General Information
Goals
- To promote education and research in clinical science;
- To improve the development, selection, accuracy, utilization,
and interpretation of laboratory tests used for clinical
diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring, and research;
- To encourage cooperation among physicians and members
of other professions concerned with applications of scientific
methods in clinical practice and research; and
- To foster the professional development, scientific
stature, ethical standards, and collegiality of clinical
scientists.
History
The Association of Clinical Scientists was formed in 1949
by a group of physicians and scientists from the various
fields of laboratory medicine. The organization was initially
called the "Clinical Science Club." During its
early years, the members held informal meetings and helped
to organize workshops and seminars in the United States,
Great Britain, and Puerto Rico. The membership and activities
of the organization gradually expanded, so the members decided
to become incorporated as the "Association of Clinical
Scientists." In 1957, the Association received a charter
from the State of Pennsylvania as a non-profit scientific
and educational corporation.
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Members
The 450 members of the Association include pathologists,
clinical chemists, molecular and cell biologists, microbiologists,
immunologists, hematologists, cytogeneticists, toxicologists,
pharmacokineticists, clinicians, cancer researchers and
other doctoral scientists who are experts in the applications
of laboratory methods for the elucidation, diagnosis, and
treatment of human diseases. Most members live in North
America, but the Association has members around the world.
The Association encourages its members to conduct clinical
research, present papers, organize seminars, visit each
other's laboratories, improve their clinical and laboratory
skills, expand their knowledge, and publish their findings.
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Affiliations
The Association of Clinical Scientists is an affiliate
of the American Association for the Advancement of Science,
a sponsor of the American Board of Clinical Chemistry, and
a member of the Intersociety Pathology Council.
Scientific Sections
The Association's eight scientific sections are: (1) Cell
and Tissue Pathology; (2) Clinical Biochemistry and Biotechnology;
(3) Clinical Immunology and Microbiology; (4) Molecular
Biology and Genetics; (5) Clinical Science in Practice;
(6) Hematology and Transfusion Medicine; (7) Therapeutics
and Toxicology, and (8) Clinical Informatics. Members are
invited to enroll in one or more of these sections and participate
in their programs.
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Benefits of Membership
The Association strongly supports the career development
of its members. Annual awards include the Young Clinical
Scientist Award, the Diploma of Honor, and the Clinical
Scientist of the Year Award. By its meetings, workshops,
projects, publications, and professional interactions, the
Association fosters scientific inquiry, education, and collegiality.
Extraordinary fellowship and camaraderie characterize its
activities.
The Association provides an opportunity for specialists
to remain abreast of developments in areas of medicine ancillary
to their specialty. For anatomic and clinical pathologists,
the Association provides coverage of new methods and concepts
that are pertinent to clinical diagnosis. Personal contacts
among the Association's members provide invaluable assistance
regarding employment, academic appointments, and promotion.
Members may order a membership certificate, suitable for
framing.
The Association's meetings provide continuing education
credits and offer cultural as well as scientific exchanges.
A Musicale and Art Exhibit, featuring members and guests
of the Association, is a part of each meeting. Conviviality
of the Association is enhanced by informal receptions and
dinners.
Auxiliary to the Association
The Auxiliary to the Association is an informal organization
of spouses and accompanying persons. The purpose of
the Auxiliary is to support the Association and to provide
friendship and camaraderie to everyone who attends the Association’s
meetings. At the annual meeting, the Auxiliary arranges
social, educational, and sightseeing activities. All spouses
and accompanying persons are warmly invited to participate
in the activities and to join the Auxiliary.
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