title: [Searching for clinical research collaborations--showing the fundamental strengths of medical technologists].
abstract: The Department of Medical Technology Support was inaugurated at Kobe University Hospital in 2008, and various paramedical staff members were evaluated positively by one of the departments of the same unit at the hospital. According to this evaluation, they have not only performed their routine work efficiently, but have also been able to contribute through novel research activities. Since 1995, eight technicians in the Department of Clinical Laboratory including myself have been able to carry out research under our supervisor, Prof. Shunichi Kumagai, and, up to the present, four individuals have written a doctoral dissertation and each has obtained a PhD. Naturally, clinical research consists of employing novel analyses and techniques, and medical technologists are able to apply their abilities directly in this respect. When medical technologists are not experts in new techniques, they should plan to acquire such knowledge and practice these techniques. Through identifying new research problems in their routine work and carrying out collaborative clinical research, not only do they witness an advance in their own academic level, but they are reassured that they are able to contribute significantly to clinical fields. Thus, medical technologists must tackle research proactively.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Laboratory, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe 650-0017, Japan. hayashi@med.kobe-u.ac.jp
authors.forename: Nobuhide
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hayashi
mesh_terms: D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine; D006801:Humans; D017056:Medical Laboratory Personnel; D013677:Medical Laboratory Science; D012106:Research