Volume 38 Number 5 | October 2024 Pat Tille, PhD, MLS(ASCP), AHI(AMT), FACSc, ASCLS President The laboratory community consistently struggles with workforce shortages and a lack of recognition. If you go on any social media group related to laboratory science, you will see some disheartening realities for working professionals. They do not feel heard, they…
Volume 38 Number 5 | October 2024 Sarah Steinberg, MS, MLS(ASCP)CM, ASCLS Ascending Professionals Forum Vice Chair A year ago, I shared my intimate experience with burnout. This is my phoenix story—how I not only survived but also began thriving, learning, and living again. For those who read my previous article, “The Trials and Tribulations…
Volume 38 Number 5 | October 2024 Critical Stress Management Strategies for Medical Laboratory Professionals Georgia Vega, MBA, MLS(ASCP)CM, Patient Safety and Diagnostic Stewardship Committee Past-Chair Medical laboratory professionals play a critical role in patient care. The demanding nature of their work often results in profound physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion due to prolonged and…
Volume 38 Number 5 | October 2024 Tips, Tricks, and Helpful Antidotes to Prevent Burnout in the Medical Laboratory Carly Preston, MLS(ASCP)CM, ASCLS Today Volunteer Contributor I will never forget a day in 2017 when I went on break during my first shift at a new hospital, and as I am rounding the corner of…
Volume 38 Number 5 | October 2024 Carolyn Hosenfeld, DHSc, MLS(ASCP), SH(ASCP), ASCLS Today Volunteer Contributor Burnout is increasingly impacting our workforce, from new laboratory professionals to seasoned veterans. Many of us seek solace on our phones during our breaks or after work. I personally find myself guilty of mindlessly scrolling through the apps on…
Volume 38 Number 5 | October 2024 Approaches for a Healthier Laboratory Workforce Aditi Sarkar, MS, MLS(ASCP)CM, Ascending Professionals Forum As a medical laboratory scientist (MLS), I deeply respect the dedication, rigorous education, and unwavering commitment to patient care that our profession demands. Our collective experience has highlighted significant challenges, especially in the post-COVID-19 era.…
Volume 38 Number 5 | October 2024 Ali (Nussbaum) Murphy, MHHSA, MLS(ASCP)CM, caPM, ASCLS Director The workplace can be an amazing place filled with wonderful friendships, rewarding work, and opportunities to stay fulfilled in the profession. This experience, however, is not universal. Some will have a decent working experience, keeping busy and getting a paycheck,…
Volume 38 Number 5 | October 2024 Addressing Burnout and Stress in College Healthcare Students and Educators Phyllis Ingham, EdD, MLS(ASCP)CM, AHI(AMT), ASCLS Clinical Laboratory Educators Forum Chair Burnout and stress are pervasive issues in the healthcare education sector, impacting both students and educators. The demanding nature of healthcare training, coupled with the pressures of…
Volume 38 Number 5 | October 2024 The Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates an ASCLS member who has made significant contributions to ASCLS as well as the laboratory field, and who, by example, has inspired others. This is the 10th year for this award. There were four nominees this year including: Janice Conway-Klaassen, Teresa Nadder, Yasmen…
Volume 38 Number 5 | October 2024 Kyle B. Riding, PhD, MLS(ASCP)CM, ASCLS President-Elect This year, the ASCLS Nominations Committee asked the president-elect candidates the following question, “During the Ask Me Anything, you shared your vision for our Society. In addition, a communication barrier exists between new members and leaders with experience that is impacting…