well as the Fite stain for Mycobacterium leprae.  The hands-on staining opportunity will familiarize participants with AFB staining methods and include troubleshooting suggestions to support reliable and consistent AFB staining results in the histology laboratory.

LIMITED TO 20 PARTICIPANTS. (PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED)

3:00-4:30 Transform Your Teaching Practice to Ensure Successful Learning

Deb Hagen Moe, M.Ed. and Carrie Bowler, M.S.

In this session participants will be exposed to the concepts shared from the authors of Make It Stick.  We will share six strategies which are proven to be effective in fostering learning that sticks. We will share examples of how these strategies can be used both for initial training and for continuing education  sessions. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss and share how they are currently using these strategies and how they might incorporate them when they return to their work environment. Finally, we will discuss potential barriers to implementation of these strategies and how to overcome them.

Friday, May 1st

8:30-10:00 Building Resilience Throughout Life

Nicole Block, B.S. 

It's normal to experience stress. When something goes wrong, do you tend to bounce back or fall apart? Resilience means being able to adapt to life's misfortunes and setbacks. It won't make your problems go away — but it can give you the ability to see past them, find enjoyment in life and better handle stress. Becoming more resilient takes time and practice. If you aren't as resilient as you'd like to be, you can develop skills to help you rise above. In this session, take an innovative approach by experimenting with self-care and stress management tools to help you recover quickly from adversity. Not only will you be able to slow your mind, you will also learn how to feel more human throughout the chaos.

8:30-10:00  From Mouse to Me to Microscope

Jennifer Johnson, B.S. HTL(ASCP)

For many histologists who work with rodent tissues, specimen may arrive in the laboratory already cassetted and floating in a jar of fixative.  These tissues have lost some of their characteristic colors due to fixation and may be trimmed into shapes “not normally found in nature” to get them ready for processing.  Standard methods of embedding are followed and the blocks are sectioned, stained, and coverslipped.  Our opportunity for observation is usually only at the microscopic level - post staining when viewing the slides for a quality check.  Finished slides are passed off to a study director or pathologist. We rarely get to see where it all begins.  Have you ever wondered what it looks like inside of a mouse?  How do the tissues fit into the mouse?  How does it get removed from the mouse without getting damaged?  In this class a short video of a mouse necropsy will be presented.  Tips and tricks on removal will be related to orientation and embedding in the lab.  The goal of the class is to gain a basic understanding of where it comes from in life in order to make connections that will help us to better understand the tissues we work with in the lab.

10:30-12:00 Student Case Presentations

Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences Histology Technician Students

The purpose of this presentation is to discuss several patient cases that have traveled through the routine histology laboratory on their path to an accurate diagnosis. Five students within the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences Histology Technician program will briefly present a case that has inspired them during their journey to becoming a professional Histology Technician. Each patient case will discuss the normal morphologic features of the body site being presented, a general description of the disease and related pathology, details of the patient case, and suggestions on how this patient’s tissue may need to be managed in the histology laboratory. Learners will walk away with a basic understanding of the patient cases presented and an appreciation for how their work impacts patient care.
10:30-12:00 Microarray 101: The Basics

Colleen Forster, HT(ASCP)QIHC, BSBA, and Adam Lewis, HT(ASCP)

With the rapid interest and need for new biomarkers, the increasing cost of high complex testing, budget cuts, workforce shortages, the need to maintain quality, the tissue microarray (TMA) may offer some help. This workshop will concentrate on several key aspects for good TMA production: purpose, design, tissue selection, and annotation of slides, TMA map design, sectioning and staining. Participants will get the chance to construct a simple TMA using a microarray mold.
LIMITED TO 20 PARTICIPANTS. (PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED)
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