eLABorate Topics

In this episode, the co-hosts interview Aaron Odegard and Tiffany "Medical Lab Lady" Gill about the Cell Bowl competition.
 
For the past two years, Aaron and Tiffany have partnered with the ASCP Council of Laboratory Professionals and other ASCP members to offer the Cell Bowl hematology competition to MLT and MLS students nationwide. The Cell Bowl competition requires participants to identify up to 30 blood cells in 60 seconds correctly.
 
In this interview, Aaron and Tiffany discuss the main drivers behind the Cell Bowl idea, the impact this competition has had on the lab community and what they foresee next for the Cell Bowl.

Aaron K. Odegard MS, MLS (ASCP) SM, is a quality laboratory coordinator at Baptist Health Jacksonville.  He also serves as an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.  He received his master’s degree in biomedical sciences – molecular pharmacology and experimental therapeutics from Mayo Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.  Mr. Odegard is passionate about medical laboratory science.  He serves as a member of the ASCP Social Media and DEI Committees, and the ASCP Commission on Continuing Professional Development (CCPD).  He enjoys educating the public, students, and professionals on the topics of leadership, mentorship, and medical laboratory sciences through many platforms including the classrooms and local and regional meetings, and on social media.
Twitter -@odie0222
LinkedIn -Aaron Odegard MS, MLS (ASCP) SM | LinkedIn

Tiffany Gill MA, MLS (ASCP)CM is a tenured professor and coordinator of the Medical Laboratory Technology program at the College of Southern Maryland in La Plata, MD. She teaches immunohematology, microbiology, biochemistry, and mycology, parasitology, and virology while maintaining NAACLS program continuous accreditation status. Through ASCP, she volunteers as a mentor, Career Ambassador, Social Media Committee member, and an ASCP Board of Certification Hematology Exam Committee member. She was one of the top five ASCP 40 Under Forty honorees for 2022.  Ms. Gill founded the “Medical Lab Lady Gill” YouTube channel, offering virtual learning experiences for medical laboratory science students, current professionals, and promotional material for the laboratory profession.
Twitter - @MedicalLabLadyG
LinkedIn - Tiffany Gill | LinkedIn
YouTube Channel - @MedicalLabLadyGill

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2.     Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode! 

3.     Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!

4.     Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn

5.     Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review

 
Be a Guest on our show!
If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us by completing the guest interest form or send us an e-mail us at [email protected].

Please tune in next week to hear another amazing episode of eLABorate Topics!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us by completing the guest interest form or send us an e-mail us at [email protected].

“The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will instruct his patients in the care or the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease” – Thomas Edison (1903)

In this interesting episode, co-host Stephanie Whitehead talks with RJ Holmes about how her professional journey in laboratory medicine led to a personal passion for health and wellness through the study and practice of functional medicine. 

RJ Holmes is a medical laboratory scientist who has shifted into the medical device industry and corporate medical device education. To enhance her personal health goals, RJ advanced her education in functional medicine and has used her practice within the functional medicine space to educate others on lab values as they relate to fitness and wellness.
 
Tune in as RJ Holmes discusses how to utilize functional medicine to enhance your personal health and fitness goals and the importance of being a advocate for yourself in healthcare.

Listeners can connect with RJ Holmes on LinkedIn or Instagram.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rj-holmes-ms-mls-ascp-cm-112620104
Instagram: @rjhol.mes

Check out these previous episodes for ideas and tips to explore new career options with your laboratory background:

1. eLABorate Topics | Episode 76: Ways to Grow in Your Career as a Medical Lab Professional (directimpactbroadcasting.com)
2.  eLABorate Topics | Episode 54: "Stepping outside the box: Exploring Careers Opportunities for Laboratory Professionals “Off the Bench”- Grace Stankiewicz, BS, MT(ASCP) (directimpactbroadcasting.com)
3. eLABorate Topics | Episode 31: "How to Seek Out Diverse Lab Career Opportunities"-Cedrick LaFleur (directimpactbroadcasting.com)

Be sure to post a comment and share your thoughts in our LinkedIn eLABorate Topics Group. 

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We would love to feature YOU!!!
Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode or anyone from this season: Video Review

Be an eLABorate Supporter!
1.     Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform

2.     Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode! 

3.     Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!

4.     Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn

5.     Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review

 
Be a Guest on our show!
If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us by completing the guest interest form or send us an e-mail us at [email protected].

Please tune in next week to hear another amazing episode of eLABorate Topics!

In this episode Lona Small discussed Mental Fitness as an important solution to lab leaders in these challenging times. She discussed how to use Mental Fitness to overcome obstacles and propel one to succeed personally and professionally.
Mental Fitness is based on research by Shirzad Chamine and is defined as your capacity to respond to life’s challenges with positive rather than negative mindset.

The Impact: 

• Peak Performance
• Peace of mind/ Wellness
• Healthy relationships

Lona discussed the 3 Core Mental Fitness muscles and how they worked

1. Saboteur Interceptor 
2. Sage 
3. Self-Command

Listen to the details in the episode how you can use these muscles overcome saboteurs that are stopping you or slowing you down. be in Sage, reduce stress, and create the environment for reaching your goals.
As a gift  

• Take the saboteur assessment for free at https://www.positiveintelligence.com/saboteurs/

• Email results of assessment to [email protected] and 
• Receive a Free 1-hr leadership impact session (to review your challenges, clarify your vision and direction)
• Create a plan for your Mental Fitness Journey

 Reach out to Lona at [email protected] or private message me on LinkedIn. Lona Gordon Small if you have questions on this topic.

 Follow hashtag #YouAreAnImportantPartOfTheWhole on LinkedIn
 

We are happy to announce that you can also hear eLABorate Topics on LabVine
 You can register on Labvinelearning.com for free and you will get access to this show.
 
 

Be an eLABorate Supporter! 

1.    Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform

2.    Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode! 

3.    Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!

4.    Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn

5.    Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review

Be a Guest on our show!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us by completing the guest interest form or send us an e-mail at [email protected].

Please tune in next week to hear another amazing episode of eLABorate Topics!

To successfully manage a multigenerational team is to understand the needs and motivations of each generation. Baby Boomers, for example, are motivated by challenges and opportunities to learn and grow. On the other hand, Millennials are motivated by a desire for work-life balance and a need for constant feedback. Once you understand the needs of each generation, you can begin to create a cohesive team that leverages the strengths of each generation.

As a medical laboratory leader, connecting with anyone from any generation will require three key qualities: Humility, Respect, and Curiosity.

Tune in to the full episode to gain tips on communicating, motivating, and providing development opportunities for all your team members.

Tips Any Lab Leader Can Follow to Create A Cohesive Multigeneration Team

1. Understand the different needs and expectations of each generation
2. Bridge the generation gap
3. Encourage open communication
4. Respect different work styles and preferences
5. Be flexible in your management
6. Offer training and development opportunities
7. Create a positive and supportive work environment

In this episode, co-host, Tywauna Wilson, gives 7 practical tips that new leaders can quickly implement to create a cohesive and productive team.

We would love to feature YOU!!! Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode or any of the episodes from this season: Video Review

Connect with Coach Tee Wilson
To connect with Tywauna for more on this and other leadership and personal development topics, visit: TywaunaWilson.com or connect with her on LinkedIn for the invitation to join the Trendy Elite Leadership Tidbits Community, where you can learn, grow and develop in the area of leadership, career, and personal development.

Be an eLABorate Supporter! 

1. Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform
2. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode! 
3. Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!
4. Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn
5. Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review

Be a Guest on our show!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us by completing the guest interest form or send us an e-mail at [email protected].

Please tune in next week to hear another amazing episode of eLABorate Topics!

‘If you stay ready, you don’t need to get ready’ ~Will Smith. 
 
Are you ready for the next "big" job opportunity that may come your way?
In this episode of eLABorate Topics podcast hosts Lona Small, Tywauna Wilson, and Stephanie Whitehead had a great roundtable discussion on simple steps to identify goals and ambitions early in your career journey. 
 

The podcast hosts discussed:

• How to assess your skills, interests and values.  
• How to research alternative job responsibilities or work environments
• Setting short term and long term career goals. 

 
Listen to this full episode to get detailed information on maximizing your career journey by staying prepared for your next opportunity! 

Be a Supporter! 

1.      Join our community! Be sure to follow @eLABorateTopics on LinkedIn. 

2.      Listen on directimpactbroadcsting.com, Lab Vine or your favorite podcast platform

3.      Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet or notebook so you never miss an episode! 

4.      Be sure to leave a comment, and share with a fellow medical laboratory professionals!

Be a Guest!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us at [email protected] or Direct Impact Broadcasting on Social Media. 

Please tune in next week to hear another amazing episode of eLABorate Topics!

Merriam-Webster defines the word authentic as “real or genuine” -  these words completely describe the special guest for this episode, Shonda Jones, and the passion that she has for the laboratory medicine profession!  

Shonda Jones is a MLS with 12+ years of combined experience working in academic, research, and clinical laboratories. Currently, Shonda coordin, laboratory education and training in the ambulatory setting.
Listeners can connect with Shonda using her email: [email protected].

Tune in as co-host Stephanie Whitehead has a conversation with Shonda Jones about her laboratory journey, being a patient advocate for community and how she remains passionate in your day-to-day work. 
 

Be sure to post a comment and share your thoughts in our Linkedin eLABorate Topics Group. 

Podcast Call to Action
We would love to feature YOU!!!
Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode or anyone from this season: Video Review

Be an eLABorate Supporter!
1.     Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform

2.     Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode! 

3.     Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!

4.     Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn

5.     Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review

 
Be a Guest on our show!
If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us by completing the guest interest form or send us an e-mail us at [email protected].

Please tune in next week to hear another amazing episode of eLABorate Topics!

Have you always wanted to make an impact for yourself your team and your lab, but you find yourself keep falling back in overwhelm, self- doubt and just plain not knowing what to do?

In this episode of eLABorate Topics podcast, Lona Small discussed ways in which lab leaders can achieve their goals as an impactful leader. 

 Lona discussed 5 Ways to invest in yourself in order to be an impactful leader.

1.    Be clear on the outcomes you want to have for yourself , your team and any other areas of your life.

2.    Invest in the training, coaching, education or whatever is needed to get you to the outcomes you need.

3.    Invest in your physical Strength and physical attributes

4.    Invest in your Mental Fitness

5.    Make Fun a Priority

Lona discussed the importance of Mental Fitness and how mental fitness will help in areas of productivity, wellness, relationships and so much more.

Listen to the full episode to find out the details of investing in yourself and being an impactful leader.

Be one of the 10 people to get access to Lona in the Free 1 and 1 coaching where she will help you:

·      Create a crystal-clear vision for “ultimate success” as an impactful leader, so you know exactly what you want, where you’re          headed, and what you need to make it happen.

·      Uncover hidden challenges that may be sabotaging your ability to make changes that last or that are slowing down your                  progress.

·      You’ll leave the session renewed, re- energized, and inspired to finally achieve the change you seek once and for all.

·      If you’d like to take advantage of this very special, very limited , and Totally Free 1 HR, Leadership Impact, coaching session, 

·      Reach out to Lona at [email protected] or private message me on LinkedIn. Lona Gordon Small

Follow hashtag #YouAreAnImportantPartOfTheWhole on LinkedIn
 
 

We are happy to announce that you can also hear eLABorate Topics on LabVine
 You can register on Labvinelearning.com for free and you will get access to this show.
 
 

Be an eLABorate Supporter! 

1.    Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform

2.    Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode! 

3.    Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!

4.    Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn

5.    Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review

Be a Guest on our show!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us by completing the guest interest form or send us an e-mail at [email protected].

Please tune in next week to hear another amazing episode of eLABorate Topics!

It's the awkward part of the interview where the team asks, "What questions do you have for us?" It is tempting to say none because you are ready to leave the interview room. Before you do, consider asking the interview team/hiring manager these seven critical questions about success and career development.

The hiring team and manager often unknowingly give you insight into the culture, opportunities for success, advancement potential, etc, before you ever entertain an offer. This is your time to be the medical detective and investigate the job opportunity presented to you and make an informed decision about what will be best for you. 

Key Questions Around Career Development to Ask In Your Next Interview

1. What does success look like for me in this role?
2. What professional and career development opportunities do you have for front-line and management staff?
3. What is the career ladder for this role?
4. And more... Listen to the entire episode for additional questions. You don't want to miss them or the bonus question :-)

We would love to feature YOU!!! Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode or from any of the episodes from this season: Video Review

Connect with Coach Tee Wilson
To connect with Tywauna for more on this and other leadership and personal development topics, visit: TywaunaWilson.com or connect with her on LinkedIn for the invitation to join the Trendy Elite Leadership Tidbits Community, where you can learn, grow and develop in the area of leadership, career, and personal development.

Be an eLABorate Supporter! 

1. Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform
2. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode! 
3. Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!
4. Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn
5. Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review

Be a Guest on our show!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us by completing the guest interest form or send us an e-mail at [email protected].

Please tune in next week to hear another amazing episode of eLABorate Topics!

The ultimate goal in any project is to stick to a budget and timeline, get as much value from the team as possible, and eliminate any waste and last-minute scrambling. In the laboratory environment, with short staffing and minimum budgets, all of these things are extremely important to avoid extra work, overtime, and frustration. 

In this episode of eLABorate Topics podcast co-hosts Lona Small, Tywauna Wilson, and Stephanie Whitehead discuss using project management skills to maximize improvements in your laboratory. 
 
Listen to the full episode to get more detailed information on the the basics of project management and how to develop a successful plan for your laboratory. 

Podcast Call to Action
We would love to feature YOU!!!
Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode or anyone from this season: Video Review

Be an eLABorate Supporter!
1.     Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform

2.     Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode! 

3.     Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!

4.     Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn

5.     Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review

 
Be a Guest on our show!
If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us by completing the guest interest form or send us an e-mail us at [email protected].

Please tune in next week to hear another amazing episode of eLABorate Topics!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us by completing the guest interest form or send us an e-mail us at [email protected].

What is the difference between being really stressed and experiencing burnout?

In this essential episode, co-host Stephanie Whitehead has a timely conversation with Dr. Alae Kawam to explore burnout and its impact within laboratory medicine. Dr. Kawam is an inspiring and active advocate wellness and diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I). Tune in as Dr. Kawam offers new strategies combat burnout and find health and wellness in your workspace. 

Be sure to share this episode with a fellow lab colleague!

Special Guest Bio:

Alae Kawam, DO , is a AP/CP board certified fellow in surgical pathology. She graduated from New York Institute College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2018. She completed AP/CP residency in NY. She is involved in DEI work and the wellness committee at her institution. Listeners can contact with Dr. Alae Kawam on LinkedIn or @kawama92 on Twitter

Podcast Call to Action
We would love to feature YOU!!!
Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode or anyone from this season: Video Review

Be an eLABorate Supporter!
1.     Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform

2.     Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode! 

3.     Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!

4.     Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn

5.     Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review

 
Be a Guest on our show!
If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us by completing the guest interest form or send us an e-mail us at [email protected].

Please tune in next week to hear another amazing episode of eLABorate Topics!