Lab technician exemplifies Air Force Core Values Published April 21, 2009 ROAYL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Senior Airman Lauren J. Raybon, 48th Medical Support Squadron lab technician, was nominated for the Liberty spotlight by her chain of command because she practices the Air Force core values. Hometown: Rockwall, Texas Department: Microbiology What is the function of the microbiology department? Microbiology is the study of all micro-organisms, from the bacteria that cause that annoying, painful chest cough to the parasites that cause those irritable cramps in your stomach; none of them are safe from the microbiologist. Should the microbiologist or lab tech let one of these tiny guys slip by, the results could be fatal. What do you like most about working in the microbiology department? Working in the Microbiology department allows a kind of independent thinking that you do not get from other sections of the lab. Because you must rely on your own knowledge and skills in order to properly identify an organism; there is little room for self-doubt. This confidence is vital in the investigative work performed for the sake of providing the doctor with accurate results that will ultimately lead to the patients' diagnosis. As you celebrate National Medical Laboratory Professional Week, what does being a lab technician mean to you? Being a laboratory technician means being part of a much larger team of people that play a critical part in bridging the gap between patient symptoms and patient diagnosis. Lab techs are the hidden median between the doctor and the patient, working hard on a daily basis to expedite results. Being part of a team of dedicated professionals who strive to give the best patient care possible is very rewarding.