Laboratory Professionals and Family Celebrate Lab Week 2022

The Laboratory Professionals of the Cayman Islands launched Laboratory Professionals week 2022 On Sunday April 24, 2022 at the Agape Worship Center, George Town. Under the theme: Back to the Lab: Celebrating our past as we look into the future.

Lab week is an annual celebration of Medical Laboratory Professionals , including Phlebotomists, Medical Technologists, Cytologists, Histologists and Pathologists who play a vital role in health care and patient advocacy!

This inaugural event was a remarkable experience as our hard working Laboratory Professional Superheroes came together to give God thanks for His blessings and ask for strength and guidance for the future. We say a huge thank you to Pastor Andrew Ebanks, his wife Emily Ebanks, Executive Pastor Emma Ebanks and the board of directors and members of the Agape Worship Center for such a warm welcome and reminder that as we serve others, we should serve in love.

Ms. Cathy Gomez, Laboratory Professional from the mid 1970’s and Laboratory Supervisor of the Cayman Islands Government Hospital, for over 12 years, since 1982 was also present with us at the Agape Worship Center. She shared with the congregation the growth of the lab within the Cayman Islands and how far we have progressed as a profession.

Mrs. Marcia Robinson-Walters, Microbiology Team Lead at the Health Services Authority and President for the Caribbean Association of Medical Technologists (CASMET) across the Caribbean, spoke of our need to adapt and grow with the changing times. “I am aware of the challenges Lab professionals face, trying to navigate the future, however, let us not make the future scare us. Let us be resilient and embrace the future with a grateful mind set.” Mrs. Robinson-Walters said.

Led by Mr. Archibald Campbell, Supervisor at MEDLAB INC the Lab Professionals Group song - “Lean on me” resounded through every pew as congregants joined in with the Laboratory professionals.

The day ended with a Free Lab Health Screen on the church grounds which allowed the Lab Professionals to give back to the community. Free cholesterol, glucose, BMI and Blood pressure screens were offered, along with Community Nutritionist counseling were all available.

‘We are pleased with the local support and activities executed thus far as we celebrate Lab Week. Laboratory Professionals were present on Radio Cayman and Praise 87.9 FM, raising public awareness regarding the profession and sharing how the younger generation can become a part of this growing profession. Lab professionals across the Cayman Islands have served our islands with an unwavering commitment, dedication and passion and there is a sense of excitement and confidence as we prepare for whatever the future has in store,’ said Sashoy Duncan, Chairperson of CASMET-Cayman Islands Branch.

Other celebratory activities planned are a Paint and Sip event for the Lab Professionals to destress and unwind, an Awards Dinner to celebrate our successes, Continuing Education Zoom Session on May 03, 2022 to keep abreast of new technology and discoveries in the field and a Fun 5K Run/Walk on May 15 at Smith Cove Beach GT to encourage healthy living.

CASMET REGION

Another major milestone and accomplishment that we have experienced is the voting in of our very own Mrs. Marcia Robinson-Walters at the 2021 Biennial General Meeting of the Caribbean Association of Medical Technologists as President of the over 1500 Lab professionals across the Caribbean, Dutch Antilles and South America. She will serve for the next 2 years, as she raises awareness about the profession and strengthens collaboration among key stakeholders across the Caribbean Island. Mrs. Marcia Robinson-Walters has been a stalwart in her profession championing the cause of Laboratory Professionals locally and abroad and has been integral in the Cayman Islands gaining Branch status within CASMET.