It is an honor and a great privilege to be elected as the president of Pamet Northern California.  It is with great pride to have the opportunity to carry on the many years of tradition and legacy, to continue the illustrious goals set by all the great founders, past presidents and leaders of this organization.

This organization was introduced to me in the year 1988 when its name was still Filipino Medical Technologists Association (FMTA).  FMTA was founded by Nonie Briones, a pioneer and a great leader, who encouraged me to join.  Shortly after I joined, FMTA active membership voted to merge with the national organization called Philippine Association of Medical Technologists-USA (PAMET-USA) under the leadership of Rudy Sumilang.  
FMTA then changed its name to PAMET-USA, Inc., Northern California Chapter.  Since then, I have held various positions in the executive board in the chapter and the national level.  During all those years, it has been gratifying serving the organization. 

PAMET, as an organization has been a great impact in my life.  Being a Filipino, foreign graduate and a successful Clinical Laboratory Scientist makes me proud that I belong to an organization which provides me the opportunity to mingle with my colleagues where we share thoughts and experiences personally and professionally.  PAMET inspires me to help our fellow members who are seeking to excel in their career and personal life.  It brings about feelings of fulfillment when serving my own colleagues and co-Filipinos in obtaining their license to work and use their professional skill sets here in the United States. 

As a Clinical Laboratory Scientist in California, maintenance of licensure is required.  One benefit PAMET offers to its membership is educational seminars held four times a year.   Being active in our organization permits me to participate in providing continuing education to our membership and others of the same profession.

The opportunity to be part of this organization has taught me about self-sacrifice, commitment, teamwork, volunteerism, community service, personal growth, and above all, leadership.

As the new president, I would like to not only continue striving toward the goals initiated by the previous presidents, but also aim to go beyond.  Based on the present shortage of Clinical Laboratory Scientists, it will be a challenge to lead in supporting our unlicensed members, to help them reach their objective by offering effective tools through our review classes.  With a generation of scientists retiring in our workforce, it is important that we focus in training and helping the unlicensed to be able to fill the void left behind.

With a humble heart, I ask the new executive board, to remain and help me succeed in leading the organization.  We will be partners in maintaining this service to the membership and the CLS community.  I also hope that our past presidents and advisers continue to stand by us.

Above all, I ask the Lord Almighty to bless and keep us under His care in attaining the goals of this organization.

I would like to take this moment to thank the Executive Board for their relentless effort in accomplishing projects, and to thank all the past presidents and advisers for all their guidance and support. 

Lastly, I would like to thank all my past and current colleagues for the experiences that have made me who I am today. 

Thank you.
Jill Mendoza

2011 President's Message
Philippine Association of Medical Technologist, USA - Northern California Chapter