The Assistant Secretary of Defense (HA), states that "... ongoing federal budget issues required the Military Departments and OSD to make a series of near-term financial decisions to reduce overall spending in the Department. This includes severe restrictions on travel, limiting travel to only mission-critical activities." The attached memos from the Secretary of the Army and Secretary of the Air Force also halt all non-mission essential travel to conferences until further notice.
It is with genuine regret that we (the SAFMLS Board) find that DoD Policy under "Continuing Resolution" and potential "Sequestration" currently bars military personnel from traveling to or attending professional conferences except those deemed mission essential. Thus far no DoD Medical conferences taking place through 1 April have been granted waivers as mission essential. Therefore we find we have no alternative but to cancel the 2013 SAFMLS Annual Conference. If you have made hotel reservations, please cancel them and retain your cancellation notice.
We deeply regret having to take this action and hope that SAFMLS will continue to thrive once these serious budget matters are resolve and we were on a more even footing.
Sincerely, Your SAFMLS Board
Check back often for updates.
Welcome to the SAFMLS Website
Your source for news, event updates, membership and exhibitor information, etc.
With roots back to 1958, the Society of American Federal Medical Laboratory Scientists (SAFMLS) is a non-profit organization that was officially established in 1971. SAFMLS is organized exclusively for charitable, educational and scientific purposes in relationship to the laboratory sciences. The primary objective is that of maintaining and enhancing high professional standards through improved laboratory policies and technology in support of the health care delivery systems of the Armed Forces, Public Health Services and Veterans Administration. Membership is open to qualified military (active and reserve component), Public Health Service and Veteran's Administration personnel, and their affiliated scientists concerned with the support of health care via laboratory research and evaluation.
Mark your calendars. The next Annual SAFMLS Meeting is in St. Louis, Missouri from 25 - 28 March 2013 at the
Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch. Located in the heart of the city, the the famed
Gateway Arch is just steps from the hotel front door. Have some extra time? Tour of the
Anheuser Busch Brewery or take in a baseball game at
Busch Stadium. With plenty of other
area attractions you will have penty to keep you busy during off time. After a big day of meeting events and off-site attactions, relax & unwind in one of 900 suites stylishly modern guestrooms including amenities like 37" flat screen TV's, sumptuous Grand Beds™, iHome stereos with iPod® docking stations, and high-speed internet access. Hungry? Enjoy a variety of dining outlets including the world-famous Ruth’s Chris Steak House or more casual dining at the Red Kitchen & Bar or the Brewhouse. Need to work off the good food you'll be eating? Don't forger to visit the fitness center.
What's the weather like in St. Louis in late March? The average daytime temperature is 66o with nighttime temperatures dipping to an average of 47o. Average rainfall for March is 3.69 inches.
You can make hotel reservations now!
The best way to make a reservation for your room for the annual meeting is by visiting
Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch.
You can also make a reservation by phone by dialing (314) 655-1234.
It is important that you identify yourself as a member of the SAFMLS 2013 Annual Meeting at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch
to ensure you get the discounted conference rate and so SAFMLS gets an accurate count of room nights.
Reminder.
The Society Scope is no longer being mailed to members. Please download the current or archived versions of the
Society Scope here.
You can now pay your annual membership dues using our online registration system from the
Secretary page.