Ivan Sanchez, MLS(ASCP)CM After countless hours of reading, studying, and preparing for your Board of Certification (BOC) exam you finally pass and get your MLS certification. Phew! Now you begin the process of getting your first MLS job. Time to work on your resume, fill out applications, and brush up on your interview skills. This…
THE STRUGGLE TO FIND BONE MARROW DONORS FOR MULTIRACIAL PATIENTS Amanda Fulton, MB(ASCP)CM This past year I began a new position in the Histocompatibility Laboratory (HLA) at City of Hope. In this new role I search the national and worldwide bone marrow registry for patients in need of bone marrow transplants from matched unrelated donors.…
Paula L. Griswold, PhD, MT(ASCP), and Stacy Starks, PhD In today’s world and academic environment, keeping classroom content stimulating while promoting student engagement are challenges faced by professors throughout academia. Classroom interactions need to be engaging and thought-provoking to allow students better comprehension of subject matter leading to a more focused career path. For students…
Jennifer Bushnell, MEd, MLS(ASCP)CM Diversity is often interpreted as a complex web of issues involving individuals who differ in ethnicity, religion, political beliefs, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, and many other types of attributes. Although some individuals may never agree upon certain topics or belief systems, an open mind and willingness to respect such differences can…
Wael Hassan, MS, MLS(ASCP)CM Anytime informatics is mentioned in the laboratory environment, laboratorians think about the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and relate the word to IT and technical support that is beyond the laboratory scope of business. Although informatics is related to the laboratory information system, the word encompasses a lot more. Informatics is the…
MEETING THE NEEDS OF PATIENTS, HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS, AND THE PUBLIC Susan Leclair, PhD, Consumer Information Response Team Chair Knowledge is power. Patients who understand their laboratory results are more likely to participate in their healthcare from a position of knowledge. The Consumer Information (CI) Response Team is a group of ASCLS members who provide this…
Pat Tille, PhD, MT(ASCP), FACSc Health insurance costs are rising. Reimbursement rates are falling. Clinical laboratories are facing critical workforce shortages. There is no time like the present to remember what ASCLS does and why it’s important to be a member. Advocacy: ASCLS is our voice when there are professional challenges and opportunities to move…
Maddie Josephs, MLS(ASCP)CM, Region I Director Last year, the ASCLS Board of Directors assembled the Root Cause Task Force to determine the cause of the “lack of leadership—either in experience or volunteers—that leads to vacancies or recycling of individuals.” The charge to the committee did not include an expectation for resolution of this issue. Rather,…
At the Annual Meeting in June 2019, ASCLS delegates will choose from the candidates who have volunteered to serve in leadership positions for the coming year. This is one of the many benefits and responsibilities of belonging to a grassroots organization: being able to both VOTE FOR, and BE CONSIDERED AS A CANDIDATE FOR, these…
Susan Stalewski, MBA, MLS(ASCP)CM Members will often indicate that they would like to be more active and involved in the organization. ASCLS Scientific Assemblies are excellent vehicles for member involvement and connection with ASCLS on a state and national level. Scientific Assembly participation is foundational to the grassroots philosophy of ASCLS and supportive of the…