From The Desk Of The President

What a difference a day can make in the State of Michigan! We have enjoyed such a wonderful winter season and just when you think it’s going to get better, Mother Nature reminds us that we still live in Michigan. It has been my pleasure to take the reins for the next few years as President of MSA-AST. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce to you, your new members of the MSA-AST Board of Directors:

• President – Donovan J. Traverse, M.S., C.S.T.
• Vice President – Julia A. Jackson, M.Ed, C.S.T., F.A.S.T.
• Treasurer – Laurel Johnson, C.S.T.
• Secretary – Kristina El-Chemor, C.S.T.
• Director – Jean Chester, C.S.T.
• Director – Jeanine Cupp, C.S.T.
• Director – Eileen Kortes, C.S.T.
• Director – Meg Muno, B.B.A., C.S.T.
• Director – Tracy Skarritt-Karbowski, C.S.T.

Welcome to you all!!

Spring Workshop

This year’s Spring Workshop is entitled “Survival Techniques for the Surgical Technologist” and will take place at Baker College of Flint. It promises to be a unique day dedicated entirely to the Surgical Technologist!

April 14, 2012, 8 AM - 4 PM at Baker College of Flint, 1050 W Bristol Rd, Flint, MI 48507

Contact: Danielle Duncan, 1050 W Bristol Rd, Flint, MI 48507
810-766-4343, danielle.duncan@baker.edu.
5 CE(s), pending approval by AST.

Courtyard Hotel has 20 rooms blocked off for MSA-AST on April 13, 2012 at the rate of $ 89.00 does include a continental breakfast. The rooms need to be reserved before March 30th, 2012.

Courtyard Flint
1-810-232-3500
5205 Gateway Centre • Flint, Michigan 48507 USA
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/fntcy-courtyard-flint/

Legislative Updates:

The MSA legislative efforts have been in full force. On January 25th, 2012 Julia A. Jackson, Laurel Johnson, AST Director of Government Affairs Cathy Sparkman, Brad Comment MSA-AST Lobbyist, and myself spent an entire day and evening meeting with several Representatives and Senators to discuss our Bill. The new Bill for the 2011-2013 legislative years is under draft. Our new Bill Sponsor is Rep. Mike Calton (R-Nashville). While we feel very positive about our efforts, there is still plenty of work to be done to educate the current legislature about our Bill. To that end, we will be holding another “mock procedure” at Lansing Community College on March 15th, 2012. This day will be entirely dedicated to educating the current Health Policy Committee. I will be updating the membership on the results of the progress of our Bill at the spring workshop, and on further postings on the MSA-AST website.

Current MSA-AST Website

The MSA-AST website is currently undergoing some changes. Please continue to visit www.msa-ast.org to view these exciting changes, and the most up-to-date information concerning MSA news.

Delegates to Washington, D.C.

I am very pleased to announce that we will have total representation from the State of Michigan at this year’s National Conference! Thank you to Julia A Jackson, Laurel Johnson, Donovan Traverse, Lynda Custer, Tracy Skarritt-Karbowski, and Jean Chester who have graciously agreed to represent us at this important event. This year’s conference is in Washington D.C, May 23-27, 2012.

It is a very exciting time to be a part of MSA-AST. I can assure you on behalf of the MSA-AST Board of Director’s, we will continue to work to advocate for you, the membership of MSA-AST! I look forward to seeing you all at the Spring Workshop.

Donovan J. Traverse, M.S., C.S.T.
President, MSA-AST