COLA: Talk Lab To Me

In this episode, we go behind the designation with a laboratory leader who has been through the journey firsthand. They share what their laboratory looked like before pursuing recognition, what motivated the team to take the leap and what it actually took to transform their operations, processes and culture along the way.

From the first 90 days to the challenges of staff buy-in, process improvement, metrics, staffing pressures and maintaining momentum, our guest offers an honest look at what happens behind the scenes.

Whether you're considering pursuing Leading Lab recognition, currently on the journey or wondering what distinguishes a truly leading laboratory from one that simply meets the baseline, this conversation offers practical insights, candid lessons and advice from someone who has lived it.

For decades, a single race coefficient embedded in a laboratory equation quietly shaped the trajectory of kidney disease diagnosis and treatment for millions of patients. In this episode, we sit down with Elizabeth Montgomery, a leading voice from the National Kidney Foundation, to unpack the science, the controversy and the sweeping changes behind the transition from CKD-EPI 2009 to the race-agnostic formula for estimated glomerular filtration rate (egfr). From LIS reprogramming and cystatin C adoption to transplant eligibility and health equity, we go deep on what this shift means for clinical laboratories, the laboratory science professionals who run them and the patients whose lives depend on getting it right. If you work in a laboratory, treat kidney disease, or care about equitable medicine — this one is for you.

The FDA's attempt to regulate laboratory developed tests as medical devices is over — for now. A federal court vacated the 2024 final rule, the agency declined to appeal, and the five-stage compliance clock was stopped. In this episode, Dr. Michael Laposata takes us inside the legal battle, explains why the court's March 2025 ruling matters far beyond LDTs, and makes the case for what real oversight reform should look like. From the limits of CLIA to the future of AI-driven diagnostics, Dr. Laposata — a world-renowned pathologist, educator, and author  — offers an authoritative and deeply personal perspective on one of the most consequential moments in the history of clinical laboratory medicine.

In this episode, we explore how these laboratories work, what it takes to train and retain skilled laboratory science professionals and how they prepare for emerging pathogens like hantavirus.

What does it really take to grow as a leader in the laboratory — and what happens when the pressure is on? In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Whitehead for an honest and inspiring conversation about laboratory leadership at every level. 

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Melody Nelson, DCLS, MLS,NRCC-CC a high-complexity laboratory director and trailblazer in advanced practice laboratory science. Dr. Nelson shares her journey into the field, what motivated her to pursue the Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS), and how this emerging role is reshaping the future of diagnostics and patient care. Listeners will gain an inside look at how DCLS degree differs from traditional advanced degrees—and the unique strengths DCLS professionals bring to laboratory leadership, diagnostic stewardship, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Dr. Nelson discusses real-world moments where her expertise directly influenced clinical decision-making and improved patient outcomes, offering a powerful look at how laboratory science can transform care when fully integrated into the clinical team. She also shares candid insights on mentorship, leadership philosophy, and the advice she offers early-career laboratorians aspiring to advanced practice roles. Whether you're a laboratory science professional, educator, physician, or healthcare leader, this episode delivers a compelling vision of where laboratory medicine is heading—and the pivotal role the DCLS degree can play in shaping its future.

In this episode, we’re joined by distinguished representatives from the American Medical Association (AMA), the American College of Physicians (ACP), and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) for a thoughtful conversation about the vital connection between physician association involvement and the clinical laboratory. 

Join us on this special onsite episode as we bring you straight to the heart of the action at the 2025 COLA Laboratory Enrichment Forum! We’re sitting down with some leading subject matter experts to unpack the latest trends, breakthroughs, and takeaways from this year’s event. 

Laboratory science professionals salaries vary greatly depending on location, experience and skills. In this episode, we talk laboratory wages and impacting factors with Jon Harol of Lighthouse Lab Services.

This engaging podcast with a discussion with CEO Marisa James about leading the NAACLS and interacting with the next generation of laboratory science professionals.