Association of Clinical Scientists

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.

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.

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.

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 of Clinical Scientists was formed over 35 years ago by Zimmie Davis, the wife of an early founding member. The goal was to provide an opportunity for spouses and accompanying persons of Association attendees to have a group of their own at the annual meeting. Their purpose was not only to help support the Association, but to plan activities, develop friendships and foster a sense of identity. It certainly has proven to be all of these things and more. Our activities at meetings are varied and interesting. We have visited different artists from glass blowers to potters and print makers. We have toured historic homes, art galleries, and also observed manatees and lemurs. There is always a new adventure awaiting us at each meeting. Best of all, we develop friendships that easily reconnect from year to year. We laugh, talk, share and discover more about each other when we get together at the meetings. I know of no other group that does all of this so easily and so well. The annual dues are $10.00, and we welcome new members with open arms.

Come, join and discover the Auxiliary of the Association of Clinical Scientists.

Flo Forman, President
Auxiliary of The Association

Officers of the Auxiliary 2010-11

President: Flo Forman
President Elect: Gerry Savory
Treasurer: Adrienne Hopfer
Secretary: Charlotte Cannon

Past President: Becky Hunter