Congratulations to 2008 NCD Day Design Contest Winner,
Sallie Robinson, CT(ASCP) for her design,
"Moving Cytology into the Molecular Future"

May 13 - National Cytotechnology Day
To commemorate Dr. George Papanicolaou's contributions to the field of medicine, May 13 - his birthday - has been designated National Cytotechnology Day (NCD).

The idea for NCD was first entertained and pursued at the ASCT Interim meeting in Atlanta, Georgia back in 1984 by ASCT member Bruce Buschmann. History was made the following year in Philadelphia, PA when the week of May12-18, 1985 became the first ever National Cytotechnology Week. The presentation of the proclamation, given by then Mayor of Philadelphia, W. Wilson Goode, was attended by Past ASCT President, Shirley Greening. Many local celebrations, mayoral and gubernatorial proclamations followed as NCD events grew in popularity.

In addition to celebrating the important work of Dr. George Papanicolaou, NCD has been utilized as a means to promote the importance of the Pap test in women's health and the contributions of cytotechnologists to the health care field.

Each year ASCT promotes NCD by hosting an annual NCD Logo Design Contest.  The winning logo is used on promotional products for cytotechnologists and laboratories to celebrate NCD.

Ways to celebrate National Cytotechnology Day in your lab.
The ASCT would like to share how labs celebrate NCD. Please send us photos, ideas and articles on how you celebrated NCD this year.

• Educate others in your laboratory, hospital and community about the work of Dr. George Papanicolaou and the importance of the Pap test
• Invite local high school and college students to your lab to inform them of a career in cytotechnology and what academic and technical requirements are necessary
• Make a poster or exhibit or provide a lab tour to educate others about what cytotechnologists do
• Get an official NCD proclamation from the governor or mayor§ Proudly wear t-shirts celebrating NCD
• Bake cookies decorated as various types of cells and share with colleagues
• Create and play games like Cytojeopardy with your staff - it's both fun and educational (click here for downloadable PowerPoint template)

The ASCT would like to share how labs celebrate NCD. Please send us photos, ideas and articles on how you celebrated NCD this year by clicking here!