Jess Ray, MLS(ASCP), 2026 CLEC Host Committee Chair The Pacific Northwest is a magical place. Tall pines and mists lend the area a feeling of mystery. Some nights, the fog rolls in over the city, bringing the smell of the ocean with it. By February, it will still be rainy season, but the beginning signs…
Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM, 2026 CLEC Steering Committee Member I’ve had a running joke with a colleague for nearly a decade where, after we vent our frustrations about the ever-growing demands for educators, we smile at each other and calmly say, “It’s going to get better,” knowing full well it probably won’t. We remain…
Protect the Future of Medical Laboratories and Patient Care | Upcoming Events | Call for 2026 Joint Annual Meeting Session Proposals | Share Your Talents in the ASCLS Expert/Speaker Directory | Diversity Advocacy Council Book Club | and More Protect the Future of Medical Laboratories and Patient Care Your Voice Can Make the Difference Last…
The annual Clinical Laboratory Educators Conference (CLEC) is the most impactful annual gathering for faculty, administrators, directors, advisers, and others in medical laboratory education. This conference is designed to give you take-aways that you can bring home and implement in your program right away. Through peer-to-peer learning, explore new ways to enhance the student learning…
Volume 39 Number 5 | October 2025 Summary Kyle B. Riding, ASCLS President 2025-26, emphasizes “community” as central to the Society’s mission. He highlights belonging as a source of acceptance, courage, and resilience, especially amid burnout and staffing shortages. He pledges to foster inclusivity, elevate diverse voices, and encourage engagement, ensuring ASCLS remains a true…
Volume 39 Number 5 | October 2025 Summary Galina Dronova shares a personal story of overextending herself with extra work until it affected her wellbeing, teaching her the importance of recognizing limits. She offers practical advice for laboratory professionals: create balance, give yourself grace, delegate or say no, and invest in yourself. Advocating for personal…
Volume 39 Number 5 | October 2025 Summary Darby Naheedy examines gaslighting in clinical laboratories, describing how subtle dismissal and manipulation erode confidence, morale, and psychological safety. Often unintentional, gaslighting undermines communication, isolates staff, and can harm patient care. Naheedy outlines warning signs, coping strategies, and the need for leadership to foster respectful, transparent environments—emphasizing…
Volume 39 Number 5 | October 2025 Summary Jennylyn Capones explores how stress and negativity contribute to burnout among medical laboratory professionals and emphasizes the need to reset one’s mindset. She highlights workplace wellness resources such as mindfulness apps, counseling services, and resilience programs, while also stressing the importance of unplugging, taking time off, and…
Volume 39 Number 5 | October 2025 Summary Heather Parks reflects on how a colleague used self-help books to overcome burnout and highlights resources that can support healthcare professionals. She reviews several titles, including Self-Care for Allied Health Professionals, Managing Stress, Atomic Habits, and The High Five Habit, alongside podcasts and apps. Parks encourages readers…
Volume 39 Number 5 | October 2025 Summary A recent American Hospital Association study highlights alarming mental health struggles among healthcare workers, with high rates of stress, burnout, and anxiety, yet few accessing support. Kelcey Harper shares their personal journey of depression, burnout, and recovery, emphasizing the importance of seeking help. They urge workplaces to…