History
Dr. L. Ruth Guy and Dr. E. E. Muirhead founded UT Southwestern’s Medical Laboratory Sciences Program in 1969. Dr. Guy, former professor emeritus in the Department of Pathology, was appointed the first Chair of the Department of Medical Technology and became responsible for educating a generation of medical laboratory professionals.
Dr. Guy made numerous educational and technological contributions throughout her career. She was appointed a visiting professor by the China Medical Board of New York and helped conduct the first workshop in blood banking in Southeast Asia. She was also instrumental in the development of kits for Parkland Memorial Hospital that became a major forensic tool for the investigation of criminal sexual assaults. In 1989, Dr. Guy was elected into the Texas Women's Hall of Fame in recognition of her professional leadership.
The Medical Laboratory Sciences Program has continued Dr. Guy's legacy of innovation and stewardship with active involvement in molecular education and community activities. We’ve established a solid relationship with area hospitals as we work together to educate highly skilled laboratory professionals.
In 2009, the American Society of Clinical Pathology changed the term denoted for laboratory professionals from “medical technologists” to “medical laboratory scientists.” The Medical Technology Program at UT Southwestern adopted this change by becoming the Medical Laboratory Sciences Program.