Hektoen International

A Journal of Medical Humanities

Tag: phlebotomist

  • “The Blood Battle”: Using science to combat the fear of blood

    Kayla PeñaProvidence, Rhode Island Forty years ago, the University of Michigan and Ohio State University competed in their first “Blood Battle.” Although typically known for their football rivalry, in 1982 the universities decided to expand their competition to see which school could donate more blood.1 Now every November, the students volunteer their veins to help…

  • Hidden heroes

    Candace ThomasSalt Lake City, Utah, United States Being a blood banker is an interesting job and one not many understand. “So you draw people’s blood?” No, that’s a phlebotomist. “Oh, but you work in a hospital. Are you a nurse?” No. “If I donate blood, can I request you?” Still no. Everything a blood banker…

  • Research subject

    Eric CohenMilwaukee, Wisconsin, United States Much has been written about clinical research and its societal benefit.1 But research can also confer unexpected individual benefits, as shown by the story of Mrs. G, the recipient of a kidney transplant. She had been feeling ill for several days, short of breath and coughing. So, her husband brought…