Medical laboratory scientist: a new partner in biomarker research

Julie Smith; Camilla Christine Qvist; Katja Kemp Jacobsen; Jeppe Madura Larsen

doi:10.2217/pme-2017-0031

Medical laboratory scientist

Authors:

Smith, Julie ;
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Bioanalytikeruddannelsen, Københavns Professionshøjskole, Professionshøjskolen Metropol, University Colleges
Qvist, Camilla Christine ;
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Rigshospitalet, København, Patologiafdelingen
Jacobsen, Katja Kemp ;
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Bioanalytikeruddannelsen, Københavns Professionshøjskole, Professionshøjskolen Metropol, University Colleges
Larsen, Jeppe Madura
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0000-0003-1492-0708
Bioanalytikeruddannelsen, Københavns Professionshøjskole, Professionshøjskolen Metropol, University Colleges

Subtitle:

a new partner in biomarker research

DOI:

10.2217/pme-2017-0031

Abstract:

Previously, biomarker research and development was performed by laboratory technicians working as craftsmen in laboratories under the guidance of medical doctors. This hierarchical structure based on professional boundaries appears to be outdated if we want to keep up with the high performance of our healthcare system, and take advantage of the vast potential of future biomarkers and personalized medicine. We ask the question; does our healthcare system benefit from giving the modern medical laboratory scientist (MLS) a stronger academic training in biomarker research, development and application? The current MLS education has now moved far away from the former technician’s apprenticeship, and the Danish MLS bachelor educational program is focusing strongly on teaching research skills related to biomarker development and personalized medicine. Do MLS graduates have anything different to offer biomarker research compared with other academic professions? Will the new graduates possess sufficient research skills? It may be hard to be ‘the new boy in class’ in a competitive research environment; however, by reinforcing the educational program, the MLS may become important partners in biomarker research. Here we provide our opinions from the MLS college educational program based in Denmark, but other countries undergo similar changes and the viewpoints shared here are relevant for discussions internationally.

Type:

Journal article

Language:

English

Published in:

Personalized Medicine, 2017, Vol 14, Issue 4, p. 285-291

Keywords:

biomarker; biomedical laboratory scientist; Danish; education; laboratory technician; laboratory technologist; MLS; personal medicine; precision medicine; Teaching; clinical assessment methods, lab technology and radiography; Managers and employees at universities, research institutions etc.

Publication Status:

Published

Review type:

Peer Review

Submission year:

2017

Scientific Level:

Scientific

ID:

2371499586

Medical laboratory scientist

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