The People Behind the Lab Bench

00:00 Podcast Intro 

00:56  On a lot of T.V. shows that I’ve watched over the years, I see the surgeons and emergency medicine docs after they see the patient pop back in the lab and perform those critical tests. In reality, is that really what’s going on? 

01:42 Myself as a pathologist, I understand for a lot of physicians I’m probably one degree removed from the bedside, so one degree outside of their mind, and  maybe the medical technologist is another degree. So for our physicians and clinicians listening to this podcast, can you maybe share some of the biggest misconceptions about laboratory technologists and the value that they are actually contributing behind the scenes to that patient care?

03:05 I know in our day to day we kind of think about those patients or situations where we’ve really been challenged and made a difference for the patient. Can you share one of those stories about where you specifically really played a role behind the scenes that made a difference for patient care?

04:39 It sounds like you guys really are the both the first and last line of defense on making sure that the information that is coming out of the laboratory is as accurate as possible?

05:25 You know that front end is really something to highlight for our listeners about, we all got used to ordering tests based on how we were trained and what was available at the time we are training, and as with all things, medical science continues to advance. I think that’s a critical point to make. That Medical Technologist is really up to date on what is an older test, or what test is best to answer that question the physician has?

06:46 If you could elaborate a little bit for students who are just starting to consider this field and maybe even, are there some thoughts for some people who are just starting in laboratory medicine about what the best path might be for them?

8:05 So you’re saying that if I’m somebody that likes variety in my day, there’s a place for me in laboratory medical science, and if I like being an expert in something, there’s ALSO a place for me in laboratory medical science?

08:35 You’ve had a really interesting and valuable career and you’ve kind of seen this profession from a couple of different angles. I was wondering if you have any words of wisdom for someone who is maybe just getting started in laboratory medical science in those first 3-5 years of practice? Do you have any advice for them as to what should they be focusing on and thinking about from a coaching perspective?

13:43 Are there any plans for sharing laboratory pride this year (for Lab Week)?

14:29 Do you have any kind of messages for how pathologists can work best with their laboratory technologists?

16:38 Can you share how you found this field of laboratory science?

21:26 What qualities make for a good lab tech?

25:00 Outro 

Resources:
Career Exploration: https://ascls.org/