Fixation on Histology

My First NSH Convention Experience

  
Attending my first National Society of Histotechnology (NSH) convention in Baltimore was a truly eye-opening and unforgettable experience. As a newcomer to the field who is passionate about expanding my histotechnology education, I had no idea what to expect, but the event exceeded everything I could have imagined. This convention left an indelible mark on my career, from remarkable workshops to incredible networking opportunities. Here are the highlights!

Volunteering
This was my first year and I wanted to dig in immediately. I signed up to volunteer at the registration desk and met some folks who have been involved with the NSH since the beginning! It was wonderful to be able to make these connections the moment I arrived—a great shortcut to becoming a friendly, familiar face to some of the other first-timers.


The Workshops and Sessions
The convention featured impressive sessions and workshops catering to beginners and seasoned histotechs. Here are a couple that stood out for me:

a.  "What We Know About Helicobacter Pylori:" Sheila Criswell's lecture on H. pylori was enlightening. Since we frequently handle infected specimens, it was interesting to gain more context about public health issues and be updated on recent research findings.

b.  Educators' Forum: It was fantastic to have Mark Spence, a NAACLS program director, share insights. As someone aspiring to become a histotechnology educator, it was great to learn more about the steps in achieving a NAACLS accreditation. This experience left me with a deeper appreciation for the organization, reinforcing that they are our allies, not adversaries, in improving access to top-notch histotechnology education.

c.  Hands-on Mohs Training: This workshop was a game-changer for someone like me, who’s had limited experience in Mohs histotechnology (and was honestly a little afraid of it!). The workshop was led by seasoned Beck Consulting & Associates professionals, who brought a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to the training. Their expertise and approachable demeanor were invaluable in guiding us through the Mohs process. We worked with Mohs (practice!) specimens, gaining practical experience in tissue embedding, sectioning, staining, and mapping. I feel much more confident now!


The Charm of Baltimore
It's "Charm City," after all! With its rich history and picturesque waterfront, Baltimore provided the perfect convention backdrop. During downtime, I explored the city's vibrant neighborhoods, visited the National Aquarium, met with local friends, went to a comedy show, and ate a lot (too much?) of excellent food. The convention's location truly enhanced the overall experience, and I'm now considering moving there!


Networking: The Heart of the Convention
One of the most remarkable aspects of the convention was the networking opportunities it offered. The First-Timer's reception was a resounding success, and I had the pleasure of building connections with individuals I encountered repeatedly throughout the convention. I also had the chance to connect with professionals from various corners of the field. Here's how networking enriched my experience:

a.   Peer Interaction: Meeting fellow histotechnologists allowed me to share experiences, challenges, and ideas. We discussed everything from troubleshooting staining problems to navigating the intricacies of difficult laboratory dynamics.

b.   Industry Experts: The convention featured keynote speakers and discussions with renowned experts in histotechnology. Engaging with them not only expanded my knowledge but also provided insights into the future of our field.

c.  Vendor Exhibits: The exhibit hall was a treasure trove of information and resources. Interacting with vendors helped me discover new products, technologies, and equipment that could streamline my work. Not to mention all the great swag I went home with. Maybe next year I can snag one of those hot pink lab coats!

The Convention Overall

Lastly, the entire experience was exceptionally well-coordinated, and I found the app incredibly user-friendly. All the organizers and volunteers deserve recognition for a seemingly seamless operation!

My first histotechnology convention in Baltimore was an unforgettable time filled with knowledge, inspiration, and meaningful connections. The workshops broadened my horizons, and the networking opportunities brought me into a community of dedicated professionals. Baltimore's charm added an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience. As I left the convention with a head full of ideas and a heart full of gratitude, I couldn't help but look forward to the next chapter in my histotechnology career, all thanks to this remarkable event. Special thanks to Polysciences, Inc. and Sakura for their support of the NSH Student Scholarship and the Convention travel Scholarship, without which I would not have been able to attend. I can't wait for the next one!


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Lisa Turner
12-01-2023 11:32

I enjoyed this year's convention very much, NSH conventions are always a great experience. I noticed a large increase in research histology both in workshops and in the vendor hall. Much appreciation of the effort to those who are making this convention so great! 

Aubrey Wanner
10-24-2023 14:00

@Aubrey Wanner love this post