August 26 ASCLS webinar on preventing biocrime; historic 2021 Joint Annual Meeting; congratulations to newly-elected leaders; registration open for the Laboratory Legislative Symposium; new Off the Bench podcast episodes; and more.

ASCLS Free Monthly Webinar

Preventing Biocrime through Good Laboratory Biosecurity Practice

August 26, 8 pm Eastern

Speaker: Drew Fayram, MS, RBP(ABSA), State Hygienic Laboratory, University of Iowa

Biocrime and bioterrorism involve the threatened or actual misuse of a biological or toxic agent to harm an individual or group, respectively. One key ingredient required for such malicious activities is access to biological materials. Clinical diagnostic laboratories, among many other types of laboratories, possess these materials. To help limit the risk of misuse of its biological materials it is essential that these facilities understand the importance of implementing a robust laboratory biosecurity program. This webinar will include a brief review of several known biocrime and bioterrorism events, overview of the fundamental components of a laboratory biosecurity program, and discussion on the potential consequences of a biosecurity mishap. Register now.

If you can’t attend live, register anyway—those who pre-register will receive access to the webinar recording.

ASCLS is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program.

 

2021 Joint Annual Meeting an Historic Event

ASCLS, the Association of Genetic Technologists (AGT), and the Society of American Federal Medical Laboratory Scientists (SAFMLS) held its 2021 Joint Annual Meeting (JAM), for the first time both in-person and virtually, June 27-July 1. The online event included about 730 registered attendees, 360 were in Louisville, Kentucky, and 370 attended online. The event also included 27 industry partners, more than 60 educational sessions, 90 speakers, and 42 poster presentations.

Overall attendees were very happy with the “hybrid” experience and grateful for the two options to attend. Attendees shared these comments in their JAM evaluations:

  • “Sessions were EXCELLENT! I loved the fact that we had the opportunity to do sessions online after the meeting—this give more opportunity to gain knowledge in areas of interest and value that we could not do, due to the simultaneous offerings.”
  • “There were several sessions that had relevance and information to bring back, but the most impactful was from the keynote speaker on professional burnout.”
  • “I learned a ton of valuable information regarding molecular genetics.”
  • “I really enjoyed talking to the military who attended. Seeing the laboratory from their perspective was enlightening.”
  • “Once again it is the fact that I was with my ASCLS family. It recharges me and excites me.”

Additional JAM highlights include:

  • The ASCLS Education & Research (E&R) Fund Silent Auction and related activities raised over $7,200, allowing the E&R Fund to fully fund a research grant for next year.
  • Region V won the PAC donation contest for the 3rd year in a row! Recent ASCLS PAC donations provided opportunities to speak directly with Senator Patty Murray (D-Washington) and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) about sponsorship of a laboratory workforce bill. Senator Murray chairs and Senator Murkowski is a member of the important Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee.

All educational sessions and pre-conference workshops were recorded and will be available for individual purchase or as bundles. Stay tuned for more information about the 2021 JAM On Demand coming this fall.

 

NAACLS Searches for Next CEO

The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) invites applications for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The agency seeks a dynamic and visionary leader to guide the organization in its accreditation role, due to Dianne Cearlock’s retirement in 2022. The agency’s office is in the Chicago metro area. Residence in the Chicago metro area is not required for the CEO. NAACLS is an equal opportunity employer.

The NAACLS CEO position provides numerous opportunities for collaboration in specialized accreditation, the clinical and biomedical sciences, as well as in higher education. The CEO facilitates addressing challenges and issues related to the development of future curriculum, enhancing laboratory positions, and raising the levels of understanding and practice of the clinical laboratory sciences.

The candidate must have a master’s degree; applied knowledge of accreditation and education policy; and five years of successful organizational, operational, and financial management experience at an administrative level. A doctoral degree, certification in a medical laboratory science profession, and CAE certification by the American Society for Association Executives are preferred.

Responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:

  • administering the general operations and programs of NAACLS
  • fostering positive and mutually beneficial relationships with other organizations
  • ensuring the presence of qualified and highly motivated staff
  • ensuring the financial viability of NAACLS
  • ensuring that NAACLS remains compliant with all laws, regulations, ethics, and standards for non-profit organizations

The candidate must have excellent communication skills and be able to travel frequently. Opportunities for mentoring by the incumbent will exist for a reasonable period of time. Salary and fringe benefits are negotiable.

For a complete description of the position requirements and preferences please see the NAACLS CEO Position Description.

Applications will be accepted through August 27, 2021. Review of applications begins September 3, 2021. Interested applicants should electronically submit a letter describing qualifications and interest in the position, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references. NAACLS will treat all application documents in confidence and seek permission from the finalist before contacting any references. Nominations or applications should be submitted via e-mail to: NAACLS CEO Search Committee, c/o naaclsceo@gmail.com.

 

Leadership

Congratulations to the Newly-Elected Officers for the 2021-22 Society Year

During the 2021 Joint Annual Meeting, the ASCLS House of Delegates, Ascending Professionals Forum, and Developing Professionals Forum elected new officers, who took office at the close of the meeting. Congratulations, and thank you to all the candidates who ran this year.

President–Elect
Kim Von Ahsen

Region III Director
Angela Darby

Region IV Director
Beth Warning

Region V Director
Jean Bauer

Region VI Director
Lindsey Davenport-Landry

Judicial Committee Member (three-year term)
Rick Panning

Judicial Committee Member (five-year term)
Roslyn McQueen

Nominations Committee Member (two-year term)
Floyd Josephat

Nominations Committee Member (two-year term)
Tripat Kaur

Nominations Committee Member (two-year term)
Kemorine Roberts

Nominations Committee Member (three-year term)
Shannon Wyatt Billings

Nominations Committee Member (three-year term)
Demetra “Toula” Castillo

Ascending Professional Forum Chair
Cheyenne Reyes

Ascending Professional Forum Vice Chair
Heather Herrington

Ascending Professional Forum Secretary
Elaine Stewart

Developing Professionals Forum Chair
Rachael Nassimbwa

Developing Professionals Forum Vice Chair
Rickie Stevenson

Developing Professionals Forum Secretary
Amanda Clapie

 

logo DPF vertical topDeveloping Professionals Forum Volunteer Opportunites

The Developing Professionals Forum (DPF) is seeking volunteers to serve on DPF committees. Committees generally meet once a month, and the total time commitment is about 8-12 hours per month. No prior experience is necessary. Apply today!

 

Upcoming Events

2021 Laboratory Legislative Symposium Registration Open

Laboratory Legislative Symposium with PartnersThe annual Laboratory Legislative Symposium gives you the chance to travel to Washington, DC, with medical laboratory professionals from seven laboratory organizations and make our concerns known inside Congress.

The Legislative Symposium provides a great education on the how-tos of lobbying. Attendees are coached on presentation techniques so they can effectively talk to their congressional representatives during their appointments. They are well received in the congressional offices. Attendees return home from Washington with first-hand knowledge of the political system in action and confidence that they make a difference.

This year’s event will be held October 25-26 at the Hilton Alexandria Old Town in Alexandria, Virginia. Register by September 13 and save $100 off the onsite rate.

Emerging Laboratory Managers Collaborative Conference (ELMC2)

ELMC2January 14-15, 2022
Virtual Event

The Emerging Laboratory Managers Collaborative Conference (ELMC2) is designed specifically for laboratory professionals to help them transition into and thrive in management roles.

ELMC2 provides two days of virtual programming (live and streamed for up to 30 days after the live event), up to 20 hours of P.A.C.E.® credit, networking and social events, access to an attendees-only online community, and follow up programming expected to take place 6-12 weeks after the conclusion of the virtual conference, as well as special meet-ups at the Joint Annual Meeting in June. Save the date!

PRISM: Pride · Respect · Inclusion · Support · Momentum

PRISMJanuary 12-17, 2022
Virtual Event

The ASCLS Diversity Advocacy Council (DAC) invites you to participate in PRISM: Pride · Respect · Inclusion · Support · Momentum, which debuted in January 2021. Join medical laboratory friends and colleagues as we celebrate and ignite discussions regarding diversity in the profession and the inequities in our healthcare system.

As leaders and members, we understand that the most uncomfortable conversations can be the most educational, productive, and inspiring. With this in mind, the DAC organized PRISM, a series of virtual activities that culminates with a candid conversation with a featured guest. Learn more.

 

New Episodes of Off the Bench Podcast

Off the Bench PodcastSubscribe to the Off the Bench Podcast for discussions on scientific and not-to-scientific ideas in laboratory medicine. New episodes drop the last Friday of each month.

On the May 28 episode, “Leadership: Foundations that Follow,” host Galina Dronova sat down with Patrek Lundstrom, Leadership Development Specialist, for a discussion on how to develop your personal leadership philosophy and helpful advice on how to successfully take on leadership roles.

On the June 25 episode, “Teaching During COVID,” host Sophia Chandrasekar talked with Clinical Laboratory Science Student Gabbi Frimpong and Assistant Professor Lisa Cremeans, both at the the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Division of Clinical Laboratory Science, about how COVID has affected the medical laboratory science education system.

And the July 30 episode, “The Science (and Art) of Home Brewing,” featured microbiology and home brewing with hosts Sophia Chandrasekar and Justin Hanenberg and Neva Parker from White Labs, a biotechnology company that provides liquid yeast cultures, analytical services, and consulting for the fermented beverage industry.

Subscribe to the podcast through Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify.

 

Fall Meetings

Come together with medical laboratory professionals in your local area, either online or face-to-face, for CE and networking.

Intermountain States Seminar (IMSS) 2021
October 3-5, 2021
Jackson Hole, WY

Gateway to Laboratory Learning
November 10-11, 2021
St. Louis – St Charles, MO

 

Connect: The Community Conversations

ASCLS Connect is an invaluable way to ask questions, share feedback, and stay connected with your family of laboratorians. Here are some of the recent discussions you may have missed:

Download the MemberCentric App on your mobile device to get the community conversations and more in the palm of your hand.

 

Key Dates

Webinar: Preventing Biocrime through Good Laboratory Biosecurity Practice
August 26

Laboratory Legislative Symposium Early Registration Deadline
September 13

Laboratory Legislative Symposium
Alexandria, VA
October 25-26