MSU’s Medical Technology Program is celebrating its 75th year with a variety of events this weekend, beginning today.
Ward Giltner founded the program in 1926 while he was in charge of the veterinary medicine program at MSU.
The program’s history will be remembered, while also looking to the future.
Robert Martin, a 1971 MSU graduate and director of laboratories for the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will speak to students and alumni about careers and public health today and Friday.
The lecture will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. today in 317 North Kedzie Hall and during a convocation at 3:30 p.m. Friday in the Kellogg Center Auditorium.
He will also speak about laboratories he has developed around the country that can react in case of biological warfare.
Rodrigo Jaimes, a medical technology freshman, is planning to attend Martin’s lecture. He hopes to learn and gain experience about the different types of careers his major offers.
“I’m really interested in the medical field, so I’m going with an open mind,” he said.
Kathy Doig, director of the Medical Technology Program, said there is a high demand for professionals in the field even though many people are still unaware of the field after 75 years.
Medical technologists are not widely known because they work behind the scenes, performing medical laboratory testing, she said.
“Have you ever seen a med tech on ‘ER?’” she asked. “No you haven’t.”
But it’s not uncommon for medical technologists to work in university settings, industry and government, Doig said.
“There is a 20 percent vacancy rate and salaries are rising,” she said.
Many employers are now offering signing bonuses to newly graduated and certified professionals.
“If you like medicine and science, it’s a great occupation,” Doig said.
Other events will mark the anniversary of medical technology.
A dinner will be held at Coral Gables, 2838 E. Grand River Ave., at 8 p.m. Thursday. MSU President M. Peter McPherson will comment on the history and contributions of the Medical Technology Program.
“It’s a long and established program and I’m happy to be celebrating with them,” McPherson said.
There will also be a tailgate party before Saturday’s Homecoming football game.
