DCLS Symposium

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

All event times are listed in Central Time.

Thursday, November 5

10:00–11:15 a.m. Welcome Remarks & Opening Keynote Leading Through Uncertainty: The DCLS Role in a Changing Healthcare Landscape

Speaker: Brandy Gunsolus, DCLS, MLS(ASCP)^CM

Brief Description As healthcare systems face rising complexity, shifting reimbursement pressures, workforce constraints, quality expectations, and increasing demand for timely diagnostic clarity, the Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science professional is uniquely positioned to lead through uncertainty. This opening keynote will explore how DCLS leaders can bring scientific expertise, clinical insight, and systems thinking to the forefront of patient care, helping organizations adapt, prioritize value, and strengthen diagnostic decision-making in an evolving healthcare environment.

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Session 1 Exploring the DCLS Journey: Opportunities and Challenges for Prospective and Current Students

Speaker(s): Christen Diel, DCLS, CC(NRCC), Stephanie Jacobson, DCLS, MLS(ASCP)^CM, Melody Nelson, DCLS, CC(NRCC),

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): Daniel Dees, DCLS, CC(NRCC), David Partlow, DCLS, MLS(ASCP)

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): Steve Cleveland, DCLS, CC(NRCC), MLS(ASCP), Shaughn Nalezinski, DCLS, CC(NRCC)

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*

Speaker(s): Amanda Harrington, BOC, Mark Spence, NAACLS

*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): Kathryn Golab, DCLS, MLS(ASCP)^CM, Kacy Peterson, DCLS, MBA

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): LaShanta Brice, DCLS, MLS(ASCP)SH, Justin Hanenberg, DCLS, MLS(ASCP)

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): Sarah Bergbower, DCLS, MLS(ASCP)^CM, Heather Scott, DCLS, MLS(ASCP)^CM

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 An Indispensable Role for the Doctors in Clinical Laboratory Sciences (DCLS) & 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.

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