Blogs

But … BUT nothing!

By Heather Herrington posted 10 days ago

Written by Ali Nussbaum , MHHSA, MLS(ASCP) CM , caPM, ASCLS Board of Directors Are you a BUT-er? Do you even know if you are or not? We live in a BUT culture. So, there is a good chance you are or someone you know is a BUT-er. BUT-ing is when you say something positive, add a BUT and then drop some hard criticism. “She is a great laboratorian BUT she lacks leadership skills.” “He is a nice guy BUT never listens to me when I talk.” This language, although common, is highly damaging. The criticism will negate all the good the first half of the statement is supposed to portray. Yes, you are good/nice BUT … ruins that sentiment. People who receive ...

Empowering Collaboration: Leading Together in a Molecular Lab

By Sarah Steinberg posted 06-15-2024

In the intricate world of molecular laboratories, where precision and teamwork reign supreme, I found myself in a unique position. Surrounded by colleagues who boasted more technical expertise but less experience as lead scientist, I embarked on a journey that challenged norms and redefined leadership within our team. At the outset, it was clear that our collective goal—to drive innovation and excellence in molecular testing—required more than individual brilliance. It demanded a synergy of skills, a shared commitment to quality, and a willingness to elevate each other. While some might have assumed that leadership was the domain of a select few, I quickly ...

The Just Culture

By Heather Herrington posted 06-09-2024

Written by Ali Nussbaum , MHHSA, MLS(ASCP) CM , caPM, ASCLS Board of Directors, and Avid Supporter of New Professionals Hey Rockstar! You! Yes You! You are awesome, intelligent, and a value to the profession! Am I making you blush? Did you just say “No that’s not me, I’m just a student/new professional”? As a society we tend to be “just” people. I am “just” a blank. This framework is self-limiting and puts us in an inescapable prison of immobility and thinking less of yourself than what is true. I have found through my time as a medical laboratory professional that many of my colleagues and even myself are prone to devaluing their education and experience ...

A Poem for Lab Week 2024

By Jesse Day posted 04-17-2024

In the Lab's Glow: Healthcare Heroes Shaping Patientcare By: Aditi Sarkar, MS, MLS(ASCP) CM In the hematology lab, where breakthroughs are found, We, laboratory scientists, with cells profound. With microscopes and tests, we delve and we strive, Exploring blood's secrets to keep life alive. At dawn's first light, our workday begins, Analyzing samples, uncovering what's within. With precision and care, each drop we explore, Seeking answers where diseases implore. We count the reds, ensuring oxygen's flight, And tally the whites in defense against plight. Platelets we measure, though small in size, Yet mighty in healing, where hope does arise. ...

MLS Clinical Assistant Professor Position

By Rachel Childs posted 02-14-2024

Old Dominion University invites applications for a Clinical Assistant Professor faculty position in the Medical Laboratory Science Program of the School of Medical Diagnostic & Translational Sciences beginning July 25, 2024. The School is housed in the College of Health Sciences and includes undergraduate programs in medical laboratory science, cytotechnology and nuclear medicine technology as well as postgraduate certificate programs in molecular diagnostics and cytotechnology. The School’s faculty participate in Graduate Programs in Biomedical Sciences, Health Services Research, and Biomedical Engineering, and have set up and operate a high complexity CLIA-certified ...

A Commitment to Knowledge, Collaboration, Advocacy, and Community

By Jesse Day posted 01-22-2024

In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape today, professional organizations play a pivotal role. They become conduits for networking, continuous education, advocacy, and professional growth. For me, joining such an organization is a heartfelt pledge to uphold the highest standards within my profession. My decision to become an active member of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) was born out of a deep-rooted passion for the field, fueled by real-life experiences and a sincere desire to contribute meaningfully to its progress. The field of clinical laboratory science, where I am a newbie, is not merely complex but also indispensable. ...

Connecting With a New Generation Through Social Media

By Alexandra Adams posted 11-19-2023

Welcome to the revival of the Labora-Story Blog! When I was a kid, I wanted to be a doctor because I had loved my science classes and thought the only career available was through medical school. I was wrong and had a family member introduce me to the laboratory. I decided to spend my high school senior year English project shadowing her. I still remember the first time I stepped foot in a laboratory. I was a bit overwhelmed but intrigued at all the beeping, what the colored tubes meant, large expensive instruments and those weird squishy blood bags. I knew from that moment the laboratory was meant for me. I was lucky enough to have someone close to me in the ...

Register for the Fall 2023 ASCLS IL meeting!

By Kristen Pesavento posted 09-13-2023

The Fall 2023 ASCLS Meeting will occur October 14th in Rosemont, Illinois. Registration is now open at: https://asclsil.ticketleap.com/2023-ascls-fall-meeting/

Arguments for AACC to Reconsider Their Stance for a DCLS to Serve as a High-Complexity Lab Director

By Daniella McCurdy posted 12-13-2022

On July 26, 2022 the CMS opened up comments regarding the docket CMS-2022-0119-0001. This CMS proposal discusses adding a definition for “doctoral degree” in 493.2 for the purposes of high complexity laboratory director (HCLD) qualifications. Board certification by a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) approved certifying body is a requirement for HCLD qualification. The American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC) is one of the nine board certifying bodies listed by the HHS. 1 The AACC voiced opposition to including the Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS) in the definition. The AACC is a reputable certifying body that shares the ...

2022 ASCLS Indiana-Kentucky Collaborative Laboratory Conference

By Daniella McCurdy posted 12-13-2022

Originally Posted 10-30-2022 14:13 For those of us fortunate enough to attend this year's laboratory conference at Good Samaritan Hospital's Hedde Hall or virtually, there was plenty of knowledge exchanged, camaraderie built and foundations for the future of clinical lab science in Indiana extended. The April chill may still have been in the air Friday, April 8 and Saturday, April 9 but the MLSs, educators, students, lab managers and experts received the conference information warmly. ASCLS-IN' president, Biz Fisher first introduced George Fritsma, MS, the author of the Fritsma Factor blog and the opening speaker. Delving into his wonderfully named ...

Check Out the Latest Issue of ASCLS Today!

By Christina Camillo posted 11-25-2022

Check out the latest issue of ASCLS Today! ASCLS-Maryland Board member, Dr. Diane Davis authored an important article titled " The Importance of Accurate Laboratory Reference Intervals for Transgender Patients " You can read the article at the following link: https://ascls.org/the-importance-of-accurate-laboratory-reference-intervals-for-transgender-patients/ And you can read all of the current ASCLS Today articles here: https://ascls.org/ascls-today/ Enjoy!

Take Action! Contact your Representatives in Congress!

By Christina Camillo posted 11-16-2022

From the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science: We've all had enough politics right now, but we have a small opportunity to have a potentially large impact on the financial environment for clinical laboratories in the United States . It will take swift, strong, and forceful action on the part of the clinical laboratory community. Congress has come back for its "lame duck" session, and key committees are actively considering the Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act (SALSA) (S.4449/H.R.8188). It would replace the draconian reimbursement cuts and reporting requirements of PAMA and has bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. What ...

Register and come to the LAST IMSS conference, Oct. 6-9, 2022, in beautiful Jackson, WY!

By Catherine Mc Nary posted 09-13-2022

REGISTER NOW! One Last Time! Intermountain States Seminar OCTOBER 6-8, 2022 59 th Annual Education Conference, Scientific Assemblies, Exhibitor Expo, Socials and Silent Auction for the Region 8 Leadership Academy for Medical Laboratory Science Professionals Join us this Fall for LAST IMSS conference in Jackson, WY! One More Time! All the details and links to registration on the website, http://asclsregion8/IMSS/ Don’t miss this one! Snow King Hotel and Resort 400 East Snow King Avenue | PO Box 3520 Jackson, Wyoming 83001 Keynote by Dr. Michael Astion, “Turning Adversity into Quality in the Clinical Laboratory” General Sessions topics include ...

How You Can Help! CMS Proposed Rule Commenting Period is Ending Soon!

By Christina Camillo posted 08-21-2022

To my Fellow Laboratory Professionals in Maryland: You may or may not be aware that, as part of a large update to personnel regulations, enforcement and fees, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS) have proposed a rule that would allow those who hold a bachelor's degree in nursing to perform high complexity testing. Affecting the outcome of this issue will take some time to read and an effort to respond. But it is critical that you do so! ASCLS, other laboratory groups, and virtually every laboratory professional understands how this change would harm patients, and we as a community need to convince CMS to remove this language before it ...

Open Clinical Coordinator Position at the University of Minnesota

By Donna Spannaus-Martin posted 07-12-2022

The University of Minnesota Medical Laboratory Sciences Program is seeking a Faculty Instructor/Assistant Professor in the role of Clinical Education Coordinator for the Twin Cities campus in their NAACLS accredited Clinical Laboratory Sciences program. The Clinical Education Coordinator is responsible for organizing, planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating clinical experience education courses, experiences, and activities to meet the outcomes of the program in conjunction with the Program Director, Laboratory Managers, Laboratory Supervisors and Laboratory Clinical Coordinators. This position involves management of student and program compliance with ...

Renew Before July 31!

By Christina Camillo posted 07-01-2022

We're getting closer to the end of the ASCLS membership year - if you haven't already, consider renewing and continue to receive awesome member benefits! Go to www.ascls.org/renew

Congratulations ASCLS Maryland 2022 Awardees!

By Christina Camillo posted 06-29-2022

The ASCLS Joint Annual Meeting is happening right now and last night was the annual Awards Ceremony. ASCLS-Maryland submitted the names of several individuals who won various awards in 2022! See the full list below: Membership Milestone! 60 Years as an ASCLS Maryland Member! Antons Zalans Constituent Society Member of the Year Diane Davis Omicron Sigma Karen Beck Lara Biagiotti Candice Grayson Keys to the Future Jessica Thoericht Justin Washington ESA Student Research Paper Award & ...