ASCLS - Idaho
Focus
I have been asked to write a brief article for this edition of ASCLS-Idaho newsletter. For some of you who have read my Curriculum Vitae, you will know most of my background. So, bear with me. Immediately after graduation from college with my degree in Medical Technology, I volunteered to work at Yaguam Lutheran Mission Hospital in Papua, New Guinea. Geographically, Papua, New Guinea is only ninety miles north of Australia, but in reality back in 1972 when I was there, it seemed like it was on another planet. While there, I worked with the five on - the - job trained New Guinean lab technicians and we routinely helped to diagnose malaria, hookworm, anemia, infection, elephantiasis, tuberculosis, leprosy, and many other tropical diseases. It was an amazing year, and if any of you are wondering, yes, I did see cannibalism, crocodiles, cassowary, and even came home with a tattoo applied using natural materials from the bush! My second job was at Scripps Research Foundation in San Diego, California. I specialized in the Chemistry Laboratory. What a huge contrast...from the remotest part of the world to one of the most prestigious medical facilities in the world!
I was married to my wonderful husband,Tom, and our two sons were born in 1979 and 1984. Raising a family and working as a Medical Technologist in Southern California kept me busy, however, must mention my "claims to Fame". They are: winning $12,000 in cash and prizes on Hollywood squares, attending a birthday party at the Lloyd Bridges house ( yes, Jeff and Beau were there), and drawing blood from John Wayne, Gretta Garbo, Carol Burnett, and Tommy Smothers.
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