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TENNESSEE ASSOCIATION OF SURGICAL TECHNOLOGISTS

NEWSLETTER---THE SURGICAL REGISTER

                                                                                 Updated January 2009


Volume 4, Issue 1     Tennessee Association of Surgical Technologists    Winter 2009
 
 President’s Message

Chris Lee, CST, AAS
Memphis, TN

There is a commercial for a local auto repair shop that airs here in Memphis that I find interesting.  The actors in it clearly emphasize that ALL of their service technicians are ASE Certified “so you know that your car is repaired by capable, qualified individuals”.   What I find interesting is that while a car repair business feels the importance of not only requiring (I would assume) that it’s employees be Certified in their profession, and places that fact prominently in its advertising, Hospitals and other healthcare facilities do not.  I realize that the argument of people (Hospitals, legislators, the Public, etc…) caring more about the qualifications of the people who change their oil or style their hair than the people who guard their safety when they are at their most vulnerable is one that has been made time and time again.   It also makes me realize that while we have made considerable strides, we still have work to do.   Not all of our work can be done legislatively.  It takes each and every one of us, in our own ways big and small, to educate, reach out, dispel rumors and preconceived notions, and spread our message that EVERY patient deserves a CST.  I would challenge and encourage everyone to reach out to everyone you know and let them know the importance of having properly educated and certified people taking care of them.  We can reach our goals one person at a time, one doctor at a time, one nurse at a time, one hospital at a time.

It has been my honor of serving you as your President for the past 2 years.  We have made gains in Membership, are financially stable, and been successful legislatively.   Our state was among the first to be honored by AST with the State Assembly Leadership Award.  The credit for these accomplishments goes to the people that I have had the pleasure of working and serving with over the past 2 years.  It is only through their hard work, determination, vision, and unyielding support that this organization continues to grow and thrive.  I have learned an incredible amount from each of them and I am grateful to have known and worked with all of them.    We are celebrating a New Year, and with that New Year comes new opportunities.  In February, we will be electing new officers and Board members.  I am grateful for the opportunity to serve that you have given me and I can only hope that you will give them the same level of support that you have provided me.  I look forward to renewing old friendships and making new ones at the Convention in Memphis.

Until then,
Stay Sharp!
Christopher Lee, CST, AAS


2009 TNAST 9th Annual Convention

Elections for 2009 TNAST Convention

The following positions will be voted on by the TNAST membership at the 2009 Convention in Nashville. Please contact the TNAST Secretary for a “Consent to Serve” form if interested in serving. Donna Henderson, why345@aol.com

President
Vice President
Treasurer
BOD Vote for three
2 Board Positions – 2 year terms
1 Board Position – 1 year term (Person receiving least amount of votes)

CANDIDATES
PRESIDENT—ELECT 1

Glen Mullins, CST

I would like to humbly announce to you my intent to run for the position of President of the Tennessee Association of Surgical Technologist Board of Directors. I have had the pleasure of serving for you as a Board Member and for the last two years as your Vice President. Your board is strong and continues to grow our assembly each year. With the economic uncertainty of the years to come I feel like our organization should be on the legislative scene helping to strengthen the laws of Tennessee to insure quality patient care will be provided in our States Operating Rooms. The only way to do this is to mandate Education and Certification for all Surgical Technologist state wide. I would also like to see our board take on the responsibility of "Watch Dog" for our members who report hospitals for violations. As President I would like to implement a confidential reporting system for our members to use with out fear of reprisal from their employer. It is time for us to stand up and protect our positions. If elected I hope with your help to strengthen our standing with our Hospitals and strengthen our Assembly.

VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT 1

Toren Bell, CST/SA-C

Hello, My name is Toren Bell CST/SA-C, I am running for the position of Vice President, during our annual spring conference in Memphis. I have been serving you the, members of AST, as a board member, I thank you for that opportunity. The TN AST organization has been growing in many ways, last year our organization has became one of the few states to have over 1000 members, the more members we have the stronger we are. The past year I have been working forming the Tennessee State Student Assembly.  By involving the students we will be able to prepare them to lead
our organization in the future.  The primary goal since being on the board has been to ensure the wise use of the money we have been entrusted to.  I feel it important to use the money we have to help the members within our state, to help those here first. Again I would like to thank each of you for the
opportunity to serve you, and would ask for your vote for Vice President during our Memphis conference.
Thank you


TREASURER-ELECT 1

Chuck Lane, CST, BSOM

I would like this opportunity to serve you one more term as Treasurer. During these two years it is my promise to you to find  someone interested in becoming more involved, and assist them in learning the role of Treasurer. I have enjoyed my time on the Board of Directors, but feel would like to see more new involvement. Thanks in advance for your votes.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS-ELECT 3

Jackie Neighbors, CST, CFA

I became a member of AST in 1982 as a student, becoming a CST in 1984. I am now a practicing CST/CFA at Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga. I would like to continue the work that a lot members have given their time and money towards making our profession more recognized by in our state as well as nationally. In talking to a group of students in Cookeville, I emphasized that our profession is only as strong as its members are. Each individual must decide on how much effort they want to put into our profession to make it work. I have dedicated the last 25 years putting my best effort into my chosen career. After being a member of this board in some fashion since its inception, I have held positions such as treasurer, president, and BOD previously. I am seeking re-election from the members across our state in my running for the board of director position.

Rhonda McQuay, CST

As a Surgical Technology student, I was active in our school government. As a relatively new CST, I am excited about this chance to run for a position on the Board of Directors. I will learn everything necessary to be the best person for this position. I am on fire about our organization and am looking forward to my future involvement.

Jeanina Spight, CST

As a Surgical Technology Student I was a member of the School Advisory Board. I am currently a member of the transplant team at Methodist University Hospital. I am also a member of the Davinci team. In addition, I am a member of the PTA at Newberry Elementary

Trey  Wiseman, CST

As a student and new graduate, I was active in the state assembly by working on the Nashville education meetings. I am certified and working at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville. I look forward to speaking for the new members and hearing what their ideas are for the future.


2009 Scrub Bowl

This years Scrub Bowl is sure to top last years in which we had 6 teams from across the state. The event will be held on Friday this year and all the information has already been sent out to the CAAHEP accredited schools. If you have any questions or have not received information please contact:

Toren Bell, CST/SA-C
5016 Spedale Ct. #184
Spring Hill, TN 37174
tdbhawkeye@gmail.com