Society News Now - February 2025

Apply for New ASCLS Awards

Given it’s Valentine’s Day, here’s some news that we hope you LOVE! The ASCLS Board of Directors approved changes to the Ascending Professional Leadership, Developing Professional Leadership, Lifetime Achievement, and new Community Engagement Awards. This was a collaborative effort involving the Ascending Professional and Developing Professionals Forums, the Constituent Society Steering Committee (CSSC), and the Marketing and Communications Committee. We appreciate all your support and feedback on these awards, and we look forward to continued collaborations as we create more avenues to recognize our deserving members!

All award deadlines have been extended to March 15. The nomination process is very similar to before; here is a summary of the changes.

Ascending Professional Leadership and Achievement Awards – Now has additional achievement awards in Innovation (Knowledge), Dedication (Advocacy), and Collaboration (Community). Nominees apply for the Leadership and Achievement awards using a single submission process that includes an online application, two downloadable forms, and a personal statement or letter of support.
Developing Professional Leadership and Achievement Awards – Also has additional achievement awards in Innovation and Collaboration. The nomination process also uses a single submission that includes an online application, two downloadable forms, and a personal statement or letter of support.
Community Engagement Award – The former Website and Publication Awards have been combined into a Community Engagement Award that focuses on the creation of original digital content and consistent positive messaging. This award will be expanded into additional awards based on the Framework of Success created by the CSSC. The nomination process will involve submission of digital content or pertinent website links showcasing original content.
Pinnacle Award (formerly Lifetime Achievement Award) – The nomination, eligibility, and achievement process has remained the same. A legacy showcase will be created to honor current and past honorees.
Scientific Research Award – No change
Theriot Award (for media and equipment development) – No change
Voices Under 40 – No change

Very closely following, there are even more ways to recognize our members, many with an April 1 deadline. These can be accessed through the Awards and Scholarships webpage.

If you have any questions or suggestions that you would like to share with the Awards Committee, please email awards@ascls.org or Chair Toula Castillo.

Scholarships Available for Undergraduate and Graduate CLS Students

The Alpha Mu Tau Fraternity and ASCLS Education & Research (E&R) Fund, Inc., support the advancement of medical laboratory professionals through graduate and undergraduate scholarships for clinical laboratory science students. Applicants for all scholarships must be ASCLS members. Applications are due by March 1.

ASCLS Volunteer Opportunities

Currently ASCLS is looking for professionals who wish to provide their creativity, energy, and passion to our mission. Volunteering for ASCLS is a great way to build your professional network and make an impact on our profession. Additionally, organizations like the Mayo Clinic report that volunteering can provide us with a sense of purpose, teach us valuable skills, and can even improve our physical and mental health. Learn more.

Developing and Ascending Professionals Forums Seek Officer Nominations

Submit Your Application by May 11

Would you like to take on a leadership role in the Developing Professionals Forum (DPF) or the Ascending Professionals Forum (APF)? Or do you know someone who would make an excellent fit? The DPF is seeking its next chair, vice chair, and secretary, and the APF is seeking its next vice chair and secretary. All applicants must be ASCLS Developing or Ascending Professional members as of February 28, 2025.

Your Participation Makes a Difference

Reflection from Glenn George, ASCLS Political Action Committee (PAC) Trustee

As we step into 2025, I can’t help but reflect on the power of unity within our profession. Clinical laboratory professionals, like all healthcare providers, face unique challenges—but through advocacy and collaboration, we can transform those challenges into opportunities.

As I think about some of the top developments in our space, introducing the Medical Laboratory Personnel Shortage Relief Act (H.R. 9849) last year marked a pivotal moment for our profession. This legislation, which seeks to address the shortage of qualified laboratory professionals by expanding educational opportunities and offering loan repayment incentives through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC), embodies the essence of advocating for meaningful change.

But where do you fit into this picture? How can we, as individuals, amplify our collective voice? Read more.

Last Chance to Attend CLEC 2025 at the Regular Registration Rate

Sign up by Feb 14 and Save

March 6-8 | Atlanta or Virtual

Join nearly 600 educators who have already signed up for the 2025 Clinical Laboratory Educators Conference (CLEC), which will be held March 6-8 in Atlanta. Save $60 when you sign up by today, February 14.

The program offers over 40 educational sessions that will engage and inspire you. Explore new ways to enhance the student learning experience, demonstrate innovative teaching techniques, solve program management challenges, and so much more. Browse a preview of the educational sessions.

You have the option to attend CLEC either in-person at the Westin Peachtree Plaza or virtually through the streaming device of your choice.

All educational sessions will be streamed live and recorded. Both in-person and virtual registrants will have access to all session recordings for 30 days after the event.

2025 ASCLS, AGT & SAFMLS Joint Annual Meeting

June 8-12 | Sacramento, California, or Virtual

Plans for the 2025 ASCLS, AGT & SAFMLS Joint Annual Meeting (JAM) are well underway. Again this year JAM will offer flexibility with two attendee options—in-person and virtual. Registration opens in February.

In-Person Attendance: JAM will be held at the Sacramento Convention Center. In addition to the educational program, poster presentations, industry partner exhibits, and networking activities, you’ll also receive access to all recorded JAM educational sessions for 30 days after the event, providing you with about 50 hours of P.A.C.E.^®-approved credit.

Virtual Attendance: You will have access to the nearly 50 educational sessions, either streamed live or recorded; industry partner virtual activities; virtual poster presentations; and virtual networking events. You will also have access to all recorded JAM educational sessions for 30 days after the event. You get to choose which sessions and events you want to attend live and which recordings you will view later when the time is right. Create a personalized JAM experience that fits your life.

Submit a Poster Presentation Abstract for the 2025 JAM by February 23

The 2025 JAM poster presentation abstract submissions are currently open. Make an impact on the future of medical laboratory science by sharing your research and case studies with peers from across the nation.

All posters will be showcased digitally (both onsite in Sacramento and via the meeting app). Submissions will be accepted from both in-person and virtual attendees. In-person attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the poster competitions for cash prizes. All accepted primary poster presenters will receive $100 off registration for the meeting. The deadline for abstract submissions is February 23.

Race to JAM Student Trivia Competition

Race to JAM is a national student trivia competition hosted by the ASCLS Developing Professionals Forum. Preliminary rounds are conducted over Zoom on Saturday, April 12, starting at 10 am ET.

The final two teams will go head-to-head in-person at the 2025 ASCLS, AGT & SAFMLS Joint Annual Meeting (JAM), held June 8-12 in Sacramento, California. The winning team will be recognized during the Awards Ceremony at JAM. Learn more.

Medical Laboratory Professionals Week

April 20-26, 2025

The ASCLS Marketing and Communication Committee is proud to present a series of new Medical Laboratory Professionals Week logos that highlight all the departments and disciplines that medical laboratory professionals contribute to.

We encourage you to check out the variety of logo designs and download as many as you’d like for your Lab Week celebrations.

10th Annual ASCLS Lab Week Run

Step out of your labs and into your communities and participate in the 10th Annual ASCLS Lab Week Virtual Run. Help spread the word about the medical laboratory profession and have fun with friends and co-workers.

This virtual race can be completed any time during Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (April 20-26, 2025) and anywhere. Participants can walk, use a treadmill, run outside, or even ride a bike to complete the 5K distance (or 3.1 miles). Organize a group run with friends and family, or go solo.

Early Bird Pricing ends this Saturday, February 15. All proceeds go to scholarships that help medical laboratory professionals attend ASCLS meetings, advocate for the profession, and become future leaders in the field.

Thank you to our 2025 Lab Week Run Platinum Sponsors COLA, Greiner Bio-One, and SEKISUI Diagnostics.

Time to Work on Lab Week Proclamations

One way to bring awareness to the profession—especially if you can schedule an in-person signing—is to get a proclamation for Medical Laboratory Professionals Week by your governor or mayor. Now is the time to contact your governor and/or mayor to request a proclamation for April 20-26, 2025. Below are some examples of 2024 proclamations.

View an example of Colorado’s Proclamation
View an example of Orlando’s Proclamation

ASCLS Kicked off the New Year with a Busy January

Mid-Year ASCLS House of Delegates Meeting

ASCLS held its fifth mid-year virtual meeting of the ASCLS House of Delegates on January 19. The House engaged in a number of important discussions, which included the following.

Amalgamation of Existing Statements to Clearer Vision, Mission, and Values Statements
Proposed Bylaws Amendments on election of Officers, Directors, and Committees
119th Congress (2025-2026) Advocacy Agenda

PRISM: Pride · Respect · Inclusion · Support · Momentum

The ASCLS Diversity Advocacy Council (DAC) hosted the fifth annual PRISM: Pride · Respect · Inclusion · Support · Momentum, January 20-21. PRISM was created to celebrate the Glenda Price Diversity in Leadership Award and ignite discussions regarding diversity in the profession and the inequities in our healthcare system.

This year PRISM activities included a Candid Conversation with Kelcey Harper and Christen Diel; a movie night featuring The Healthcare Divide; a Dynamic Discussion with Julie Cooper about Clinical Lab 2.0; and the kick-off of the virtual book club of Dismissed: Tackling the Biases That Undermine our Health Care.

2025 Emerging Laboratory Managers Collaborative Conference (ELMC²)

About 250 medical laboratory professionals attended the fifth annual Emerging Laboratory Managers Collaborative Conference (ELMC²), held virtually January 24-25—the highest attendance yet.

The event was specifically designed for laboratory professionals in leadership roles or preparing for management and included 22 sessions on topics such as, CLIA personnel requirements, communication and conflict resolution, human performance strategies to achieve a highly reliable laboratory, imposter syndrome, and more. Attendees also had the chance to network and talk with presenters and other attendees in virtual breakout rooms in between sessions.

Attendees found the experience to be extremely valuable and shared the following feedback:

“The knowledge, experience, and diversity of speakers and the sessions’ themes were outstanding. The website and mobile app were very user friendly. Very easy to navigate.”
“It was a very informative, educative, and collaborative experience. All the sessions and speakers were excellent!”
“I really appreciate the opportunity to listen to recordings from meetings that I missed. I will definitely take advantage of these.”
“Happy to see some of the members I have worked with and mentored move into leadership and share their expertise. This is rewarding.”

If you missed this year’s ELMC², on-demand session recordings will be available to purchase this spring through labucate.org.

Clinical Laboratory Science Journal Seeks Manuscripts from DCLS Perspective

The Editorial Board for Clinical Laboratory Science is seeking manuscripts from the Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS) perspective that focus on improvements made to patient care as the result of the intervention, action, and work of DCLS practitioners. These can be findings from projects that were completed as part of one’s academic preparation as a DCLS or improvements to medical laboratory science practice as part of one’s position. The Editorial Board is also seeking manuscripts from educational programs related to preparing DCLS practitioners.

For this first special edition of the journal, the Editorial Board will review submissions that are submitted by March 17, 2025.

Manuscripts are submitted through the online portal. Learn more about requirements for submitting manuscripts.

If you have questions, please email CLSeditor@ascls.org .

Voices Under 40

Spotlight: Elizabeth M. Stepp, MLS(ASCP)^CM, Columbus, Mississippi

Elizabeth has been a force for our profession for nearly a decade. She started her journey as a representative at the Colorado Student Forum and the National Student Forum secretary in 2015. The next year Elizabeth was a coordinator for Region VIII’s New Professional New Member communications chair and Colorado fundraising chair along with serving on five other ASCLS committees. In 2018, Elizabeth was the chair for the ASCLS Ascending Professionals Forum where she worked to update the guidelines for the group. These guidelines were used to help inform the ASCLS Developing Professionals Forum to update their own guidelines. Also, while Ascending Professional Forum chair, Elizabeth worked with the ASCLS Education & Research (E&R) Fund and Lab Week Committee to secure a portion of the profits to support travel scholarships for national ASCLS events and the E&R Fund Cynthia L. Breen Memorial Scholarship. She was the board liaison for two different committees in 2019 while also serving on the Annual Meeting Steering Committee. Elizabeth currently serves on the Membership Committee and, as of this year, has risen to the level of chairperson. As you can see, Elizabeth is truly dedicated to ASCLS and believes in the mission of our organization. Read more.

ASCLS Voices Under 40 honors ASCLS members who have shown exceptional commitment to the Society, the laboratory profession, and their community at large at a younger age in their professional career. Each month we spotlight one of the shining voices who was selected from many nominations across the country.

Nominations are currently open for the 2025 Voices Under 40. Applications are due March 15.