Minutes of WASP Bureau Meeting

Attendances as noted:

1. President (Dr. Zeiler). Discussed with this report is the report on "WASPaLM" to be sent to the component societies. The acronym "WASP" is used in the heading since the additional designation of "Laboratory Medicine" has not yet been acted upon as constitution and By-Laws amendments. The following activities relate to actions and business of the Bureau since the 1997 annual meeting with progress reported at the 1998 Bureau meeting in Washington, D.C.
   
1. The matter of expense items of WASP at the World Congress XIX in Versailles, France has never been resolved. Dr. Gallez had submitted a statement of total charges over U.S.$5,000, which were not detailed and substantiated by the actual suppliers of the services as requested. He and Dr. Cueiulle-Ferriere were both notified that such bills would be promptly paid on receipt of specific bills and invoices, as they have been paid historically. None have bun received. Also, the items for sale by WASP including cuff links, ties, etc. transferred to Dr. Ferriere by Ms. Tomatsu�Cand reported to be of approximately U.S.$2,500 value have disappeared. Apparently none were sold by Dr.Ferriere, and she claimed that she had placed the items in Dr.Reinauer's car. Dr. Reinauer states that he has not received such items and had no knowledge of such a transfer. There has been no response from Dr.Ferriere although this matter was included in the last response to her�DShould further action be taken?
   
2. As reported, a vocal minority present at the 1997 House of Delegates meeting objected to the title of the organization addition of "Laboratory Medicine" as stated by Dr.Reinauer at the Bureau and House of Delegates meetings, and reiterated at the evening gala. Also, WHO has not accepted a name change, since they require a Constitution and By-Laws change for such recognition. Therefore, having given appropriate notice of such proposed amendments, formal action will be taken at this meeting.
   
3. At the Versailles Congress, it was agreed that Dr. Claus-Christian Heuck would be given full Bureau status as a Director at Large; however, legal authorities at WHO ruled this invalid, stating that WHO employees cannot accept such outside responsibilities. Therefore, it was agreed at the 1998 Bureau meeting that Dr Heuck would remain on liaison status without formal director listing as directed by WHO.
   
4. Our participation in WHO is as a non-governmental organization affiliate, (NGO), an increasingly important and recognized status, and we have attended such meetings. Further, a contract was signed with WHO for US$1,000 paid to WASP for a joint laboratory study, particularly relating to developing countries with Drs. Heuck and Reinauer collaborating. Dr. Reinauer has reported that this work was successfully completed, although no report has been submitted as yet. A Planning Task Force with Dr. Utz Merten as chairman was appointed at the 1998 Bureau meeting to develop a new WASP structure to better serve and relate to the component societies, and the world's needs in clinical laboratory matters. The task force has developed and proposed the appropriate constitutional and by-laws revisions, but unfortunately did not meet the 90-day notice required for such amendments. Therefore, the matter may be discussed at this meeting, but no formal action may be taken. The rationale for the proposed changes is the urgent need for WASP to be revitalized, especially in its ability to activate component societies for the leadership requested in the area of international clinical laboratory matters.
   
5. WASP has agreed to provide exclusive pathology information to the Global Health Network, which is now well established internationally, primarily for public health information with major medical, governmental and industrial supports. This will be discussed formally at this Congress by Dr. Mori and Dr. Aaron of the Global Health Network. We are deeply indebted to Secretary-General Mori for the total establishment and maintenance of the WASP homepage and the essentially seamless adaptation of the first pathology "supercourses" starting with the pilot course on hemoglobinopathies excellently authored by WASP Treasurer, Dr. George Hoffman. Quality has been maintained by Dr. Walter Timperley in a second course on cerebro vascular disease. Other courses are in progress on a variety of laboratory subjects. We must coordinate and correlate with the wealth of medical information being added to the internet daily. Dr Zeiler believes that careful use of this medium will be the most exciting function of WASP for the future. There is a flood of medical information being added to the web, some extremely good, some highly dubious and even dangerous. WASP can become a responsible voice in evaluation of clinical laboratory information.
   
6. Cooperative activity with the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry begun by Dr. Reinauer, particularly on laboratory accreditation by President-Elect Dr.Utz Merten, provides a beginning of needed corporation with non-pathologjst laboratorians. Dr. Zeiler believes that a graduated accreditation program will provide a ladder mechanism to stimulate laboratories throughout the world to improve to the best of their abilities.
   
7. In cooperation with the Gordon Signy Fellowship of the World Pathology Foundation, Dr. Zeiler believes that further training should be stimulated and extended. Dr. Stephen Cordner, Chairman of the Secretariat on Forensic Pathology has proposed an ambitious training program in forensic pathology. Dr. Zeiler has suggested that funding of such a program be considered using corporate sponsor funds with appropriate credit to those sponsors. Short programs of training of well-screened candidates from countries in need at major institutions have already proven themselves. These individuals return to their home countries with invaluable new skills usually obtained at remarkably low cost for their added services. This meeting provides a critical opportunity to evaluate the interest and future cooperation of the component societies in the important advances that clinical pathology can supply for the health of the world.
   
2. President-Elect (Dr. Merten). Dr. Merten reported an agreement of joint statement on accreditation between IFCC and WASP. Details of the statement will be on our web site. He mentioned the utilization of laboratory tests in European circumstances especially in Germany. According to the future of WASP the proposed amendment of Constitution and By-Laws was discussed further. This will be discussed again at the next bureau meeting and propose it to the House of Delegate in 2001. The activities of the Planning Task Force were discussed. Several significant changes had been proposed during the year since the Task Force was organized; however, the changes were not sufficiently ready to be proposed as Constitution and By-Laws changes with a 90-day notice. A proposal to consider formation of councils in the structure is being evaluated with one meeting each year per council. During the next two years, changes will be further evaluated. Dr. Merten also noted a proposed meeting on September 17 with Dr. McQueen, President of IFCC, and possibly others to discuss the language of proposed agreement on accreditation criteria.
   
3. Past President(Dr. Reinauer). Dr. Reinauer suggested that corporate sponsors should be a member of bureau. He also suggested WASP should have a paper or electronic journal instead of NEWS BULLETIN. He introduced WASP medals and WASP prizes for excellent presentations in 2001. Dr.Reinauer reported on the many meetings he attended in the last two years representing WASP, the status of pathologist laboratory directors, and relationships with the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry, laboratory accreditation, and consideration of a WASP poster award at Congresses.
   
4. Secretary General (Dr. Mori). Dr. Mori noted that our membership includes 40 countries and 57 societies. Communication problems remain most prominent. Forty-six (46)% do not have an e-mail addresses, and only 25% have a home page. The WASP home page has been successful, having received over 10,000 "hit". WASP home page, access number of WASP homepage up to Sept. 2, 1999 was 2250 from Jan. 10, 1999 and gradually increasing. Global Pathology Supercourse was started on May 14, 1999 and linked with Global Health Network. There are two topics (hemoglobinopathies : Dr. Hoffman, cerebrovascular disease: Dr. Timperley) available at this moment. Considering Japanese Corporate Sponsors, most of Japanese Corporate Sponsors couldn't attend this 20th WASP because of severe depression in Japan. WASP Support Fund was established under the auspices of International Clinical Pathology Center, Tokyo, headed by Dr. T. Kawai. The fund supported five delegates (Hungary, Slovakia 2, Korea, Hong Kong) who participated in the WASP House of Delegates Meeting held in Sao Paulo, September 18, 1999. E-mail should be more actively utilized among bureau and delegates members to facilitate speedy communication.
   
5. Treasurer (Dr. Hoffman). Dr. Hoffman reported the financial review of WASP. Total funds available to August 31, 1999 were US dollars 144,273.35. Dr. Hoffman stated the costs of NEWS BULLETIN and Directory were US$ 5,000 and US$4,902.79 respectively. Dr. Hoffman commented on the continuing problem of non-paying countries, and there was further discussion on steps to be taken to correct this problem. Treasurer's report as given, plus- and formally approved with verbal Finance Committee report (This must be formally approved for the record). Dr. Hoffman again noted the high number of societies with unpaid dues, returning to the question of action to be taken. One consideration was to warn constituent societies that 5 years unpaid dues would be grounds for automatic dismissal. No action was taken.
   

1. Nominating Committee (Dr. Reinauer). See (11).
   
2. Editorial Committee (Dr. Herdson). The main activities of the Editorial Committee have continued to center on production of the current Directory, the second edition of the booklet outlining the history, activities and modus operandi of the Association, and the Newsbulletin. Doctor Matthew Meerkin has provided the lion's share of effort towards producing the Newsbulletin, and the Chairman has again coordinated most of the work involved in producing the Directory and booklet, ably assisted again by his long suffering secretary, Mrs Maree Tankey. The current Directory is the fifth edition for which Dr. Peter Herdson has been responsible since 1989-91 . It is time for some one else to take over this task, and he would ask the Bureau to ensure that responsibility for the next (1999-2001) edition is accepted by an appropriate person or persons. The Newsbulletin henceforth is to be available only electronically, and the further development of this important endeavor on behalf of the Association is in the capable hands of Dr. Matthew Meerkin. This was Dr. Herdson's last report to the Bureau and House of Delegates on behalf of the Editorial Committee, as he wished to retire as Chairman with effect from the initial Bureau meeting during the XXth World Congress in Sao Paulo in September this year.
   
3. NEWS BULLETIN (Dr. Meerkin). Dr. Meerkin believes that as the NEWS BULLETlN has now gone electronic, he sees little point in its continuation. Firstly, the only information it really carries is the president's message and the Minutes of WASP committee meetings and occasionally reports from the Secretariats or Committees. These could easily go straight to the web. They do not have to be rewritten or necessarily edited and placed under the banner of the NEWS BULLTIN. The NEWS BULLETlN has had a great history and editorship under Dr. Merten, and was a necessary medium for WASP when it was in the printed form. But now it has gone electronic, it is a different matter. The effort in having the information obtained under the guise of the NEWS BULLETIN as well as the unnecessary cost is just not worth it and certainly not worth the expense. Dr. Meerkin believes that each person providing reports could direct them to Dr. Mori for inclusion on the web page. They should be responsible for editing their own material This could encourage many to provide information in a more timely manner, instead of having to wait for a production like the NEWS BULLETIN.
   
4. Planning Task Forces(Dr. Merten). Above mentioned
   
5. Constitution & By-Laws (Dr. Zastrow) : No report, pertinent matters as discussed above. Since adequate notice was given for the addition of "Laboratory Medicine" to the name of the organization, this will be voted upon at the Board of Delegates meeting.
   
6. Awards (Dr. Zeiler). Gold Headed Cane of WASP is awarded to Dr.Reinauer for his outstanding contributions throughout his service with WASP.
   
7. Corporate Sponsors (Dr. Reinauer). Above mentioned
   
8. Finance (Dr. Hoffman). Above mentioned
   
9. Administrative Secretariat (Dr. Sakuribayashi). New directory was delivered worldwide. The activity of administrative office in recent years is increasing. The contribution from 44 Japanese corporate sponsors in 1999 was US$ 62,000. Balance in Tokyo Office from January 1 to December 31, 1998: Total amounts US$382,O23.33. Interim Report Balance WASP in Tokyo Office from January 1 to June 21, 1999: Total amounts US$445,955.69.
   

1. COWS (SEQUA) (Dr.Reinauer). No written report, Dr. McClatehey to arrive later. There was conferences of quality management on March 1998 and 1999 in Dusseldorf, Germany. There are members of technical committees of ISO TC2 12 and CEN TC 140 and we are important members of them. Dr.Reinauer reported in vitro diagnostic medical device directive in the European Union. SEQUA report as written followed by. Also discussed was possible development of a scientific journal by WASP, perhaps with emphasis on electronics. Dr. Zeiler remarked that previous offers of journal development with WASP were not followed up.
   
2. Developing World. No report
   
3. Informatics (Dr. Mori). Round table discussion chaired by Dr. Mori and Dr. Cho will be held on Sep.21, 1999. Dr. Mori talk about "Strategies in WASP Information System", Dr. Aarom from USA speaks "Transnational Education: The Supercourse", Dr. Nishibori from Japan speaks " Color Representation of Digital Imaging in Medicine" and Dr.Cho from Korea presents "Tele-Laboratory Medicine through Intenet".
   
4. Forensic Pathology (Dr. Cordner). Dr. Cordner's report accepted. Dr Cordner explained role of international forensic pathology community and how WASP has been in supporting it. Role of this secretariat is more of administrative and planning function. Seventh Indo-Pacific Association of Law Medicine will be held in Melbourne, Australia on September 16-2l, 2001. He appreciated the contribution to Global Health Network and would support for the training pathologist in developing countries. He explained involvement of the secretariat in publication ef WHO "Ethical Practice of Laboratory Medicine and Forensic Pathology". On motion by Dr Hoffman, seconded by Dr. Reinauer, support for Dr. Cordner's requested forensic training program was approved, with further investigation to develop funding through corporate sponsors and possible relationship to the Gordon Signy Awards of the World Pathology Foundation.
   
5. Utilization of Laboratory Results (Dr. Zeiler). Dr. Zeiler reported that the change in format from presenting a seminar to sending the report to the constituent societies was temporarily delayed by late arrival of one of the component reports, and that such a report will be distributed later to the component societies.
   
6. Qualification of Pathologist (Dr. Reinauer). Harmonized conditions and qualification for post-graduate training should be sought. Previous data regarding each country's criteria will be sent out to constituent members for their review, and a recommendation will be discussed at the next meeting in Dusseldorf.
   
7. Environmental and Occupational Diseases (Dr. Barney). Dr. Barney reported verbally reports on related conferences and efforts to create a guideline for environmenta1ly appropriate research in biomedical facilities and hospitals to prevent contaminants in the environment. Appropriate guidelines are to be established at the ASCP November meeting to be passed on to WHO.
   
8. Socio-Economic Affairs. No report
   
9. Report of the Historian. Report is to be presented at seminar on September 17 giving detailed history of WASP.
   
10. Medical Ethics. No reports.
    

1. Germany (2001). Dr.Reinauer mentioned 2lst WASP congress will be held in Dusseldorf on November 20 to 23, 2001.
   
2. Korea (2003). Dr. Cho mentioned 22nd WASP Congress will be held in Seoul on August 17 - 22, 2003, at the COEX Convention Center in Seoul and another congress "6th Asian Congress of Clinical Pathology" will be held on October 12-14, 2000 in Pusan, Korea.
   
3. Turkey (2005). No report.
   
4. Malaysia (2007). The Malaysian Society of Pathologist is willing to accept 24th congress.

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