Tell us about yourself
John E. Hoopman, CMLSO – I am currently the Laser Safety Officer at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas. I received my Associate of Applied Science Degree in 1998 in Lasers and Geometrical Optics. I have been at UT Southwestern since graduation. I participated as a contributor on the first medical laser safety officer certification exam and was one of the original eight individuals to become a CMLSO.
How did you become LSO?
I started working with lasers immediately after graduation and helped operate a five hospital and multifaceted research program that included 120+ lasers at the time. Within 2 years, I was asked to take over the lead role of MLSO and since then, we have grown the program to over 320 lasers. Our program is responsible for over 30 peer-reviewed published papers on surgical and aesthetic laser procedures.
Do you like being the LSO?
The most joy of being the CMLSO at UT Southwestern comes from the working / collaborative relationship I have with our faculty and staff.
Has becoming certified helped you in your career?
Being certified has helped support my credentials. It lends credibility to our publications and presentations.