2. The Status of Clinical Chemistry in Canada Eleftherios P. Diamandis MD, PhD, FRCPC Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto (Spetses,Athena Society,Sept 19,2000) As of September 2000 Aug. 2000

3. 2 History First In the 1960’s and 1970’s, the clinical chemists were thought to be … “EXTREMELY USEFUL” Aug. 2000

4. 3 In the 1970’s and 1980’s, the clinical chemists were thought to be … “VERY USEFUL” Aug. 2000

5. 4 From 1980 to 1987, the clinical chemists were thought to be … “USEFUL” Aug. 2000

6. 5 From 1988 to 1991, the clinical chemists were thought to be … “NOT SO USEFUL” Aug. 2000

7. 6 From 1992 to 1996, the clinical chemists were thought to be… “USELESS” Aug. 2000

8. 7 From 1997 to 1998, the clinical chemists were thought to be … “NOT SO USELESS” Aug. 2000

9. 8 And now in 2000, the clinical chemists are thought to be … “PROBABLY USEFUL” Aug. 2000

10. RECRUITMENT  Becoming very difficult  From 2yr to 3yr program  DISASTER  Competition with industry (great demand for PhD’s)  Uncertainties of the 1990’s for job opportunities Aug. 2000

11. 10 THE CHANGING ROLE OF THE CLINICAL BIOCHEMIST Gatekeeper of information Accreditation/Documentation Quality Monitor/Point of Care Educator Manager Consensus Guidelines From a method development specialist/expert clinical consultant to : TYPE A Aug. 2000

12. 11 Bench to BedsideTYPE B Aug. 2000

13. 12 Discovery/ Innovation TYPE C Aug. 2000

14. THE NEED TO CONTINUOUSLY CHANGE OUR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS Our educational and certification standards do not evolve as quickly as the changes of the profession. Aug. 2000

15. 14 CONCLUSION It’s a moving target!! Aug. 2000