This document provides an overview of the Zimbabwe Association of Medical Laboratory Students (ZAMLS). It begins with an introduction from the editor and lists the 2016/17 executive board. It then includes speeches from the ZAMLS president and others about the importance of the organization. The document discusses the launch of ZAMLS in 2015 and covers events held by the organization in 2016 like an International Medical Laboratory Week luncheon and a medical outreach. It also features student submissions like poems and interviews. Overall, the document celebrates the accomplishments of ZAMLS and its role in supporting medical laboratory students in Zimbabwe.

1. INSIDE LABMED
M E D I C A L L A B O R A T O R Y S T U D E N T S M A G A Z I N E
RECORD OF
MY ACHIEVEMENTS
“IF YOU KNOW HOW TO CHERISHWHAT
YOU’VE GOT, YOU’D FIND YOU ARE
HAVING MORE”
2015-2016 Edition

2. “Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Bold-
ness has genius, power and magic in it”-Johan Wolfgang
Von Goethe. Once you get the courage to begin, its half
of the work done .
Hello to all our readers l hope l find you well. We are
pleased to bring to you the first edition of ZAMLs maga-
zine. It had been noted that there was lack of student in-
volvement in the planning and decision-making process,
especially when it came to student oriented activities with-
in the University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences
network. This made the creation and maintenance of a
student association necessary.
The purpose of ZAMLS is to provide an opportunity for
students to enhance the knowledge and skills that will as-
sist them in personal development, to address the physical
and social needs of their communities, and to promote
better relations between all people worldwide through a
framework of friendship and service. This association com-
prises of students studying Bachelor’s Degree in Medical
Laboratory Sciences at university of Zimbabwe. The stu-
dents’ association functions under the vision and mission
developed by its members (Department of Medical Labor-
atory Sciences (DMLS) students and staff).
The path to ZAMLS has been laden with obstacles left,
right and centre. It has taken a lot of dedication and per-
severance from us students to start this association. I want
to express my sincere gratitude to all that took part in the
creation of this publication. ln this edition ,we will take our
readers in a journey from the birth of ZAMLS to where we
are now.
EDITOR
Ralph R G Mutambudzi
EDITOR’S DESK
ZAMLS 2016/17 Executive Board
President: Stuart T Nyakatswau
Vice-President: Mufaro Madzivire
Secretary: Melinda Moyo
Deputy Secretary Ellison Makavani
Treasurer: Miranda C Juru
Committee Members Ralph Mutambudzi
Takudzwa E Tsuro
Patience Chidewe
Yvonne R Watungwa
Ivonnete Mapuranga

4. 2016 ZAMLS PRESIDENT REMARKS
Greetings to all fellow students, professional
medical laboratory scientists and everyone
who just committed time to take journey
inside ZAMLS.
I would like to start by quoting one of the
great man in history, “When planning for a
year, plant corn. When planning for a dec-
ade, plant trees. When planning for life,
train and educate people”.
2016 marks the 2nd year for ZAMLS to be in
existence from the time it was launched on
the 25th of November 2015. The journey
began from there and the story keeps going
on for the footprints to remain. As we take
time to reflect the efforts that has been
made in order for us to reach a great mile-
stone in ZAMLS, it would be impossible for it
to be told in one day, or in an article; but a
series of playing back the moments like on a
record player.
I strongly believe that each one of us has
the capacity to become anything we set our
mind to, be it a good leader, a good employer, a good spouse or an a active Medical Laboratory Scien-
tist. This is what will make ZAMLS stand out and be counted in our global communities.
I am deeply humbled and inspired to be a part of such an incredible organization and have the oppor-
tunity to educate fellow students and surrounding community, and promote the field of medical labora-
tory science. This organization has opened doors for me that I would have never imagined. I encourage
you to get involved as a student and build connections with your fellow laboratorians. Also strive to
attend the conferences, workshops and Scientific evenings held in the country either hosted by ZAMLS
or any other organization because this is how we network and grow.
I would like to leave with this quote by Nelson Mandela “ It is better to lead from behind and to put oth-
ers in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when
there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership”. So let us take this opportunity to reach
greatest heights in life and together we can make this dream a reality.
ZAMLS President 2016/17
Stuart T Nyakatswau

5. ZAMLS LAUNCH 2015

6. ZAMLS LAUNCH 2015

7. 2016 IMLW LUNCHEON
IMLW
On the 6th
of May 2016
Zimbabwe
Association
of Medical Laboratory Students (ZAMLS) hosted a
luncheon in commemoration of the International
Medical Laboratory Week (IMLW). This is the first time
Medical Laboratory Students in Zimbabwe joined the
rest of the world in these celebrations.
The main reason for holding the luncheon was to have
an event that would bring together professional scien-
tists, students, as well as other student boards from
different proffessions together. Presentations and
speeches given on the day centred mainly on the role
of the scientist in medical diagnosis of disease as well
as the issue of esteem in the career as guided by the
theme “pride in ourselves, pride in our work and pride
in our results”.
The opening official remarks of the Luncheon were
delivered by the President of ZAMLS Mr Stuart T Nya-
katswau. The event was graced by important dele-
gates such as the main speaker Professor Cakana who
gave a very inspiring speech about how big a role we
play as scientists and hence we need to hold our
heads high. The DMLS chairperson Mr I Machingura
also delivered an informative speech about the origins
and the achievements of the department in producing
good competitive scientists. A representative
from the Medical Laboratory and Clinical Sci-
entists Council of Zimbabwe Dr Sekesai
Zinyowera addressed on ethics in laboratory
practice and information pertaining to labora-
tory safety as well as encouraging the stu-
dents to keep aiming higher. She also went on
to challenge students to acquire PhDs in the
next 20years so that they become competi-
tive and able to address health related issues.
Mr G Mavunganidze the Laboratory Manager
at National Blood Services Zimbabwe repre-
sented the Zimbabwe Association of Medical
Laboratory and Clinical Scientists. He did de-
livered words on the importance of being a
Laboratory Scientist and having pride in being
one of the team.
One of the sponsors of this event Pathology
Laboratories addressed on the industrial
trend analysis of Laboratory Medicine and
how they are meeting the National health
needs as Pathology Laboratories. She also ex-
pressed their pride in supporting students on
health and laboratory medicine related activi-
ties. Cimas Medical Laboratories was fully
represented by the Laboratory Manager Mrs
R Magaramombe and Hematology Head of

8. 2016 IMLW LUNCHEON
Department Mrs C Mushoperi along with other scientists.
After the speeches where delivered, a few students were presented with small tokens of appreciation for
attending the event in time as well as for being nominated as the most positively influential student in a
class as nominated by the class members.
The event was closed by allowing the students and visitors a chance to interact freely on a one on one ba-
sis while having some refreshments. Our deepest gratitude goes to all the guests who were present on the
day. We would also like to acknowldege sponsorship from Pathology Laboratories, few individuals namely
Prof E Gomo, Prof R Makunike Mutasa and all the the committed students. Overall it can be agreed on that
the luncheon was a success in lieu of the fact that this was the first attempt in holding such an event. We
are looking forward to holding more events of this nature in the future and are thankful for your continu-
ous support.
Thank you.
ZAMLS Secretary
Melinda Moyo

9. INDEPTH WTH NICOL
Nicol Nicodimus is a recent HBMLs graduate who attained a
first class degree. Ralph takes the readers through an interview
with an exceptional genius on what it takes to excel.
RM: Who is Nicol Nicodimus?
NN: Well l am a 22 year old lady. I am easy going, sociable and I
enjoy playing chess and reading novels.
RM: What is your passion?
NN: I am in love with haematology. It fascinates me
RM :Why did you choose medical laboratory science
NN:A very good friend of mine who is a doctor advised me to
take Med lab and I researched about it. It seemed pretty inter-
esting so I just said why not, let me go for it
RM.: What does it take to excel in med lab ?
NN: Focus and commitment. Attending all lectures, being atten-
tive....what I know is they never ask u what they didn't teach u.
RM: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
NN :I see myself done with my masters degree in haematology
and hopefully at a better position in this field of ours.
RM: Any take home messages to students?
NN: Be committed to you school work, you can archive anything
in life as long as u put your mind on it and work really hard.
Nothing worth having ever comes easy.

10. BY RALPH MUTAMBUDZI
United Methodist Church held a medical outreach on Satur-
day 23 April 2016 .Emmanuel Tsuro, Mellinda Moyo and I
managed to attend this event alongside one of the most
prominent pathologists in the country, Prof Makunike- Mu-
tasa.It was held at Domboshawa shopping centre. There
were various volunteers who were dedicated in helping the
local people. There was a station for blood pressure another
for rapid testing and a doctors station. There were 2 mobile
clinics. One for dental and another for National blood services
of Zimbabwe. As medical laboratory students we manned the
rapid testing station. This is were we did rapid glucose tests,
malaria and prostate antigen tests for men over 50years.We
managed to test around 70 patients. It was a wonderful expe-
rience seeing the impact of this outreach. Most of them can-
not access quality medical care because of money constraints.
They welcomed this initiative and hoped we would frequently
do such an event. To us as ZAMLS members we took this
event as a way of giving back to the community that plays a
pivotal role in moulding us to be the vigilant young people we
are today.
DOMBOSHAWA OUTREACH

11. DOMBOSHAWA OUTREACH

12. Training workshop on Evidence Based Integrated Micro-
nutrients’ Role in P4 Medicine
Harare, Zimbabwe (16 to 17 June 2016)
This workshop did remark the importance of being proac-
tive as health professionals to improve the health deliver-
ance in the country as well as linking activities with global
network. It was a huge honor receiving the representa-
tives from Australia and Nigeria who earlier have been
strangers and ended up as good friends. All the presenta-
tions pointed out the role of Evidence Based Integrated
Micronutrients’ Role in P4 Medicine as a contribution to
a healthy community despite the availability of resources.
ZACB workshop did highlight that our greatest challenge
in this modern era is recognition that disease contain-
ment would require even greater strides in health-care
improvement and enhancing the quality of laboratory
medicine.
Having the Young African Scientists present did showed
that ZACB is greatly concerned in granting young people
of the next generation opportunity to learn, experience
and getting exposed on how to build strengthened labor-
atory services. Having identified the participants' eager to
strategize and plan, it would be appropriate too to adjust
the agenda so as to make more time for the sessions on
mapping health initiatives and designing strategic inter-
ventions. Looking forward to the year 2017.
2016 ZACB Workshop

13. I CALL IT WORK
I CALL IT WORK
As the sun cracks above the fat buildings,
I set off to work,
Oh I am already late,
The samples are waiting for me.
My gleaming suit shines no more,
As I put on this white coat,
That’s the work ethic,
And needs no argument,
Work starts now,
As I disinfect the surfaces,
Then the pee and poo,
I won’t hesitate,
To grab one and take a closer look,
Careful not to spill the pee,
I take excitement from the Misys,
What is that!!!!!
Oh, Entamoeba, I got you.
I try to find all the micro-culprits,
With the pressure to perform right on my
neck,
I count the bugs,
Surely I would not be guessing,
Urinalysis I do again,
It is only in the lab,
When MSU finds another meaning,
So does SDA and FISH.
Do you like this job?
Where you are paid to use a microscope,
What an honor.
By BLESSING MASUKA
Forever a scientist save (FASS)
As the Medical Scientist was born
All the doctors knew that all questions were gone
And indeed all the lights that made them sightless
were turned on
Forever Scientists shall save the nation
As Ebola struck grounds of earth
With humanity wiped by death
And the world lost its faith
Group of well-sophisticated minds
Rose to save races of all kinds
And indeed the world was saved from these difficult
times
Forever Scientists shall protect the nation
Their heads crack
As the patient’s health shake
To keep the diagnosis on track
For their clinical results are not fake
And indeed, fragile life would not break
Forever Scientists shall save the nation
They are non-existing to the community
Because they work in a closed facility
When death is a threat of self-liberty
They work together in unity
And indeed, life becomes another opportunity
Forever Scientists shall save the community
God of all nations
Bless the medical Scientists in all nations
For they are gifts to all their nations
And indeed the world will sing songs of commemo-
rations
Forever Scientists shall save the nation
By Stuart T Nyakatswau 2015

14. GRADUATION CLASS OF 2016

15. LAB IN PICTURES

16. 2016 ZAMLS Calendar of events
Activity Date
Part 1 Freshman Orientation 20 August
First Aid Training 19 October
26 October
End of Year Christmas/Social Party 3 December
Career guidance -
AGM 21 April
Retreat Camp 24-26 February
Dinner (IMLW) 29 April
First Aid Training
First aid is the help given to a sick
or injured person until full medi-
cal treatment is available. It is im-
portant that as Medical Laborato-
ry practitioners, we enhance our-
selves with information that can
help on attending sick or injured
persons outside the laboratory in
the case of emergency. Infor-
mation and practical knowledge
on first aid can also help in a La-
boratory work station when a fel-
low colleague would have been
injured or falls sick.
This course will be facilitated by
professional certified trainers. The
length of the course will be deter-
mined by course objectives to be
covered as per trainers.
Career guidance
As it is one of our major objectives to
offer career guidance to students at
High School and promoting public
awareness of Laboratory Medicine.
This event will serve to introduce
Medical Laboratory Sciences to High
School students. This will be done
through visiting schools, on - air radio
interviews and press articles. We will
also make use of sticking posters for
visual presentation of the association
information.
Retreat Camp
This is a moment fun-filled with
activities that enhances team
work in a quiet and secluded
place. It is a 3 day camp (Friday
night through Sunday). Team
building is an organized effort to
improve team effectiveness.
Teamwork is a part of everyday
life. Whether it’s at home, in the
community, or at work, we are
often expected to be a functional
part of a performing team. This
retreat camp will encourage stu-
dents to explore the different as-
pects of a team and life, as well as
ways that they can become a top-
notch team performer. With indi-
viduals sharing responsibility, the
group as a whole can take ad-
vantage of all of the collective tal-
ent, knowledge, and experience
of each team member. We also
look forward to have top per-
formers in the field of Medical
Laboratory Sciences coming to
share experience on how to build
effective teams for the better im-
provement of the Laboratory
Medicine field and a shift towards
best practice.
Dinner (IMLW)
The only interaction an average
person in Zimbabwe has with the
laboratory is when they provide a
sample. National Medical Labora-
tory Week campaign is focused on
educating the public about what
happens behind the scenes and
just how integral the lab is in their
health care. Our actions as associ-
ation and engaging each and eve-
ry individual in the country, can
make a large impact. Every action
is one step closer to educating
others about the important work
done in the laboratory.
We saw it necessary as ZAMLS to
host a scientific night dinner for
all students and practicing Medi-
cal Laboratory Scientists as we will
be joining the world in celebra-
tions of this week. This seeks to
maintain a bridge between stu-
dents and professional graduates,
build socio-academic gathering
where students and scientists can
share research ideas,
enhance student/scientist net-
work platform,
contribute to Continuous Devel-
opment Program,
Supporting Service Providers