ASCLS is proud to work with Clinical Laboratory Management Association (CLMA), American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), Association of Genetic Technologists (AGT), American Medical Technologists (AMT), the National Society for Histotechnology (NSH), and the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists-USA (PAMET-USA) on the Legislative Symposium each year. 

Through this ASCLS tradition that originated in 1989, the members of these organizations meet with their representatives and senators on Capitol Hill as a unified front on behalf of our profession. Each year these leading organizations urge their members and leaders to come to Washington to provide a visible and informed voice, and make our concerns known inside Congress.

Education, Experience, Leadership

The Legislative Symposium provides a great education on the how-tos of lobbying. Attendees are coached on presentation techniques so they can effectively talk to their congressional representatives during their appointments. They are well received in the congressional offices. Attendees return home from Washington with first-hand knowledge of the political system in action and confidence that they make a difference.

The 2021 Legislative Symposium is scheduled for March 15-16 at the Hilton Alexandria Old Town in Alexandria, VA. Each attendee will receive pre-meeting emails describing the issues to be discussed with their congressional representatives as well as extensive information to be left with each office.

Wondering what the Legislative Symposium is like?

Laboratory professionals at all stages of their careers attend the Legislative Symposium. Programming is built to accommodate everyone's experiences, from first-time attendees to those who know all the secret passages to get around The Hill. Here are views of recent Symposiums.

• 2018-19 ASCLS PAC Chair Stephanie Rink details her experience at the 2018 event.
• Past Government Affairs Committee Chair Linda Goosen provides a recap of the 2017 event.
• University of Cincinnati student member Erin Barger provides her impressions about attending the Legislative Symposium for the first time. 
• University of Delaware students Jessica McMahon, Maeve Montesi, and Sara Downie share their thoughts on the experience of attending.
• Medical Laboratory Scientist Cherika Robertson shares another first-timer perspective.