2008 OSMT Conference and Trade Show
The 2008 OSMT Conference will take place from October 30 – November 1, 2008 at the Delta Ottawa Hotel & Suites.  This year’s theme is “Focus on the Future”.  The conference program and registration form are currently available on the OSMT website (www.osmt.org/conferences) and in the summer issue of the OSMT Advocate publication.  Remember, Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) may be eligible for reimbursement for professional development courses and/or programs (including the OSMT Conference) from the AHPDF.  We are also pleased to announce that the 2009 OSMT Conference is being planned for Sudbury, ON.

Scope of Practice
The Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care has asked HPRAC to undertake a scope of practice review of a number of regulated professions within the context of Interprofessional Collaboration (IPC). This presents a promising and exciting opportunity for the MLT profession to enhance, and possibly expand, its scope of practice.  The CMLTO, OSMT, and CSMLS are currently collaborating on this submission.  Please check our respective websites for updates on our progress.

Allied Health Professional Development Fund Continues in 2008 – 2009
For the third consecutive year, the government is providing financial support for health professionals through the Allied Health Professional Development Fund (AHPDF).  Practising members of nine allied health professions will be able to apply for as much as $1500 for professional development courses and programs.

The guidelines and application form for the Fund, and information on the new library service are available at www.ahpdf.ca or www.osmt.org/index.

Call for Case Studies
The OSMT Editorial Committee is looking for case studies from all disciplines for publishing in the OSMT Advocate publication.  Guidelines are available from the OSMT office at 1-800-461-6768.    Published studies will receive a small honorarium. Remember, MLTs can earn QA hours for their professional portfolios!

OSMT PLI Insurance
The OSMT has been offering Professional Liability Insurance (PLI) to its members for a number of years as a benefit of membership.  Starting in 2008, individualized PLI certificates are being issued to OSMT members as an added service from our new insurance broker, Pottruff & Smith.

Nominations
OSMT members are invited to submit nominations for two (2) positions of Director-at-Large, each for a two-year term.  Also, the terms of office for the current Directors of Districts 2, 4, 6, and 8 expire this year.  The deadline for submission of nominations is Friday, August 1, 2008.  Nomination forms may be obtained from the OSMT office at (416) 485-6768 or 1-800-461-6768.  Visit our website at www.osmt.org/board to view our district map.

Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician Certification Examination
The fall MLA/T certification exam is scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2008.  Applications and exam information are available on the OSMT website (www.osmt.org) or from the OSMT office.  The deadline to apply is July 4, 2008.