Fixation on Histology

Charter Member Journey - 50 Years of NSH Membership & What I Have Learned

  

As a 1967 high school graduate in rural South Dakota, interested in science and wanting a “job” where I could use a microscope, but without having to go to college (my parents couldn’t afford that), I enrolled in a 1 year program at Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, South Dakota where I learned basic histology from a 2nd edition (1965) Ann Preece Manual for Histology Technicians and H&E and about 10 special stains from a 2nd edition (1960) AFIP manual, followed in 1969 by ASCP certification as a Histology Technician. At that time, HT certification required only high school diploma; no college. Then I went into the working world of Histology and soon found that there was much more to learn about the science of Histology.

Fortunately, I received a membership recruiting mailing from the National Society for Histotechnology, a fledgling organization founded in October 1973 by a group of people, some of whom were known to me as names in histology textbooks and manuals, and offering education opportunities in technical skills and technical developments, and encouraging interest in scientific seminars and opportunities in career advancement (i.e., the beginning of the growth of the histotechnology processional). I joined NSH in 1973, their charter year, and I’m now celebrating 50 years continuous membership.

As I learned more about NSH, I found that it was a volunteer organization of histology professionals who had created a society to promote continuing education, share technical information and generally unite their profession. When I learned that continuing education in histology and career advancement were important parts of the profession, I was hooked. Not only did I want to be a member and take advantage of the educational opportunities, I wanted to be active by volunteering the “time and talents” I possessed. And I did exactly that beginning in 1984 when I presented my first lecture at the annual S/C in Kansas City and first served in the House of Delegates in 1986. Following, I was a speaker or workshop director at the annual NSH S/C numerous times. I also found that I enjoyed NSH governance as much as the education and through the years I served as an HOD delegate (30+ years), a committee member, a committee chair (both appointed and elected), a task force leader, and on the Board of Directors as Region Director, and now as Speaker of the House of Delegates.

At every step of my career, NSH was there to offer the education or training that I needed. When I studied for the HTL(ASCP) exam in 1985, or when I was transferring from the routine histology lab to the IHC/FA lab, or when I was preparing for my first management role in 1990, or when I was preparing for the SLS(ASCP) exam in 2002 or when I was setting up a neuropathology CJD lab, or when I was specializing in the preparation and staining of muscles biopsies. NSH always had or offered what I needed to prepare for the next phase of my journey through the world of histology.

With NSH membership came the opportunity to apply for one of the many scholarships or merit awards offered by NSH or NSH patron donors. These scholarships and awards often have only a small number of applicants so chances of receiving an award are good. They are offered yearly and are presented to the recipients at the NSH Convention. Most include funds for study or for travel to study on the topic of your choice at an out of country laboratory, institute or facility for hands on learning. I was fortunate to be the recipient of six scholarships or awards beginning with the Miles Education Scholarship in 1990, including the Lee G. Luna Foreign Travel Scholarship in 2004, the Leica Leadership in Management in 2006, the President’s Award in 2014, and the J B McCormick Award in 2019. The scholarships included funds for study; the awards were recognition of skills or performance.

Yes, I had to travel to attend the NSH Symposium Convention or purchase study guides or text books, but the information I needed was available. I’ve heard it said the dues are expensive. I always looked at price of dues as having one less evening out each year for dinner and drinks at a nice restaurant with my husband. It was worthwhile to make that “sacrifice”. And yes, there are registration and travel expenses involved with attending the NSH Convention, but I learned early on that expenses could be off-set by volunteering to be a speaker of a workshop presenter, or by becoming involved in NSH governance by serving on the Board of Directors. My 50 year membership in NSH offered education and training, and being a volunteer for NSH, in any number of available roles, gave NSH another of the “active members” it needs to function, grow and remain relevant into the future. As I said upon receiving the J B McCormick Award “NSH has made me the histotech that I am”. It will do as much for you if you take advantage of the opportunities it offers. I end by quoting M. Lemar Jones, another long time NSH member, from an article he wrote about the history and success of NSH… “It hosts a highly successful annual Symposium/Convention, publishes a quarterly world-class journal, publishes the NSH InAction member newsletter, offers numerous merit awards and educational scholarships, develops and publishes educational resource materials, and prepares relevant standards and procedures for the profession. None of this could be achieved or sustained without the efforts of the many committed individuals who volunteer their time and energies to ensure our continued success.” 
The National Society for Histotechnology was formed fifty years ago as a result of the passion of a group histology professionals committed to their dream of promoting continuing education, sharing technical information and uniting as a profession. Decades ago in a discussion about keeping NSH relevant I was told quite simply by Jules Elias “you get, you give, you share”. And I am proud to be counted among the multitude of past and current histology professionals who are the National Society of Histotechnology. This Charter Member Journey - 50 years of NSH Membership has proven to be a valuable experience and a continuation of our founders dream.

Written By: Konstance (Konnie) Zeitner, HT(ASCP) HTL(ASCP)

Don't forget! Cast your vote in next week's elections to ensure we are electing great leaders, like Konnie, to lead us through the next 50 years. For more information visit the elections page.

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Giorgis Yeabyo
04-29-2023 02:26

Dear Konnie, I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for your incredible dedication and commitment to the NSH. Your unwavering passion for the field of histology is truly inspiring. As a generation of professionals, we have so much to learn from your vast knowledge and experience. The lessons you have taught us throughout the years have been invaluable, and I can't have enough words to express my gratitude for your willingness to share your expertise with us. Once again, thank you Konnie for all you have done for the NSH, and for inspiring us with your hard work, dedication and passion. 
Sincerely, George

Tim Morken
04-28-2023 14:55

Thanks Konnie! NSH has been invaluable to me as well. Scientific meetings are generally presentations of research but little in the way of learning. NSH is all technologists teaching each other what they do. I can't imagine being in the profession with out it!

Tim Morken