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Program in Medical Technology History The Medical Technology Program is the oldest allied health program at West Virginia University and was founded in 1945 by Dr. Edward J. Van Liere, the Dean of the School of Medicine, and Dr. G. G. Dodds as a 2 + 2 curriculum. The original curriculum was designed by Dr. Van Liere, Dr. Dodds, Dr.  C.C. Fenton, the Head of the Department of Pathology, and Miss Mary Jo Henn, a registered technologist at the University Hospital Laboratories.The first class of three students graduated with a B.S. degree in 1947. Since that time, the program has graduated nearly 1000 medical technologists. Our graduates live and work throughout the United States and the world. Miss Betholene F. Love became the Technical Director of the program in 1955. At that time the program was located in the Health Services Building on the Main Campus of the University. The program moved to the new Medical Center Campus in 1957. In 1960 with the completion of the new University Hospital, it was no longer necessary to send the students to the various laboratories in West Virginia and moved all clinical experiences to the new hospital. Kay Lawson Nichols was the first student to receive all of her clinical experience at WVU Hospital. Enrollment grew to over 20 students per class in the mide-60s to 30 students per class in the 70's. In 1984, Dr. Betholene F. Love retired after 29 years as head of the medical technology program. Jean Holter became the interim program director in 1984 and program director in 1988 and served in that capacity until 2002. Karen Long was appointed as the interim program director while a search was conducted for a new director. In September 2003, Martha J. Lake, Ed.D. became the program director and she continues in that role today. From the History of Medical Technology at West Virginia University Vol. 1 & 2, 1984. |
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