Notes: History and Professional Organizations in Medical Technology

History in a Global Context

  • Early approach to diagnosis treated disease as a mystery; disease attributed to negative interactions between environment and body.
  • Timeframe: from about \u003cspan style=\"color:black\"\\u003e300 BCE to 180 CE\u003c/span\u003e
  • Key figures:
    • Hippocrates (the \"Father of Medicine\\"): advocated qualitative assessment of disorders via measurement of body fluids (the four humors: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, black bile) and related to seasons; urine was among fluids examined.
    • Hippocrates reportedly tasted urine, listened to lungs, and observed outward appearances to diagnose disease; bubbles, blood, and pus in urine linked to kidney disease and chronic illness.
    • Galen described diabetes as \"diarrhea of urine\" and established the link between fluid intake and urine volume.
  • Medieval Europe: diagnosis by \"water casting\" (uroscopy); patients submitted urine specimens in decorative flasks; physicians who failed to examine urine accurately faced public beatings.
  • By 900 AD, the first book detailing characteristics of urine (color, density, quality) was written.
  • From these early works, medicine and medical technology advanced due to high mortality from plagues and other diseases.
  • Early 11th century: practitioners were not allowed to conduct physical examinations; relied on patient descriptions and observations.
  • By the 18th century: mechanical techniques and cadaver dissection provided more objective diagnosis and understanding of the body.
  • 19th century: physicians began using machines for diagnosis or therapeutics; examples include:
    • John Hutchinson’s spirometer (lung vital capacity)
    • Jules Herisson’s sphygmomanometer (blood pressure)
    • Chemistry pivotal for diagnosing diabetes, anemia, diphtheria, syphilis.
  • Mechanical and chemical devices spurred transition from general practice to specialization; hospitals emerged as organized medical services with a need for data handling.
  • Large volumes of patient data created demand for information technology and for medical technicians and data specialists.
  • Consequences: increased diagnostic accuracy, but reduced face-to-face doctor-patient interaction.
  • Core breakthroughs enabling physical examinations of body parts previously observable only in cadavers:
    • Thermometer
    • Stethoscope
    • Microscope
    • Ophthalmoscope
    • Laryngoscope
    • X-ray
  • Notable early devices and figures:
    • Stethoscope: first diagnostic breakthrough; invented by Rene Laennec; used to examine lungs and heartbeats.
    • Ophthalmoscope: first visual technology; developed by Hermann von Helmholtz.
    • X-ray: discovered by Wilhelm Roentgen; allowed viewing inside the body without surgery; used for pneumonia, pleurisy, tuberculosis since World War II.
    • Microscope: developed for medical purposes due to advances in lenses and reduced cost; first practical microscope by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek.
    • Laryngoscope: devised by Manuel Garcia for observing the throat and larynx.
  • In the mid-1800s, laboratories for analyzing medical specimens were established by chemical experts; by the mid-1900s, technical laboratories regulated by public health agencies were used for diagnostics in the United States.

History of Medical Technology in a Global Context, Continued

  • In the early 20th century, integration of scientific and technological discoveries (electrical measurement techniques, sensor development, nuclear medicine, diagnostic ultrasound) marked advances in medical technology; several technologies impacted surgical procedures.
  • Electrocardiograph (ECG): developed by William Einthoven to measure electrical changes during heartbeat; key dates listed: \(1903\) and \(1910\).
  • Drinker respirator: invented by Philip Drinker to aid patients with poliomyelitis in restoring normal respiration with artificial support; dates listed: \(1927\) and \(1939\).
  • Cardiac catheterization and angiography: first performed by Forsmann in \(1929\); further development 1930s-1940s; deemed safe for humans by Cournand in \(1941\); visualization achieved by inserting a cannula and injecting radiopaque dye for X-ray imaging; dates listed: \(1927\) and \(1939\).
  • Kenny method: pioneered by Elizabeth Kenny (1927) for poliomyelitis treatment using hot packs and muscle manipulation; prompted invention of the Sylvia stretcher (1927) for transporting patients in shock.
  • Heart-lung machine: early visualization technology highlighted as a milestone (date listed: \(1941\)).
  • Ongoing integration of technology with science led to electron microscopy, new imaging technologies, and prosthetic devices; electron microscope enabled visualization of small cells (e.g., tumor cells); computers in medical research contributed to tomography and MRI; prostheses included artificial heart valves, artificial blood vessels, functional electromechanical limbs, and reconstructive joints.

Principles of Medical Laboratory Science 1: Foundations and Growth

  • Medical technology breakthroughs persist through robotics, minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery, genetic engineering, and telemedicine (information technology).
  • Outcomes: improved quality of life and life expectancy; however, progress prompted reevaluation of definitions of life and death.

History of Medical Technology in the United States

  • 1895: University of Pennsylvania’s William Pepper Laboratory of Clinical Medicine opened to highlight the service role of clinical laboratories.
  • 1918: John Kolmer called for national certification of medical technologists; published The Demand for and Training of Laboratory Technicians, describing the first formal training course in Medical Technology.
  • 1918–1920s: state legislation in Pennsylvania mandated fully equipped laboratories and employment of full-time laboratory technicians in hospitals.
  • 1920: administrative units of clinical laboratories in large hospitals directed by a chief physician; labs consisted of 4–5 divisions (clinical pathology, bacteriology, microbiology, serology, radiology).
  • 1922: American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) founded to foster physician-pathologist cooperation and to maintain the status of clinical pathologists; established a code of ethics requiring technicians to work under physician supervision and to refrain from making oral or written diagnoses.
  • The American Society for Medical Technologists (now American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, originally a subgroup of ASCP) promoted recognition of nonphysician clinical laboratory scientists as autonomous professionals.
  • 1950s: medical technologists pursued licensure laws for professional recognition.

History of Medical Technology in the Philippines

  • Spanish colonial era established Manila as capital; first hospital (Hospital Real) in Cebu (1565) moved to Manila for military patients; religious orders established health institutions and education for elite.
  • 1578: Franciscans built San Lazaro Hospital; 1596: Hospital de San Juan de Dios; 1641: Hospital de San Jose in Cavite.
  • 1611: Dominicans founded the University of Santo Tomas; 1871: first faculties of pharmacy and medicine established.
  • Late 19th century: journals such as Boletin de Medicina de Manila (1886), Revista Farmaceutica de Filipinas (1893), Cronicas de Ciencias Medicas (1895) published.
  • Public health initiatives included vaccine lymph distribution managed by a central vaccination board (1806) with 122 vaccinators by 1898.
  • 1876: provincial medical officers appointed; 1883 Board of Health established (expanded in 1886).
  • 1887: Laboratorio Municipal de Manila established for laboratory examinations of food, water, and clinical samples; notable figures include General Antonio Luna (chemical expert, water testing, forensics, environmental studies).
  • End of Spanish rule: health and public health structures flourishing; but the Philippine-American War (1899–1902) disrupted systems.
  • Post-war: the Americans established public health laboratories modeled after military health care; Manila’s Spanish Military Hospital became the First Reserve Hospital (1898) and later was used for routine lab work; laboratory personnel faced initial operational challenges.
  • 1901: Philippine Commission Act No. 156 established a Bureau of Government Laboratories (later reorganized as the Bureau of Science and then the Philippine Health Service, and ultimately the Bureau of Health by 1933).
  • 1909–1910s: the Bureau’s biological laboratory analyzed samples for microbiology, cholera, malaria, leprosy, tuberculosis, dysentery; early data included thousands of specimens (e.g., 7,000 fecal, 900 urine, 700 blood in 1909).
  • 1927: University of the Philippines College of Public Health opened its Certificate in Public Health program (aimed at training medical officers).
  • 1941–1945: World War II brought Japanese occupation; US Army Medical Laboratory units provided services; Manila Public Health Laboratory established post-war and trained laboratory workers; formal four-year Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology program began in 1954 at the Manila Sanitarium and Hospital (MSH).
  • 1954: MSH’s School of Medical Technology; MSH’s program later absorbed by Philippine Union College (PUC) in Baesa, Caloocan City (now Adventist University of the Philippines).
  • 1954: UST began recognizing Medical Technology as an official program (recognition formalized in 1961).
  • 1950s–1960s: development of clinical internship and residency programs; early graduates included Dr. Jesse Umali; FEU affiliation with Loma Linda University supported internship for clinical practice.
  • 1950s–1960s: Philippine health education infrastructure strengthened; the field evolves toward formal professional training and laboratory practice reforms.

Inventions and Innovations in Medical Laboratory Science

  • 1660: Edward Jenner discovered vaccination to establish immunity to smallpox; impact: immunology.
  • 1796: Agostino Bassi demonstrated disease in worms via injection of organic material; beginning of bacteriology.
  • 1835: Antoon van Leeuwenhoek — father of microbiology; advancements in microscope quality.
  • 1857: Marie François Xavier Bichat — identified organs by tissue types; impact: histology.
  • 1866: Louis Pasteur — rabies vaccine.
  • 1870: Gregor Mendel — law of inherited characteristics from plant studies.
  • 1877: Robert Koch — first pictures of bacilli (anthrax) and later tubercle bacilli.
  • 1886: Ernst von Bergmann — introduced steam sterilization in surgery.
  • 1902: (entry appears in the sequence but content unclear in transcript).
  • 1906: Joseph Lister (and related immunology work by others) — demonstrated airborne origin of surgical infections; Karl Landsteiner contributed ABO blood grouping; August von Wassermann contributed immunologic tests for syphilis; Elie Metchnikoff described phagocytes and their role in fighting infection; Howard Ricketts studied rickettsiae.
  • 1954: Jonas Salk — poliomyelitis vaccine.
  • 1929: Hans Fischer — worked out the structure of hemoglobin.
  • 1980: James Westgard — introduced Westgard Rules for quality control in clinical laboratories.
  • 1980: Baruch Samuel Blumberg — introduced the Hepatitis B vaccine.
  • PCR and beyond: Kary Mullis — developed Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
  • 1985: James Thomson — derived the first human stem cell line.
  • Late 1990s: Andre van Steirteghem — introduced intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), a type of IVF.
  • Summary takeaway: this progression shows the maturation of diagnostics, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, and reproductive technologies, all expanding the capacity of medical laboratories to diagnose, prevent, and treat disease.

Key Points

  • The history of medical technology traces back to ancient times and evolves through the ages with landmark devices and discoveries.
  • In the United States, the establishment of clinical laboratories and formal laboratory practice catalyzed the growth of the medical technology field.
  • In the Philippines, the first clinical laboratory was established by the US Army's 6th Infantry Division in Sta. Cruz, Manila, during World War II, laying the groundwork for formal medical technology education and practice in the country.

Professional Organizations: Foundations and Roles

  • What professional organizations do:
    • Gather professionals in a field for collaboration, networking, education, and advancement.
    • Promote the profession, educate the public on relevant issues, and represent the field to government, legislative bodies, and international societies.
    • Provide opportunities for continuing professional development (CPD) via conventions, seminars, fora, workshops, and scholarly journals.
    • Require membership dues for access to services and benefits.
  • In the Philippines:
    • Accredited Professional Organization (APO) or Accredited Integrated Professional Organization (AIPO) membership is often required for hiring, retention, and sometimes license renewal.
    • PAMET is the primary national organization for Registered Medical Technologists; PASMETH is the national organization of Medical Technology/Public Health schools; PHISMETS is the national student organization under PASMETH.

Benefits of Membership in Professional Organizations

  • Overview of benefits (as per Figure 2.1):
    • Professionalism: adherence to a code of ethics; shapes conduct; important for employers.
    • Networking: opportunities to build professional connections.
    • Education: CPD events, journals, training.
    • Perks: discounts on registration and related activities for members.
    • Profile: enhances career portfolio via speaking engagements, publications, scholarships, and international opportunities.
    • Recognition: awards and honors for leadership, research, service, etc., elevating professional standing.

Types of Professional Organizations (Function-based)

  • Accrediting Organizations: grant program accreditation to educational institutions; membership is optional and usually institutional.
    • Examples (local and international): PAASCU, PACUCOA, AACCUP, AUN.
  • Credentialing/Certifying Organizations: administer certification examinations; licensure or licensure renewal requirements.
    • Philippines: relatively less common due to PRC regulatory framework.
    • International examples: AMT, ASCP, ISCLT, NCA.
  • Professional Societies: focus on continuing professional development (CPD) and membership follows local chapters.
    • Local examples: PAMET, PASMETH, BRAP, PBCC, PCQACL, PHISMETS, etc.
    • International examples: ASCP, AMT, AACLS, AAMLS, ADLM, ASCLS, IFBLS, IFCC, APFCB, CLMA, etc.

Local Professional Organizations in the Philippines

  • PAMET (Philippine Association of Medical Technologists, Inc.):
    • National organization for Registered Medical Technologists; non-profit.
    • Founded on September 15, 1963; first national convention on September 20, 1964; incorporated and registered with SEC on October 14, 1969 (Registration No. 39570).
    • Recognized as the sole accredited professional organization of RMTs in the Philippines by Presidential Decree No. 223 (June 22, 1973) creating the PRC.
    • Core membership: >20,000; 61 local chapters and 8 international chapters; affiliated with COPHA, PFPA, CHAP, PCQACL, BRAP, PASMETH; international affiliations include AACLS, AAMLS, IFBLS, APFCB, IFCC, PAMET-USA, ASCP.
    • First organizational meeting: September 15, 1963, at Public Health Laboratory, Sta. Cruz, Manila; 20 representatives.
    • Core leader and supporters: Crisanto G. Almario (founder, \"Father of PAMET\"); key early officers include Charlemagne T. Tamondong (first national president, 1964).
    • Roster of Presidents includes a long line from 1963 to present (sample entries):
    • Charlemagne T. Tamondong (1963–1967)
    • Nardito D. Moraleta (1967–1970)
    • Felix E. Asprer (1970–1971, 1973–1977)
    • Bernardo T. Tabaosares (1971–1973)
    • Angelina R. Jose (1973)
    • … continuing through Norma N. Chang (1988–1995), Rodolfo R. Rabor (1996–2000), Zenaida C. Cajucom (2002–2010), Bernard U. Ebuen (2012–2023), Jose Jurell M. Nuevo (2023–present).
  • PASMETH (Philippine Association of Schools of Medical Technology and Public Health, Inc.):
    • National organization of recognized schools of Medical Technology and Public Health; established 1970 to uphold standards in education.
    • First organizational meeting at the University of Santo Tomas on June 22, 1970; initial member schools included UST, FEU, CEU, SJDEFI, PWU, MMC.
    • First officers: Dr. Gustavo U. Reyes (UST), Dr. Serafin J. Juliano (FEU), Dr. Velia Trinidad (CEU), Dr. Faustino Sunico (SJDEFI).
    • SEC registration completed October 6, 1985; PASMETH as a founding organization of the ASEAN Association of Schools of Medical Technology (AASMT).
  • PHISMETS (Philippine Society of Medical Technology Students):
    • National organization of medical technology/medical laboratory science students under PASMETH.
    • First organized in 2002 under PASMETH leadership; reorganized November 25, 2006 at FEU-NRMF.
    • 2009: First Medical Technology Student Congress at Our Lady of Fatima University (Valenzuela City) with attendance of over 500 students; annual CPD leadership trainings and strategic planning conducted since 2010.
    • COSA (Council of Student Advisers) established in May 2014 to support PHISMETS governance.
    • PHISMETS Seal features three circles representing Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao; Laurel for life; green letters for health; five bubbles in a test tube representing five organization objectives:
    1. Central coordination of MT student activities
    2. Growth and development of MT students
    3. Exchange of best practices via conferences and seminars
    4. Promotion of student research in MT and related fields
    5. Information network and activity monitoring in MT education locally and nationally
    • Symbols also include 15 interconnected molecules outside a test tube to signify unity of 15 member schools; Microscope symbolizes MT and Public Health
  • PASMETH Presidents roster (selected highlights):
    • Dr. Gustavo U. Reyes (1970–1973, 1980–1981) – UST
    • Dr. Angelita G. Adeva (1974–1977) – UST
    • Dr. Ibarra T. Panopio (1973–1974) – Velez College
    • Dr. Elizabeth M. del Rio (1977–1980, 1982–1983) – MT schools
    • Dr. Claro D. Cabrera (1981–1982)
    • Dr. Norma V. Lerma (1983–1984)
    • Dr. Vivencio T. Torres (1984–1985) – University of Luzon
    • Prof. Nardito D. Moraleta (1985–1988) – FEU
    • Dr. Nini F. Lim (2000–2002) – PWU
    • Prof. Rodolfo R. Rabor (1996–2000) – UST
    • Dr. Zenaida C. Cajucom (2002–2010) – World Citi Colleges & Martinez Memorial Colleges
    • Dr. Magdalena F. Natividad (2010–2012) – FEU
    • Prof. Bernard U. Ebuen (2012–2023) – Arellano University
    • Dr. Jose Jurell M. Nuevo (2023–present) – Our Lady of Fatima University
  • PHISMETS (Student arm) emblem and motto reflect unity, lifelong learning, and student leadership development.

Local and Foreign Professional Societies (Global Context)

  • Foreign professional societies exist globally to elevate medical technology/clinical laboratory practice and protect member welfare; they connect professionals across countries and facilitate knowledge sharing.
  • Examples by country (illustrative list):
    • Albania: Albanian Society of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine (AsoLaM)
    • Austria: Österreichische Gesellschaft für Laboratoriumsmedizin und Klinische Chemie (ÖGLMKC)
    • Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand (NZIMLS), Norway, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam, and others.
  • These societies include national bodies in biomedicine, laboratory medicine, clinical chemistry, and related fields; many maintain collaborative networks with international federations (e.g., IFBLS, IFCC, APFCB, CLMA, ASCP, AACLS, AAMLS).

Professional Journals and Publications

  • Professional journals publish peer-reviewed articles, reviews, and books in MT/Medical Laboratory Science; journals are often produced by professional organizations and serve as platforms for disseminating research and clinical practice advancements.
  • Notable journals and journals lists (examples):
    • Philippine Journal of Medical Technology (PAMET)
    • Asia-Pacific Journal of Medical Laboratory Science (PASMETH)
    • Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC)
    • The Clinical Biochemist Reviews (APFCB)
    • International Journal of Biomedical Laboratory Science (IFBLS)
    • Laboratory Medicine (ASCP)
    • Medical Laboratory Observer
    • Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS)
    • Advances for Medical Laboratory Professionals (NCA)
    • American Journal of Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
    • Lab Medicine (ASCP)

PAMET: Profile and Core Details

  • PAMET, the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists, Inc., is the national organization of Registered Medical Technologists in the Philippines.
  • History and milestones:
    • Founded on September 15, 1963, at the Public Health Laboratory, Sta. Cruz, Manila; 20 representatives attended the organizational meeting.
    • First national convention and officers elected on September 20, 1964 at Far Eastern University; Charlemagne T. Tamondong became first national president.
    • Incorporated and SEC-registered on October 14, 1969 (Registration No. 39570).
    • Recognized as the sole accredited professional organization of RMTs by Presidential Decree No. 223 (June 22, 1973) creating the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
    • It remains a national body with 61 local chapters, 8 international chapters, and 1 institutional unit (the Philippine General Hospital), totaling over 20,000 members.
    • Affiliations include COPHA, PFPA, CHAP, PCQACL, BRAP, PASMETH; international affiliations include AACLS, AAMLS, IFBLS, APFCB, IFCC, PAMET-USA, ASCP.
  • PAMET’s symbol and motto reflect the integrated practice of education and profession, with core values including integrity, professionalism, commitment, excellence, and unity.
  • PAMET’s governance and leadership:
    • A roster of presidents spans from 1963 to present, reflecting ongoing leadership development and professional advocacy across decades.
    • Notable presidents include Charlemagne T. Tamondong, Nardito D. Moraleta, Felix E. Asprer, Bernardo T. Tabaosares, Angelina R. Jose, and others up to the present.
  • PAMET local chapters are organized by region; chapters exist in Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and international affiliates (examples include Abu Dhabi, Austria, Singapore, Dubai, Oman, Qatar, and more).

PASMETH and PHISMETS Rosters and Roles

  • PASMETH: established to maintain high standards in MT/Public Health education; first members included UST, FEU, CEU, SJDEFI, PWU, MMC; first officers listed earlier; PASMETH is the coordinating body for MT education in the Philippines and a founding member of ASEAN MT organizations.
  • PHISMETS: national MT/MLS student organization under PASMETH; exists to organize student development and leadership; milestones include 2009 first MT Student Congress (attended by ~500 students), 2010 Leadership Training, and 2014 COSA (Council of Student Advisers) to support youth leadership and organization governance.

Connections to Foundational Principles and Real-world Relevance

  • Professional organizations anchor discipline standards, ethics, and professional advancement.
  • Licensure and accreditation frameworks (PRC, PAASCU, AACCUP, etc.) ensure quality education and safe practice.
  • The evolution from physician-dominated practice to team-based professional laboratory science reflects broader shifts in healthcare, including increased reliance on data, automation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
  • The growth of laboratory science in the Philippines parallels global trends in standardized education, professionalization, and transnational collaboration via PASMETH, PAMET, PHISMETS, and international societies.

Ethical, Philosophical, and Practical Implications

  • Ethical: codes of ethics require supervised practice and prohibit independent diagnoses by non-physician MTs; emphasis on patient safety, confidentiality, and evidence-based practice.
  • Practical: licensure and continuous education are essential for maintaining professional competency and public trust; professional organizations provide CPD, networking, and career opportunities.
  • Philosophical: advancement in diagnostic technologies prompts reevaluation of what constitutes life, death, and personhood, given extended lifespans and life-prolonging interventions.

Key Formulas or Notable Equations (If Applicable)

  • None explicitly provided in the transcript as mathematical equations; the document centers on historical milestones, organizational structures, and professional development rather than mathematical modeling.

Quick Reference: Core Dates and Milestones (selected)

  • Global historical milestones:
    • 1903, 1910: Electrocardiograph (Einthoven) measurements of heart electrical changes
    • 1927, 1939: Cardiac catheterization and angiography developments
    • 1927: Kenny method for polio treatment; development of transport aspects
    • 1941: Heart-lung machine milestone
    • 1941–1945: WWII-era medical laboratory deployments in the SWPA
    • 1954: Salk polio vaccine; Manila medical technology internship and schooling momentum
  • US institutional milestones:
    • 1895: Pepper Laboratory opening
    • 1918–1922: Certification calls, ethics, and laboratory integration
    • 1950s: Licensure efforts for MTs
  • Philippine milestones:
    • 1901–1933: Bureau of Government Laboratories and its evolution into national health services
    • 1927: Public Health certificate training; postwar lab expansions
    • 1954: MSH School of Medical Technology; later integration with PASMETH and MT education expansion
    • 1961–1963: UST MT program recognition; PAMET formation and expansion

Summary

  • The history of medical technology spans from ancient diagnostic practices to modern, highly specialized laboratory science. It includes key diagnostic devices, laboratory innovations, and organizational structures that professionalize the field. In the Philippines and the United States, professional organizations (PAMET, PASMETH, PHISMETS, and international bodies) play vital roles in setting standards, accrediting programs, certifying professionals, and fostering ongoing education and leadership in MT/MLS. The evolution emphasizes the balance between diagnostic power and patient-centered care, ethical practice, and the continuous pursuit of quality and safety in healthcare.