eLABorate Topics

Join us in this episode as we wrap up this season and celebrate Season 3's 50th episode. Today the cohosts take a casual stroll down memory lane and reminisce about the most memorable moments from Season 3. We're excited about what's to come so, be sure to stay tuned and connected for more information about Season 4!

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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 sending us an e-mail at [email protected].

 Guest: Michael Baron, Executive Director of Clinical Lab Operation at Wisconsin Diagnostic Laboratory
 

The podcast episode focuses on addressing the pressing issue of staffing challenges in medical laboratories.

Michael Baron, a visionary with extensive experience in laboratory operations, shares his innovative strategies and collaborative efforts in this field.

Staffing Challenges in Medical Labs:

Baron discusses the prevalent issues of rapid turnover, especially in second and third shifts, and the scarcity of certified technicians due to diminishing educational programs.

Innovative Solutions:

Non-Certified Tech Program:

Creation of a program to hire college graduates with relevant degrees and provide them with necessary training and education in clinical labs.

Training and Certification:

Implementation of specialized training programs in Core lab areas like Chemistry and Hematology.

Collaboration with educational institutions and state bodies to establish lab apprenticeship programs.

Supporting Staff Development:

Offering salary incentives and a structured career path to encourage staff retention and growth.

Collaborative Efforts:

WDL Education Collaborative:

A monthly forum where lab leaders share strategies and experiences to tackle staffing challenges.

Speakers from various labs, including Duke University and Milwaukee VA Medical Center, contribute their insights.

Resource Sharing and Networking:

Development of a resource depository for training curriculums to aid in standardized training across labs.

Building a network of professionals for mutual support and idea exchange.

Engagement with External Entities:

Partnerships with high schools, universities, and professional organizations to create early career pathways and align training with certification requirements.

Vision for the Future:

 Barron aspires to expand this collaborative into a larger network, with the potential of organizing a focused conference to further these discussions and collaborations.

The episode "Medical Lab Leaders Collaborate to Tackle Staffing Challenges with Innovative Solutions" highlights the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing staffing issues in medical laboratories. Michael Baron's approach and the collective efforts of lab leaders across the country serve as a testament to the power of shared knowledge and resources in driving positive change in the laboratory profession. This collaborative model not only addresses current challenges but also paves the way for sustainable growth and development in the field.

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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 sending us an e-mail at [email protected].

In this episode of eLABorate Topics, host Tywauna Wilson delivers a comprehensive guide to tools that will help you reach your peak performance in 2024. She recaps the 5-step method outlined in the previous episode and dives into practical strategies for being more productive in the new year. Coach Tee shares her favorite productivity tools, including Trello for project management, Evernote or OneNote for note-taking and organization, Google Suite for collaboration, and the use of a calendar app on your phone for reminders and accountability. She also introduces listeners to a unique tool called Snipd for capturing key moments in podcasts. Listeners can expect a wealth of valuable advice and insights to enhance their productivity and organization—inside and outside the lab—as they embark on a successful journey into 2024. Stay tuned for an episode filled with actionable tips and tools to elevate your professional and personal life.

Tools:
Trello: https://trello.com/
Evernote: https://evernote.com/
One Note:
Snipd: https://www.snipd.com/
Google Suite: Drive, docs, spreadsheets
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Episode Resources

EPISODE 43: REACHING YOUR PEAK PERFORMANCE IN 2024

https://elaboratetopics.directimpactbroadcasting.com/s3/43

EPISODE 19: GROWING BEYOND THE LAB: 7 PERSONAL GROWTH STEPS FOR MEDICAL LAB PROFESSIONALS

https://elaboratetopics.directimpactbroadcasting.com/s3/19

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Join Team #eLABorate and connect with us! 

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We would love to feature YOU!!!
Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode: 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 contact us by completing the guest interest form or e-mailing us at [email protected].

In this episode, cohost Stephanie Whitehead and special guest, Ogechi "Ogee" Ohaeto, provide practical tips and advice on how to create inclusive holiday celebrations that cater to diverse backgrounds and beliefs in your laboratory. 

Tune in as they discuss ways to ensure everyone feels welcome and valued, fostering a joyful and harmonious atmosphere for the entire team. 

Be sure to check out their article on this subject posted through ASCLS.

For information on this topic, also listen to eLABorate Topics | Episode 28: Diversity Daily: Breaking Barriers and Fostering Inclusiveness in the Lab (featuring Cherie Hodge) (directimpactbroadcasting.com)

Special Guest Bio:
Ogechi Ohaeto is a Medical Technologist II in Microbiology at UF Health Jacksonville. After getting her bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Florida, she obtained her license in clinical laboratory sciences at Santa Fe College in Gainesville, FL. Ogee initially worked as an assistant for 4 years before getting her certification. She loves working in the microbiology lab setting and is heavily involved in ASCLS on both a state and national level. She is also currently the Vice President of the Jacksonville Area Microbiology in Jacksonville FL.
 
Don't miss out on an opportunity to learn and connect with us!
Connect with Ogee on Linkedin:Ogechi (Ogee) Ohaeto | LinkedIn
Connect with Ogee via email: [email protected]

Connect with Stephanie Whitehead
Click on the link to connect with Stephanie for more on this and other leadership and personal development topics.

Join Team #eLABorate and connect with us!
Connect with us on LinkedIn: eLABorate Topics Group and give us your feedback!

Podcast Call to Action
We would love to feature YOU!!!
Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode: 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 sending us an e-mail at [email protected].

In the episode of eLABorate Topics podcast Lona Small brought the audience a “blast from the past” originally recorded by Lona, several years ago before she started eLABorate Topics podcast. Lona discusses effective recognition programs and how leaders can design recognition programs that actually work to motivate employees and improve culture. 

 The key points are:

1. Be AWARE how each team member wants to be recognized - everyone is different in the type of recognition they appreciate (public, private, written, verbal, etc.)

2. ALIGN the recognition program with organizational and team goals and the behaviors you want to drive 

3. ACKNOWLEDGE and celebrate small wins - recognize progress and milestones along the way rather than just end results

4. Ensure recognition is ALIKE across all shifts and roles - don't inadvertently only recognize certain groups 

In addition to specific recognition programs, general activities like team lunches or jeans days can also help boost culture and fun. The key is incorporating those four components into the overall recognition approach.

Lona emphasizes starting with the first step of understanding individual motivations as the foundation. From there, leaders can build an effective tailored program for their teams.

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.          Become a member of LabVine at labvinelearning.com and listen to eLABorate Topics podcast on VineStream

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 it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!

5.          Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn

6.          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!

Struggling with constant staff turnover and openings? As a medical lab leader, you may feel overwhelmed trying to create an engaging environment that makes people want to stay. 
What if there was a simple method to improve retention by developing your team's mental fitness? 
Lona Small shares how investing just 15 minutes a day into activities that build your staff's resilience, self-control, empathy and creativity can transform your culture. 
Tune into this podcast to discover a practical operating system called "Positive Intelligence" that fortune 500 companies have used successfully.
It requires minimal time but with powerful team-wide benefits - from innovation to conflict resolution to better leadership. Learn how this research-backed approach can attract and retain top talent to your lab.

Call to Action

You can reach Lona Small directly at [email protected] 
 You can also catch Lona on LinkedIn under Lona Gordon Small and follow hashtag #YouAreAnEqualPartOfTheWhole.

 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.           Become a member of LabVine at labvinelearning.com and listen to eLABorate Topics podcast on VineStream

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 it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!

5.           Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn

6.           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, cohost, Stephanie Whitehead chats with Becky Woodford to explore the various accreditation options available for clinical laboratories (i.e. CAP, COLA, and Leading Laboratories).  Tune in as Stephanie and Becky discuss the importance of accreditation, and the requirements, benefits, and limitations of each accreditation, helping listeners understand which option might be the best fit for their lab.

Grab a pen and notepad and be prepared to take notes! Listeners will gain a clear understanding of the benefits of accreditation and each option can enhance the quality and reliability of laboratory testing.

For information on this topic, also listen to eLABorate Topics | Episode 16: Innovative Solutions to the Challenges facing our laboratories (Featuring Nicole Colby) (transistor.fm)

Special Guest Bio:
Becky Woodford is the Director of Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs with Avero Diagnostics a national physician-owned company with multiple laboratory locations providing a broad portfolio of testing in the areas of anatomic, clinical, and molecular pathology. Previously, Becky worked for healthcare organizations including Baylor Scott & White in Dallas, Texas in quality management and at Sparrow Health System and Ingham Regional Medical Center in Lansing MI as a Medical Laboratory Scientist. Becky graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s of science in Human Biology and Clinical Laboratory Science and she holds a Master of Business Administration from Texas Woman’s University. Certifications include MLS(ASCP), Green Belt Lean Six Sigma (Purdue University), Laboratory Quality Management Systems (CLSI), and Quality System Regulation Certified Compliance Professional (CfPIE).

Don't miss out on an opportunity to learn and connect with us!
Connect with Becky Woodford on Linkedin:www.linkedin.com/in/becky-woodford-mba-mls-ascp-54b80a57 

Connect with Stephanie Whitehead
Click on the link to connect with Stephanie for more on this and other leadership and personal development topics.

Join Team #eLABorate and connect with us!
Connect with us on LinkedIn: eLABorate Topics Group and give us your feedback!

Podcast Call to Action
We would love to feature YOU!!!
Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode: 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 sending us an e-mail at [email protected].

In today's episode, we are diving into a simple 5-step method to get 2024 off to an actionable and successful start. This episode provides a practical approach to planning, setting,  and accomplishing your professional goals. Learn strategies including using the SMART framework to define ambitious yet achievable objectives, mapping out action steps and milestones, gathering resources, scheduling time on your calendar, and refining your plan.  Walk away with tips to create clarity and momentum around professional growth and career aspirations. 

Jump in with Co-host, Tywauna Wilson, as she shares shares practical strategies to get you set up to win in 2024!

5-Step Method:

Step 1: Identify your priorities. Reflect on your skills, interests, and values. Review past feedback and evaluations to pinpoint 2-3 priority goals that align with your growth. This is the foundation for a successful plan. #GoalSetting

Step 2: Set SMART goals. Make your goals specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. Research your industry, brainstorm strategies, and define what success looks like for YOU. This clarity sets the stage for actionable steps. #SMARTGoals

Step 3: Map out your plan. Break down your goals into action steps and milestones. Consider tools, training, coaching, mentors, and networks you may need. Don't be afraid to ask for support to execute your plan. #ActionPlan

Step 4: Schedule time and resources. Block out goal-related activities in your calendar, set deadlines for milestones, and track your progress with designated metrics. A clear schedule ensures you follow through on your plan. #TimeManagement

Step 5: Review your plan and refine as necessary. Share your plan with someone for feedback, print it out as a visual tracker, and fine-tune your timeline and resources. With accountability and visibility, your goals become tangible. #PlanReview

Episode Resources

EPISODE 38: PREPARING FOR SUCCESS: A GUIDE TO MAXIMIZING YOUR NEXT CONFERENCE

 https://elaboratetopics.directimpactbroadcasting.com/s3/38

Join Team #eLABorate and connect with us! 

Podcast Call to Action
We would love to feature YOU!!!
Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode: 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 contact us by completing the guest interest form or e-mailing us at [email protected].

Tune in for Part #2 of Stephanie Whitehead's interview with Mindy Spigel, the author of the best-selling book There’s a Snake on My Head! Strategies for Alleviating Fear and Anxiety in Healthcare for Patients, Families, AND Healthcare Teams.

Listen to Part #1 of their interview here: eLABorate Topics | Episode 39: "There's a Snake on My Head!" (featuring best-selling author, Mindy Spigel, RN, MSN, CPXP) (transistor.fm)

In this episode, Stephanie and Mindy discuss the fears of healthcare professionals and how they can impact patient care. Tune in as Mindy offers practical tips to healthcare leaders on how to recognize and address these fears and how to create an open and safe environment where healthcare workers feel comfortable to express their fears and be honest about their feelings. Mindy’s interview is essential listening for healthcare leaders who want to create an environment of trust and safety for their teams!

Mindy Spigel's Bio:
Mindy Spigel’s passion is helping people create meaningful connections as a leader, a team member, and while caring for customers. She enjoys helping leaders build strong teams and exceptional work environments. She is committed to helping teams communicate, respect each other, and work together effectively. It is her desire to alleviate fears, build trust, and create an exceptional experience for all. Mindy is proud to be a nurse and has both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Nursing. Mindy has been honored to have presented at numerous National, State, and local conferences and provided consultation and coaching to various organizations. In 2018, Mindy completed a research study on the fears of patients and families. She published a book on Amazon entitled, “There’s a Snake on My Head! Strategies for Alleviating Fear and Anxiety in Healthcare (for patients, families, AND health care teams) based on her research and experience

Connect with Mindy Spigel:
Website: mindyspigel.com
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mindyspigel/

Connect with Stephanie Whitehead
Click on the link to connect with Stephanie for more on this and other leadership and personal development topics.

Join Team #eLABorate and connect with us!
Connect with us on LinkedIn: eLABorate Topics Group and give us your feedback!

Podcast Call to Action
We would love to feature YOU!!!
Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode: 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].

 Dr. LaShanda Bryce, Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science, specialist in hematology and coagulation. Experience in management, teaching, quality/compliance. Currently with Diagnostica Stago and Univ. of Cincinnati, focuses on the vital role medical laboratory professionals can play in translational research to help advance healthcare.

In this episode she discussed:

 Medical lab professionals must participate in translational science to bridge gap between theory and practice."

• Dr. Brice says that medical lab professionals need to get more involved in translational research, which focuses on turning discoveries from the lab into real-world applications. There is often a gap between the theoretical knowledge produced by researchers/PhDs and the practical "on the ground" knowledge from technologists about how things actually work in a real-world lab setting. By participating in translational research, lab professionals can help bridge this gap between theory and practice to ensure research insights are implemented in ways that truly improve patient care. Their involvement helps advance healthcare.

"Lab techs have invaluable perspectives but are often left out of research and guidelines."

• Bench technologists have extremely valuable perspectives to share based on their daily hands-on work in the lab. However, their voices are often left out of research publications, abstracts, and best practice guidelines. The speaker argues that the lab technician viewpoint is a "missing link" that needs to be included to provide important context about real-world feasibility and applicability of research discoveries. Without their input, the guidance produced lacks a crucial practical component.

"Getting involved in research allows techs to shape how discoveries are implemented in real clinical practice."

• By getting involved in translational research studies, quality improvement projects, submitting proposals to conferences, publishing case studies, etc., laboratory professionals can directly influence how scientific discoveries and new techniques get implemented in daily clinical practice. Rather than being passive receivers of new research, they have the opportunity to shape guidelines and impact patient care by sharing their invaluable knowledge and experience about what actually works on the ground.

"Every lab professional has opportunities to contribute - submit proposals, publish case studies, get involved in committees."

• There are many avenues for bench technologists to get involved and make research contributions. Examples include: submitting posters/presentations to big lab medicine conferences, authoring and publishing case studies from their lab, doing quality improvement projects, getting involved in hospital committees, and partnering with researchers. The speaker emphasizes that every technician has opportunities to participate and have their voice heard.

"It's all about communication and partnership between PhDs and bench techs."

• To help close the gap between clinical researchers and practicing lab professionals, open communication and partnership is crucial. Each party needs to communicate in a constructive way and find common ground to understand the other's perspective. Though they take different pathways, the end goal is the same - improving patient care through research. It's about balancing and finding the "seesaw" middle ground.

Listen to the full episode for details.
 
 

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.          Become a member of LabVine at labvinelearning.com and listen to eLABorate Topics podcast on VineStream

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 it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!

5.          Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn

6.          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!