I am always thankful to be working as a medical laboratory technologist, a career I am very passionate about. I remember my journey towards discovering my ideal career, and let me tell you, it was not an easy one. I was in a similar situation as many other students in high school, not fully aware of the range of career options available. I completely understand how many high school students can feel stuck, undecided, and anxious on their career choices prior to entering further studies. This can result in students choosing an educational path without making an informed decision of all the career options available to them. As a result, there are many new graduates who have trouble finding a job within their field and pursue additional programs in order to acquire more qualifications. I believe a thorough search of the vast number of career options available will help students make an informed decision.
Microbiology
Life Under the Microscope: Toxoplasma gondii
Toxoplasma gondii is the causative agent of the disease known as toxoplasmosis. The parasite was first discovered by Charles Nicolle and Louis Manceaux in 1908. They initially named the parasite Leishmania gondii thinking that it belonged to the Leishmania genus. However, once they realized they discovered a new organism, they named it Toxoplasma gondii, from the Greek toxo, meaning arc or bow, and plasma, meaning something that is shaped or molded. The parasite’s definitive host is the cat in which T. gondii can sexually reproduce.

Toxoplasma gondii
The Lab Chronicles: My Experience in the Clinical Microbiology Lab – Weeks 5, 6, and 7
In this blog, I have combined my final three weeks in Microbiology. These last weeks mostly consisted of myself working on practice exams, as well as my final practical and theory exam. Additionally, I began working on my Clinical Project and started the testing process. However, I will highlight a few items performed over these last few weeks that have not been previously mentioned. Continue reading
The Lab Chronicles: My Experience in the Microbiology Lab – Week 4
In this week’s blog, I will cover a basic concept in Microbiology, in particular colonial morphology. Colonial morphology in microbiology is simply noting the unique characteristics of microorganisms. In many cases, these unique visual characteristics can help technologists in the identification of the microorganism. Continue reading
The Lab Chronicles: My Experience in the Microbiology Laboratory – Week 2
During my second week at the hospital, I was put on the Day 2 and 3 benches, alternating each day so that I could follow the specimens that I worked on the previous day. The Day 2 and 3 benches are also referred to as the primary and secondary benches (respectively). I will use both terms interchangeably throughout my blogs. Continue reading
The Lab Chronicles: My Experience in the Microbiology Laboratory – Week 1
For the past three years, I have attended the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) pursuing a Bachelor of Health Science in Medical Laboratory Science. This degree is specific to the Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) profession. For my final year, I will be performing my clinical practicum at a hospital rotating between the five disciplines on the clinical lab: Microbiology, Biochemistry, Histopathology, Hematology, and Transfusion Science. I have already begun my first rotation in the Microbiology lab. Continue reading
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