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Join us in Winnipeg, Manitoba for LABCONIC – a one-day, in-person event that will feel like a mini LABCON. LABCONIC will feature expert speakers on topics sure to help you grow your knowledge and your career.
Saturday September 27, 2025 0800-1600 CDT
Register before August 29, 2025 for early bird savings.
Discounts for CSMLS members! Limited seats available!
Earn continuing education hours for participating.
Location:
Inn at the Forks
75 Forks Market Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4T6
Session 1: 0900-0930 CDT
The MLA and Emerging Technologies
Description: A presentation on the evolving role of the MLA in clinical laboratories that are, more and more, adopting automation and emerging technologies. As POCT, AI, and automation transform diagnostics, MLAs must adapt to new workflows. Attendees will gain insights into cutting-edge advancements, POCT, and how MLAs can future proof their careers through continuous learning. This session will also delve into ethical considerations, and how MLAs can contribute to the future of medical laboratory science.
Learning Objectives:
Speaker: Nyasha P. Katedza, CMLA
Nyasha P. Katedza is a pioneering entrepreneur and founder of BioInsight DNA & Blood Services. With a Bachelor's degree in Biology and CSMLS certification as an MLA, Nyasha brings her diverse experience in laboratory science, including clinical and community-based healthcare initiatives.
Passionate about emerging technologies, she advocates for their transformative impact on medical laboratories, and their potential to revolutionize healthcare in remote communities, telehealth, and for individuals with disabilities.
Nyasha is also an author, educator, and advocate for healthcare accessibility and literacy. Through BioInsight, she strives to bridge the gaps in access to diagnostic services, empowering individuals and communities with reliable, state-of-the-art specimen collection solutions. Her mission is to transform the healthcare landscape by making high-quality diagnostics accessible to all.
Session 2: 0930-1000 CDT
Diet, Dating, and Aliens: A Look at Blood Type Pseudoscience
Description: Transfusion science as a practice is built on a foundation of evidence-based knowledge and technology. While MLTs may be experts in what happens inside the lab and hospital, there are trends and fads they might not be aware of on social media that inappropriately use principles like blood groups and typing. We will explore things like the blood type diet, personality theory, and even how some posit blood types may have an origin beyond the stars.
Learning Objectives:
Speaker: William Willis, BSc, MLT
William has worked at Westman Lab in Brandon, Manitoba for over 10 years in chemistry, hematology, and transfusion medicine. He grew up in Southern Ontario, where he attended Trent University and Cambrian College, receiving both his Bachelor of Science degree and Medical Laboratory Science diploma, respectively. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge, particularly about pseudoscience and general quackery in medicine and science.
Session 3: 1000-1030 CDT
Basic Biomedical Research in Oncology and its Impact on Genetic Diagnostics and Treatment Decisions
Description: This session focuses on the fundamentals of somatic genetic testing of solid tumors with a spotlight on colorectal cancer. We discuss the buzz word “personalized medicine” and use recently published work performed at CancerCare Manitoba’s (CCMB) Paul Albrecthsen Research Institute to illustrate how personalized medicine in oncology is driven by basic biomedical research. Lastly, we highlight the collaboration between CCMB and Shared Health Services’ Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory in Manitoba, emphasizing the role of MLTs with specialized skills and the critical importance of the clinical work performed to aid oncologists in treatment decisions and ultimately improve patient care.
Learning Objectives:
Speakers: Matthew Bueno de Mesquita, MSc MLT and Rubi Campos Gudino, MSc MLT
Matthew Bueno de Mesquita has been a Sr. Technologist for over a decade and plans to keep his childlike excitement for research and science in general.
Rubi Campos Gudino is a University of Manitoba MSc graduate from the department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics. Clinical Genetics Technologist at Shared Health with specialty in Genomics since 2024. Always excited about science, neophyte Jets fan, arts enthusiast.
Session 4: 1100-1130 CDT
Not Your Average Lab: Diagnostics, Duct Tape, and Doing What You Can With What You've Got
Description: Ever tried to run a “lab” out of a storage closet, with only half of your equipment, spotty WIFI, and optimism? Welcome to diagnostics in remote communities. In this session, I'll share real stories from my own experiences (and from brave colleagues), explore the realities of limited access, minimal resources, and other stark disparities between urban and on-reserve healthcare. Building proper lab capacity in these communities is essential for improving outcomes and advancing health equity. Come for the insight, stay for the shenanigans.
Learning Objectives:
Speaker: Dannielle Lunsted, MLT, BSc.
Dannielle graduated from the University of Manitoba with a BSc., majoring in Microbiology, and attended Red River College in Winnipeg for Medical Laboratory Sciences, eventually becoming a certified MLT. Dannielle worked as a General Duty Technologist in a rural core lab, an urban Biochemistry Lab, became the Point of Care Testing Specialist for Shared Health Manitoba, and is now working as a Practice Advisor for Indigenous Services Canada, where she focuses on Point of Care and Laboratory Diagnostics in remote Indigenous nursing stations.
Session 5: 1130-1200 CDT
From Pipettes to Prompts: A Journey Into Generative AI for Lab Professionals
Description: In this dynamic, interactive session, medical laboratory professionals will explore the rapidly evolving role of generative artificial intelligence (genAI) within their field. From personal anecdotes to hands-on experimentation, the session will illuminate how generative AI is being leveraged in education, clinical workflows, and decision-making processes. Participants will critically examine the opportunities and limitations of these tools, including the ethical implications unique to healthcare. Attendees will leave with practical insights and experience that will support thoughtful, informed integration of genAI.
Learning Objectives:
Speakers: Michele Sykes, BSc, MLT, Med, Harvey Suski, MLT CAE and Karla Anjos, MLT
At RRC Polytech, Michele Sykes, Harvey Suski, and Karla Anjos made up part of the dream team behind the Medical Laboratory Sciences program. Equal parts science gurus, mentors, and motivators, they transformed microscopes and textbooks into launching pads for learner success. Whether perfecting pipettes or decoding diagnostics, their passion was contagious—and thankfully, not under a microscope. With sharp minds and even sharper wit, they built an environment where learning was rigorous but never dull. Their legacy lives on in every graduate who still hears their voices reminding them to label. Science was serious—but they made it seriously fun. - Created and modified thanks to ChatGPT.
Session 6: 1300-1330 CDT
The unique laboratory work at an IVF Clinic
Description: An introduction to the fascinating work that is done in an IVF Laboratory. Starting with an overview of a Fertility Clinic and the patients they serve. A photographic review of the meticulous laboratory work and technology involved in the process of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. An outline of the IVF steps in the laboratory including egg retrieval, egg insemination, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), fertilization checks, embryo development, embryo and egg freezing. All a part of helping people achieve their dream of having a baby.
Learning Objectives:
Speaker: Cindy Faraci
Cindy Faraci has worked as an embryologist and lab manager at the Heartland Fertility Clinic for the last 27 years. During this time the clinic has grown from 100 IVF cycles per year to over 500 a year. At the end of 2023, Cindy successfully led the re-location and setup of the IVF laboratory at Heartland’s new larger state-of-the-art facility.
Cindy began her career at the HSC Clinical Chemistry Laboratory and went on to work with the Organ Transplant research team. Cindy then joined Heartland to work in the IVF laboratory. She found it to be both fascinating and rewarding, a wonderful combination of laboratory work and patient interaction. Without aging herself Cindy would like to point out that she graduated as an MLT when the CSMLS was still called CSLT.
Session 7: 1330-1400 CDT
A Peek Inside Prenatal Testing at CBS Winnipeg
Description: Prenatal transfusion medicine is vital for identifying and managing the risks associated with HDFN and promotes the safety of the mother and baby. This session reviews testing and treatments relevant for both mother and baby.
Learning Objectives:
Speaker: Bladimir Gonzalez, MLT
Medical Laboratory Technologist in the field of Transfusion Science at Canadian Blood Services for the last 25 years. Laboratory Research Technician for 6 years at the University of Manitoba and Cancer Care Manitoba.
Session 8: 1400-1430 CDT
A Potpourri of Forensic Pathology
Description: This session will, through case presentations, review some of the more common presentations of death on the forensic pathology service. Attendees will gain an appreciation of how the forensic pathologist fits into the overall death investigation and how their job extends beyond the morgue.
Learning Objectives:
Speaker: Jason Morin MD, FRCPC
Jason Morin is a forensic pathologist working as a part of a team of forensic pathologists at the Health Sciences Centre and St. Boniface Hospital. He completed an undergraduate degree at the University of Alberta in human physiology, followed by a medical degree at the University of Calgary. He then went on to complete a residency in anatomical pathology at the University of British Columbia and a fellowship in forensic pathology at the Office of the Medical Investigator in Albuquerque, New Mexico (through the University of New Mexico).
Session 9: 1430-1530 CDT
Increasing Success with Clinical Accommodations
Description: Formulated from a base of thematic analysis and proposed further research via a case study approach. We will examine what the future holds for accommodations within clinical practice and will touch on what the student perspective looks like along with clinical challenges. We will conclude with expected findings and how this information can provide valuable recommendations for industry partners.
Learning Objectives:
Speaker: James Stevenson, BSc MLT
Currently an Instructor at RRC Polytechnic with previous 11 years of Industry experience in both Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Microbiology. Now currently working to complete his Master of Education degree in Health Professions Education graduating in spring 2026. Work within his masters has sparked many interests of research within health education.
Session 10: 1530-1600 CDT
Get Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable
Description: Discuss how we are not born knowing everything. We can all learn from each other. Even when we achieve great accomplishments in our work life or personal life, we can still find ways to improve. When we are new to our profession, we carry a burden on our shoulders of why don't know everything already. Why does it feel so hard? When we have been doing this a long time, we just grow accustomed to our routine and dislike change very much. These all have big feelings attached and those feelings can grow in the forms of stress that are difficult to manage. We should all try and strive to improve ourselves and our lives. We are human, not computers. We need to be more present in our lives and learn how to handle the good and the bad.
Learning Objectives:
Speaker: Lorenne Friesen, MLT
Lorenne graduated from RRC in 2010 from the Medical Laboratory Sciences Program. She has worked most of her lab career at Portage District General Hospital and became the Senior of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine in September 2018. Lorenne has 3 busy kids ages 13, 10 and 8.
All sessions will be recorded and made available to registrants.
Download the printable attachment for session times and descriptions.