Volume 40 Number 3 | June 2026 Summary This article explores the future of laboratory advocacy, highlighting ongoing challenges like reimbursement and workforce shortages, emerging roles for laboratorians as diagnostic consultants, and potential impacts of innovation. It emphasizes that active advocacy, education, and engagement are essential for shaping policies and protecting patient care. Debbie Shell,…
Volume 40 Number 3 | June 2026 Summary This article highlights the ongoing medical laboratory workforce shortage, its causes, and its impact on patient care and professionals. It emphasizes proposed federal legislation to expand training capacity and retention, and calls for advocacy from laboratory professionals to help address the crisis and strengthen the future of…
Volume 40 Number 3 | June 2026 Summary This article argues that medical laboratory scientists are central to the success of cell and gene therapies, serving as both the manufacturing process and quality gatekeepers. It highlights evolving technical demands, regulatory complexity, and workforce gaps, calling for earlier integration, stronger training, and recognition of laboratorians’ critical…
Volume 40 Number 3 | June 2026 Summary The article outlines a vision for the “Laboratory of the Future” as a technologically advanced, data-driven, and collaborative environment. It emphasizes integrating AI and data science to improve efficiency, compliance, and financial outcomes, while repositioning laboratories as strategic assets. Empowered professionals, stronger clinical partnerships, and proactive advocacy…
Volume 40 Number 3 | June 2026 Summary This article argues that medical laboratory education must evolve beyond memorization to emphasize diagnostic reasoning. It highlights the importance of case-based learning, simulation, and reflective practices to develop analytical thinking. By fostering pattern recognition, clinical interpretation, and confidence, educators can better prepare students to contribute meaningfully to…
Volume 40 Number 3 | June 2026 Summary This article argues that medical laboratory science programs must evolve to prepare professionals for expanded roles in population health. It highlights integrating public health competencies, community engagement, and service-learning into curricula, enabling laboratorians to connect lab data with broader health trends and actively contribute to community health,…
Volume 40 Number 3 | June 2026 Summary This reflective piece highlights the author’s experience at the Clinical Laboratory Educators Conference (CLEC), emphasizing professional growth through education, connection, and shared challenges. The author underscores the value of community, practical learning, and collaboration, noting how CLEC inspires educators and reassures them that common challenges can be…
Volume 40 Number 3 | June 2026 Summary This article emphasizes the value of experienced laboratorians as “living memory” within complex healthcare systems. By honoring their insights and integrating past lessons into innovation—through tools like pre-mortems and structured reflection—medical laboratories can strengthen change efforts, preserve stability, and turn repeated cycles into sustainable, meaningful progress. Creating…
Volume 40 Number 3 | June 2026 Summary Automation is reshaping laboratory medicine, but it cannot replace the critical thinking, judgment, and expertise of trained laboratorians. This article argues that despite staffing shortages and advancing technology, skilled professionals remain essential for ensuring patient safety, troubleshooting issues, and interpreting complex, nuanced results that fall beyond the…
Volume 40 Number 3 | June 2026 Summary This article discusses the evolving role of laboratory professionals in healthcare, highlighting their integration of new digital health tools, continuous monitoring devices, and interprofessional collaboration to enhance patient care and outcomes, emphasizing the importance of data quality, leadership, education, and ethical considerations in this transformation. Dhara Parekh,…