Inaugural DCLS Symposium - Nov 5-6, 2026, all-virtual. Sign up by Oct 9 and Save

Join us for the inaugural ASCLS Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS) Symposium, a milestone event designed to celebrate, promote, and advance the future of the DCLS profession.

This symposium will bring together DCLS professionals, students, educators, physicians, and laboratory leaders to exchange ideas, share best practices, and showcase the diverse roles and impact of DCLS practitioners across multiple settings.

Through engaging panel presentations and collaborative discussions, participants will gain valuable insights from nationally recognized experts.

Whether you are an experienced practitioner or just beginning your DCLS journey, this symposium offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of laboratory medicine together.

Registration

Registration is now open!

Virtual attendance only.

Early Bird Registration – Deadline 10/9/2026

Members – $25 (after inaugural event discount. Regularly $95)

Non-Members – $150

Regular Rate Registration – Begins 10/10/26

Members – $35

Non-Members – $175

 

Cancellation Policy: If it becomes necessary for you to cancel your DCLS Symposium registration, please notify ASCLS at ascls@ascls.org before October 9th. Your registration fee will be refunded, less a $25 processing fee. After that time, no refunds will be given.

Schedule of Events

Schedule of Events

All event times are listed in Central Time.

Thursday, November 5

10:00–11:15 a.m. Welcome Remarks & Opening Keynote
Speaker: Dr Brandy Gonsolus
Brief Description More info coming soon!
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Session 1 Exploring the DCLS Journey: Opportunities and Challenges for Prospective and Current Students
Speaker(s): Coming soon!
Brief Description This panel highlights the diverse pathways into and through DCLS programs, emphasizing academic preparation, clinical integration, and the evolving expectations of doctoral‑level practice. Speakers will share lived experiences, common challenges, and strategies for navigating the DCLS training continuum.
12:45–1:45 p.m. Session 2 Career Pathways for DCLS Graduates: Expanding Opportunities
Speaker(s): Coming soon!
Brief Description This session examines the expanding professional landscape for DCLS graduates, including clinical consultation, quality improvement, utilization management, education, and leadership roles. Panelists will discuss real‑world examples of how DCLS professionals integrate into healthcare teams and create measurable impact.
2:00–3:00 p.m. Session 3 DCLS Research: From Concept to Publication
Speaker(s): Coming soon!
Brief Description This panel guides attendees through the full research lifecycle—from identifying a practice‑based problem to disseminating findings. Speakers will highlight methodological considerations, IRB processes, scholarly writing, and strategies for successful publication.
3:15–4:30 p.m. BOC & NAACLS Update and Day 1 Closing Remarks*
*Not eligible for P.A.C.E. credit.

Friday, November 6

10:00–11:15 a.m. Day 2 Welcome and Session 4 Enhancing Laboratory Operations with DCLS Expertise
Speaker(s): Coming soon!
Brief Description This session explores how DCLS professionals optimize laboratory operations through quality improvement, workflow redesign, test utilization management, and interdepartmental collaboration. Case examples will demonstrate measurable operational and clinical outcomes.
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Session 5 The Future of DCLS: Advancements in Diagnostic Technology
Speaker(s): Coming soon!

Brief Description This panel examines emerging diagnostic technologies and discusses how DCLS professionals can lead implementation, evaluation, and clinical integration efforts.

12:45–1:45 p.m. Session 6 Interprofessional Collaboration
Speaker(s): Coming soon!

Brief Description This networking‑focused session highlights the essential role of interprofessional collaboration in optimizing patient outcomes. Participants will explore communication strategies, shared decision‑making models, and examples of successful DCLS integration into multidisciplinary teams.

2:00–3:15 p.m. Closing Keynote & Final Remarks
Speaker: Dr. Michael Laposata
Brief Description More info coming soon!

P.A.C.E. Credit

2026 DCLS Symposium will offer 8 P.A.C.E. contact hours of credit.

General Objectives

  • Assess the role of DCLS graduates in advancing system-level outcomes across various career pathways.
  • Examine the contributions that DCLS graduates have on clinical decision making, patient care, and laboratory stewardship.
  • Identify and develop strategies necessary to integrate DCLS experience into system-level decision making.

Level of Instruction: Intermediate

ASCLS is an approved provider of continuing education by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® program. P.A.C.E. is accepted by the Board of Certification (BOC) Credential Maintenance Program and all licensing states, including California and Florida.

Speakers

Speakers for this event are being confirmed. The pool of speakers is comprised of DCLS graduates, PhDs and MDs with relevent work, experience or relationships related to DCLS professionals.

REGISTER