ASCLS Today is the membership newsletter of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.

To submit an article for ASCLS Today, contact Editor Debra Rodahl.

Deborah Blecker-Shelly

The Impact of AI on DEI in Laboratory Medicine

Volume 39 Number 6 | December 2025 Summary Artificial intelligence has advanced healthcare, but biased data and flawed algorithms can create inequities in diagnosis and treatment. Studies show AI tools can reinforce racial, gender, and testing-rate disparities, especially in laboratory medicine. This article urges careful development, monitoring, and transparent use of AI to ensure accuracy,…

Susan Stalewski

Belonging Matters

Volume 39 Number 6 | December 2025 Summary ASCLS fosters belonging by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion so all laboratorians feel visible and valued. Through the Diversity Advocacy Council, PRISM, inclusive leadership pathways, and DEIB-focused programs, ASCLS strengthens professional identity and community. This article urges members to support one another, elevate underrepresented voices, and help…

Shraddha Hakani

Precision Medicine Isn’t the Future—It’s Already Late

Volume 39 Number 6 | December 2025 Summary Precision oncology is essential today, not someday. Matching cancer treatments to a tumor’s unique molecular profile can save lives, but widespread adoption is limited by choosing the right tests, balancing cost with value, and integrating complex tools into real-world workflows. Laboratory professionals play a critical role in…

Mahesh Percy and Ewarld Marshall

Innovations in Hematological Diagnostics

Volume 39 Number 6 | December 2025 Abstract Peripheral smear analysis has been a cornerstone of hematological diagnostics for decades, providing invaluable insights into the morphological characteristics of blood cells. However, traditional manual methods are time-intensive, subjective, and prone to variability. The advent of automated technologies has revolutionized this field, offering enhanced accuracy, reproducibility, and…

Phyllis Ingham

Leading with Heart and Vision

Volume 39 Number 6 | December 2025 Summary This article emphasizes that true leadership in higher education is about fostering belonging. When students and faculty feel seen, supported, and connected, engagement and success increase. Leaders and faculty play key roles in shaping culture through visibility, care, communication, and collaboration. Belonging thrives when the entire campus…

Ali Murphy

The Invisible but Powerful Membership Benefit

Volume 39 Number 6 | December 2025 Summary Ali Murphy reflects on a difficult period of depression and how attending the ASCLS, AGT & SAFMLS Joint Annual Meeting reminded her of the true value of ASCLS membership. Beyond webinars and discounts, the organization offers deep personal connections, support, and friendship. Ali’s “lab family” provided encouragement,…

Kyle B. Riding

The Power of Belonging

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…

Galina Dronova

A Case Study on Learning Your Limits

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…

Darby Naheedy

When Doubt Is Manufactured: Gaslighting in Clinical Laboratory Settings

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…

Jennylyn Capones

Reset Your Mindset

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…