Society News Now – December 2023

ASCLS comments on the FDA proposed regulation of LDTs, 2024 ASCLS awards open for nominations, call for nominations for national positions, Clinical Laboratory Science journal seeking manuscript reviewers, CLEC 2024 early registration discount ends next Wednesday, and more.

ASCLS Comments on the FDA Proposed Regulation of Laboratory Developed Tests

On December 4, ASCLS submitted formal comments to the FDA on the agency’s proposed regulation of Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs). Both the ASCLS Board of Directors and the Government Affairs Committee spent hours together talking about what positions ASCLS should take on key issues.

While ASCLS shares the FDA’s view that a new framework enacted via legislation is a preferable approach to regulating LDTs, and ASCLS recognizes FDA’s authority to regulate LDTs under current statute, the Society is is concerned that the approach proposed in this rule has cast a very broad net that will ensnare small volume and low-risk tests created for vulnerable patient populations. ASCLS believes the FDA should recognize the high degree of variability among LDTs in the United States and not classify all LDTs as the same based on the most extreme examples.

The comments from other laboratory organizations have been varied in their approach, as this is a very complex issue. You can continue to access the proposal from the FDA.

ASCLS will provide additional updates as this proposal moves through the regulatory process.

2024 ASCLS Awards Open for Nominations

Submit Nominations by Feb 15

Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for an ASCLS award? Submit your nominations for the following awards by February 15.

• Ascending Professional Leadership Award
• Developing Professional Leadership Award
• Lifetime Achievement Award
• State Society Website Award
• State Society Publications Award (for both print and web-based publications)
• Scientific Research Award
• Theriot Award (for media and equipment development)

Details for applying for these awards and the link to submit applications are on the Awards and Scholarships webpage. Questions can be addressed to awards@ascls.org.

Nominating a worthy member for one of these awards is a great way to recognize the valued work of our dedicated members and to honor them at the Awards Ceremony at the 2024 ASCLS, AGT & SAFMLS Joint Annual Meeting, on July 10 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Call for Nominations for National Positions

Nominations Due Jan 14

The Nominations Committee is seeking qualified members interested in serving in an elected national position (term to begin on July 12, 2024). If you or someone you know should be nominated, contact Nominations Committee Chair Demetra “Toula” Castillo by January 14, 2024.

• President-elect (three-year commitment, automatically succeeding to President and Past President)
• Director (four positions, three-year term; one position, one-year term)
• Judicial Committee (one position, five-year term)
• Nominations Committee (five positions, two-year term)

Learn more about each position’s eligibility requirements and duties.

Clinical Laboratory Science Journal Seeking Manuscript Reviewers

ASCLS President-Elect Pat Tille and ASCLS Board Member Nicholas Moore are working to process all manuscripts that have been sent to Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) Journal in the past few years, and they could use your help. If you are interested in serving as a manuscript reviewer, please sign up with the instructions below.

1. To participate, start here.
2. Log into an existing account, create a new account, or create your account using your existing ORCiD.
3. Once logged in, look to the right side and you will see a link for “Edit Expertise Terms.”
4. Choose your areas of expertise and make sure to hit the “Save Expertise Information” button at the bottom.
5. You will be added to the pool of available reviewers and will be notified if you are selected to review a manuscript. The review takes place within the same website. Invitations are sent on an as-needed basis and may not result in a review request for some time.

CLEC 2024 Early Registration Discount Ends Next Wednesday

Sign up by Dec 20 and Save

February 22-24 | Las Vegas or Virtual

Reserve your spot now for the 2024 Clinical Laboratory Educators Conference (CLEC), which will be held February 22-24 in Las Vegas. A discounted early bird registration rate is available through next Wednesday, December 20.

CLEC is the most impactful annual gathering for faculty, administrators, directors, advisers, and all in medical laboratory education. The program offers about 40 educational sessions that will explore new ways to enhance the student learning experience, demonstrate innovative teaching techniques, solve program management challenges, and so much more. Check out a sampling of sessions that you will find in the program.

To provide you flexibility to participate in CLEC in the format that best fits your life, you have the option to attend CLEC either in-person at the Westgate Las Vegas or virtually through the streaming device of your choice, wherever you are.

CLEC Scholarships Available to Ascending Professional Members

Apply by January 2

The ASCLS Ascending Professionals Forum will award two $750 scholarships, to be used towards travel and registration for Ascending Professionals attending the 2024 Clinical Laboratory Educators Conference (CLEC), February 22-24, 2024, either in-person or virtually.

This opportunity is only available for Ascending Professional members. Submit your application by January 2.

Unlock Your Leadership Potential at the Emerging Laboratory Managers Collaborative Conference

Early Registration Ends Dec 23

January 19-20, 2024 | Virtual

The Emerging Laboratory Managers Collaborative Conference (ELMC²) is designed specifically for laboratory professionals to help you transition into and thrive in management roles. Register by December 23 and save with the Early Bird Rate.

ELMC² provides two days of virtual programming (live and streamed for up to 30 days after the live event), up to 20 hours of P.A.C.E.^® credit, networking events, access to an attendees-only online community, and follow up programming expected to take place 6-12 weeks after the conclusion of the virtual conference, as well as special meet-ups at the ASCLS, AGT & SAFMLS Joint Annual Meeting in July.

Get real-world advice from experienced medical laboratory leaders to help you solve your stickiest problems. Program sessions include:

• Leading with Confidence: Strategies for Effective Laboratory Management
• Planning Your Lab Project
• Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Laboratory Leadership
• Creating a Safe and Healthy Workplace Environment
• Translating Quality Jargon into Problem Solving Skills
• And more!

Discounted group registration rates are available, $170 and under. For group registration, complete this form.

ELMC² Scholarships Available to Ascending Professional Members

Apply by January 2

The ASCLS Ascending Professionals Forum will award 10 registration scholarships to Ascending Professional members to attend the all-virtual 2024 Emerging Laboratory Managers Collaborative Conference (ELMC²), January 19-20, 2024.

This opportunity is only available for Ascending Professional members. Submit your application by January 2.

Upcoming Events

Ask Me Anything: Post MLS Degree Career Options and Advancements

January 7, 7 pm ET | Virtual

Join the ASCLS Developing Professionals Forum for an Ask Me Anything to discuss career options and advancements that you can explore after you receive your MLS degree. The panelists will discuss their unique backgrounds which span beyond traditional roles in the clinical laboratory.

Panelists will include

• Lydia Bertram, MS, Clinical Research Coordinator III
• Mark De Luna, MS, MLS(ASCP)^CM, Lab QA Coordinator, UF Health Medical Laboratories
• Heather, Hilgert, Assistant Supervisor of the Infectious Diseases Serology Laboratory, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Mayo Clinic
• Patty Jackman, MLS(ASCP)^CM, NJ CLIA Program Manager
• Tywauna Wilson, MBA, MLS(ASCP)^CM, founder and president of Trendy Elite Coaching and Consulting

Sign up for the free virtual event on Sunday, January 7, at 7 pm ET.

The Developing and Ascending Professionals Forums host bi-monthly AMAs on a variety of career-related topics to help answer all your burning questions. View a playlist of previous career advice AMAs on the ASCLS YouTube channel.

Mid-Year ASCLS House of Delegates Meeting

January 14, 2024, 1 pm ET | Virtual

ASCLS will hold its fourth annual mid-year virtual meeting of the House of Delegates on Sunday, January 14, at 1 pm ET. The ASCLS House of Delegates has authority within the Society regarding the approval of professional practice standards, position papers, and the scope and direction for the Society and the profession.

Delegates who began their term with the first session of the 2023-2024 House of Delegates on June 30 will receive information about how to attend the mid-year meeting.

PRISM: Pride · Respect · Inclusion · Support · Momentum

January | Virtual

The ASCLS Diversity Advocacy Council (DAC) invites you to participate in the fourth annual PRISM: Pride · Respect · Inclusion · Support · Momentum. Join medical laboratory friends and colleagues as we celebrate and ignite discussions regarding diversity in the profession and the inequities in our healthcare system.

PRISM features a series of virtual discussions. Plan to join us for the following events:

• Book Club: The Diversity Gap is a fearless, groundbreaking guide to help leaders at every level shatter the barriers that are causing diversity efforts to fail. To participate, sign up for the online book club. Online discussions of one chapter per day will take place January 7-14.
• Candid Conversation with Letycia C. Nuñez Argote, PhD, CPH, MLS(ASCP)^CM, ASCLS Diversity Advocacy Council Past Chair, on Monday, January 15, 8 pm ET
• Dynamic Discussion with the eLABorate Topics podcast hosts, Lona Gordon Small, MBA, PMP, CPBPM, MLS(ASCP); Stephanie Whitehead, MBA, MPH, MLS(ASCP); and Tywauna Wilson, MBA, MLS(ASCP), on Tuesday, January 16, 7 pm ET
• Glenda Price Diversity in Leadership Award Online Fundraiser, January 12-17

All events are held virtually and are free to attend.

9th Annual ASCLS Lab Week Run

April 14-20 | Virtual

Step out of your labs and into your communities to help spread the word about the medical laboratory profession by participating in the ASCLS Lab Week Virtual Run.

This virtual race can be run at any time during Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (April 14-20, 2024) and can be run anywhere. Participants can walk, use a treadmill, run outside, or even ride a bike to complete the 5K distance (or 3.1 miles).

Race packets will go on sale January 1 with Early Bird Pricing available through February 15. All proceeds go to scholarships that help medical laboratory professionals attend ASCLS meetings, lobby representatives for the profession, and become future leaders in the field.

Lab Week Date Change for 2024

Historically, Medical Laboratory Professionals Week is celebrated the last full week of April. ASCLS is part of a coalition of laboratory organizations that celebrate Medical Laboratory Professionals Week. Some members of the coalition noted that Passover will be celebrated during the last week of April next year, so the coalition voted to change Lab Week to the third week, April 14-20, for 2024.

Race to JAM

Sign up by February 24

Race to JAM is a national student trivia competition hosted by the ASCLS Developing Professionals Forum. Preliminary rounds are conducted over Zoom on Saturday, April 13, between 10 am ET and 4 pm ET.

The final two teams will go head-to-head in-person on Monday, July 8, 5 pm ET, at the 2024 ASCLS, AGT & SAFMLS Joint Annual Meeting (JAM), held July 8-12 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The winning team will be recognized during the Awards Ceremony at JAM on Wednesday, July 10.

Learn more and sign up by February 24.

Share Your Expertise in a New ASCLS Directory

Expert/Speaker Directory

ASCLS’s biggest asset is its members and the wealth of expertise you bring to your work and your engagement with the Society. We now have a way for you to showcase that subject matter expertise and talent with the Expert/Speaker Directory on ASCLS Connect.

To be included in the directory, click on the large blue button that reads “Complete Your Expert/Speaker Profile.”

There are two key areas that require as much detail as you can provide—Expert/Speaker Bio and the Presentations and Publications sections. If you add links to your presentation or publication descriptions, make sure the links have open access so those interested can read or view your previous presentations or publications.

When the directory is populated, ASCLS and our constituent societies will have a searchable database on subject matter expertise to draw on for our activities.

CDC OneLab

Free Training for Laboratory Professionals

The CDC’s OneLab REACH provides opportunities for education and training, as well as a space for collaboration between clinical, public health, and CDC laboratory education and training professionals. Access recent webinar recordings and online courses.

• Basic Microscopy Microlearning Videos – In these basic-level video job aids, you will learn the fundamentals of microscopy including how to clean the microscope, how to focus the microscope, Köhler illumination, microscope components, ocular micrometer calibration, and how to set up the microscope.
• Fundamentals of Handling Compressed Gas Cylinders Safely – This basic-level course is designed for clinical and public health laboratory staff, safety professionals, and others interested in the safe use of compressed gases and compressed gas cylinders.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Point-of-Care Testing – October 31 webinar with Carrie Anglewicz, MS, Biosafety Officer and State Training Coordinator, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Laboratories.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Laboratory Systems is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.^® Program.

New Episode of Off the Bench Podcast

Subscribe to the Off the Bench Podcast for discussions on scientific and not-so-scientific ideas in laboratory medicine. New episodes drop the last Friday of each month.

In the November 24 episode, hear impactful, heart-warming, and funny stories from medical laboratory professionals that were recorded during the 2023 ASCLS, AGT & SAFMLS Joint Annual Meeting in Providence, Rhode Island. Hosts Doryan Redding and Sophia Chandrasekar reflect on what they love about each story. Special thanks to our episode sponsor, the University of Cincinnati Online.

Subscribe to the podcast through Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.

Voices Under 40

Spotlight: Justin Hanenberg, MLS(ASCP)^CM, Sherman Oaks, California

Justin was formerly a technical applications specialist at ZEUS Scientific and is now a regional account manager. Their primary goals are to identify and cultivate major customer opportunities and develop systematic and structured plans to increase business in western states. They do this by managing base accounts for increased utilization and contract compliance and meeting or exceeding sales targets for the western U.S. region.

Justin’s ASCLS involvement has included serving as the ASCLS-New Jersey Licensure Task Force lead and ASCLS Region II new professional representative. They have also been extremely active in ASCLS -California serving as secretary, president, president-elect, and past president. Nationally, they have served as the ASCLS Diversity Advocacy Council (DAC) chair and past chair. They presented at the ASCLS, AGT & SAFMLS Joint Annual Meeting DAC Diversity Panel in 2021 and 2022. Justin participated in the DAC PRISM: Pride · Respect · Inclusion · Support · Momentum in 2021 and 2022 as a presenter, moderator, and Planning Committee member. They have attended the Laboratory Legislative Symposium five times since 2012, even serving as a mentor to PAMET-USA in 2021. Read more.

ASCLS Voices Under 40 honors ASCLS members who have shown exceptional commitment to the Society, the laboratory profession, and their community at large at a younger age in their professional career. Each month we spotlight one of the shining voices who were selected from many nominations across the country. Do you know an individual that should be recognized as a 2024 Voices Under 40 recipient? Submit their name by March 1.

Inaugural AMLEP Board of Directors

The ASCLS Board of Directors approved the new Association of Medical Laboratory Educational Programs (AMLEP) Board of Directors at its fall board meeting in Alexandria, Virginia, October 22. The group is made up of professionals from across the United States, from community colleges, universities, hospitals, and industry. They represent program levels from phlebotomy, histology, and laboratory science to the DCLS, as well as faculty, administrators, clinical coordinators, hospital and university programs, etc. Congratulations to the 2023-24 AMLEP Board:

• Chair: Kathleen Hoag, Michigan State University, Professor
• Vice Chair: Alese Thompson, Clinical Laboratory Sciences Site Program Coordinator, Department of Clinical & Diagnostic Sciences-Assistant Clinical Professor, University of Missouri-College of Health Sciences
• Hassan Aziz, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Professor and Dean
• Karen Beck, Community College of Baltimore County, Clinical Coordinator, MLT & Histotechnology Programs
• LaShanta Brice, Diagnostica Stago, Scientific Engagement & Clinical Education Associate
• Janice Conway-Klassen, University of Minnesota, Professor Emeritus
• Muneeza Esani, University of Texas Medical Branch, Associate Professor, Galveston, Texas
• Carolyn Hosenfeld, Bowling Green State University, Assistant Clinical Professor
• Michelle Kelly, Collin College, Faculty, Alllen, Texas
• Joan Polancic, Denver Health, Director, School of Medical Lab Science
• Sara Van Kirk, Baycare, Chemistry Coordinator, Tampa, Florida

Local Events

Check out events happening in ASCLS constituent societies.

ASCLS-Minnesota Metro Area Scientific Assembly 2024
January 20
Minneapolis, Minnesota

2024 LSCLS/ASCLS-MS Joint Annual Meeting
March 25-27
Biloxi, Mississippi

2024 Minnesota Clinical Laboratory Collaborative
April 4-5
Bloomington, Minnesota

Texas Association of Clinical Laboratory Science Annual Meeting
April 10-12
Granbury, Texas

ASCLS-Arkansas Spring 2024 Laboratory Conference
April 12
Benton, Arkansas

CoLABorate Iowa Clinical Laboratory Conference
April 16-17
Des Moines, Iowa

2024 ASCLS-North Dakota State Meeting
April 26-27
Bismarck, North Dakota

Connect: The Community Conversations

ASCLS Connect is an invaluable platform to ask questions, share feedback, and stay connected with your community of laboratorians. Here are some of the recent discussions you may have missed.

The Membership Committee posts “Membership Mondays” questions each week to spur discussion and get to know fellow ASCLS members. Recent questions were:

• What are your favorite thing(s) you do with your family and/or friends in the last few weeks of the year?
• What impact has mentorship had on your career?
• What is your favorite Thanksgiving Food item that you think not many people have but is amazing to you?

In the Clinical Laboratory Educators Forum, members shared What I Wish I Knew as a starting or continuing laboratory educator.

In the Open Forum, ASCLS Executive Vice President Jim Flanigan posted comments from other laboratory organizations regarding the FDA proposed regulation of Laboratory Developed Tests.

Key Dates

Clinical Laboratory Educators Conference Early Registration Deadline
December 20

Emerging Laboratory Managers Collaborative Conference Early Registration Deadline
December 23

Ask Me Anything: Post MLS Degree Career Options and Advancements
January 7