eLABorate Topics

For many labs, validating their own laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) is the best solution to provide innovative, niche laboratory results in a rapidly changing healthcare environment.  

In this episode, Stephanie Whitehead had the privilege of interviewing Michelle Campbell, MS, MLS(ASCP) MB, SC - an accomplished laboratory diagnostic development scientist (and medical laboratory professional) with expertise in developing and implementing laboratory-developed tests (LDTs). 

Tune in as Michelle discusses the importance of leveraging validated LDTs to help drive innovation, patient safety and quality outcomes.  Listeners are sure to gain valuable insights into tips on developing new tests to meet the evolving needs of your patients!

Special Gues Bio:
Laboratory diagnostic development scientist and medical laboratory professional with experience in clinical laboratory, academic medical center, and industry settings with expertise in clinical chemistry, immunology, molecular diagnostics and mass spectrometry. ASCP certified Specialist in Chemistry (SC), Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), and Technologist in Molecular Biology (MB). Part-time educator (course development and delivery) of graduate studies in biostatistics and laboratory method evaluation.

Don't miss out on an opportunity to learn and connect from us!
Connect with Michelle here on Linkedin
 
Michelle's Book Recommendations:
Grit, Angela Ducksworth
Atomic Habits, James Clear

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!

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

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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].

On this episode of eLABorate Topics, host Tywauna Wilson shares practical tips for personal and professional growth that can help medical laboratory professionals excel in their careers. As a healthcare detective herself, Tywauna provides valuable insights for listeners, encouraging them to reflect on their current situation, rate past experiences, and set SMART goals. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive and motivating individuals. Check out the full episode for all seven steps!

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 reach out to us by completing the guest interest form or send us an e-mail us at [email protected].

Are you looking for answers to your burning questions about life, your career and everything in between? 

In this episode, the eLABorate Topics co-hosts answer questions submitted by our fans on social media. 

Tune in as they offer advice on how to successfully navigate your career path, how to increase your confidence, and tips to use this podcast to reach your career goals. 

Join us and get inspired as we answer questions from our listeners and offer up advice on how to maximize your career path and purpose!

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Also, for more information, check out our previous episodes related to this topic:

•  eLABorate Topics | Episode 34: "Leaders Reducing Burnout: Empowering your Team" (directimpactbroadcasting.com)
• eLABorate Topics | Episode 45: "Achieving Work Life Balance For Today's Laboratorian" (directimpactbroadcasting.com)
• eLABorate Topics | Episode 39: Wellness & Diversity: A Renewed Focus on Combating Burnout (Featuring Dr. Alae Kawam) (directimpactbroadcasting.com)
• eLABorate Topics | Episode 23- "Tools We Can Apply To Prevent Burnout" - Patty Eschliman (directimpactbroadcasting.com)

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!

In this episode Lona Small discussed ways lab leaders can use an innovative way to set career goals they would be excited to keep. Lona discussed the importance of setting end goals instead of means goals, in order to reach career objectives.

Lona also discussed the 3 MIQ or 3 Most Important Questions made popular by Vishen Lakhani. 
She also mentioned the use of Vivid Vision that was discussed in detail in Episode 66: "Setting a Clear Vision for Your Medical Laboratory."

Listen to the full episode to find out the details of how you could use these steps discussed in this episode to set effective career goals.

Call to Action

You can reach Lona Small directly at [email protected] if you have questions regarding this subject or you want to contact her regarding LabOPEX coaching and training. 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!

Nicole Colby MLS(ASCP)cm, SBBcm, SCcm is an accomplished laboratory professional who's passion for educating others has helped her make a lasting impact within the laboratory industry.

In this enlightening episode, Stephanie Whitehead chats with Nicole about her laboratory journey and how she is using her current role at COLA to help advocate and educate the laboratory community. Overall, this episode provides valuable insight into the laboratory industry and the important role that organizations, like COLA, and dedicated professionals, like Nicole, play in ensuring quality patient care.

Key topics discussed in this episode include:

• Nicole's background and how she got started in the laboratory industry
• Her work with COLA, a non-profit laboratory accreditation organization, and how the organization helps laboratories maintain quality and compliance in their operations
• The challenges facing the laboratory industry, including staffing shortages and increasing regulation, and how COLA is working to address these issues
• Advice for aspiring laboratory professionals and the importance of continuing education and networking opportunities in the field

Don't miss out on an opportunity to learn and connect from us!

Connect with Nicole using:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-colby-360240121
Email: [email protected]

COLA Resources:
Training & Development - COLA
COLA Academy

Special Gues Bio:
After graduating from the University of Kansas, Nicole accepted a position as a lab tech at York Hospital in York, Maine. During the twelve years at York Hospital, she filled the role of Chemistry Specialist and learned about the various regulations in the laboratory field. As her knowledge grew, she realized her passion for educating others in her field So In 2017, she left the hospital laboratory for COLA where she worked as a surveyor, improving the quality of laboratories and the skills of those she meets. Currently, she is filling the role of Technical Training Specialist, and is responsible for the education of all COLA Technical Staff, as well as assisting with the creation of tools to educate laboratorians as a whole.

Connect with Stephanie Whitehead
To connect with Stephanie for more on this and other leadership and personal development topics, click on the link above.

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].

On this episode of eLABorate Topics, host Tywauna Wilson interviews past ASCP Forty under 40 award winners Stephanie Whitehead and Tiffany "Medical Lab Lady" Gill. They share their leadership tips and talk about their laboratory journeys. Tiffany talks about receiving the Forty Under 40 award and what she did to make her application stand out. She also talks about how she stumbled into the laboratory profession and found it fulfilling. Stephanie emphasizes the importance of not giving up and networking with fellow laboratory professionals. Listeners will learn about the non-traditional experiences that can lead to a career in the laboratory profession and the importance of advocating for the profession.

Here are some key takeaways from the episode:

• Don't be discouraged if you don't get an award the first time you apply, as it's common to apply multiple times before receiving recognition.
• Networking and making your application stand out by highlighting your impact and accomplishments are important steps toward growth in laboratory medicine.
• Finding a professional support system is crucial for advancing one's career in laboratory medicine.
• Keep learning and growing.

Connect with us on LinkedIn: eLABorate Topics Group and give us your feedback!

Guest Bios:
Tiffany Gill a tenured professor and MLT Program Coordinator at the College of Southern Maryland. She is also the YouTuber and internet personality known as Medical Lab Lady Gill. Through her brand she spreads awareness of the medical laboratory's role in the Healthcare team while providing resources and support for laboratory educators, students, and practicing professionals. Professor Gill is an ASCP 40 Under Forty Top Five honoree of the 2022 class. She is an ASCP mentor, Social Media committee member, Hematology BOC Exam committee member, and founder of the Cell Bowl.

Stephanie Whitehead is the Executive Director of Pathology and Laboratory services, at a large health system in South Texas. Outside of this work, she is a passionate and active leader for several professional organizations. Stephanie currently serves as on the Board of DIrectors for the ASCP as the Chair Elect of the ASCP Council of Laboratory Professionals (CLP). She also serves on the  Mentorship, ELMC2 and Diversity Advocacy Committees for the ASCLS. She is a professional mentor through both the ASCP and ASCLS mentorship programs. Stephanie frequently presents at national and state conferences as an expert on advocacy and strategies relevant to the laboratory profession. 

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 reach out to us by completing the guest interest form or send us an e-mail us at [email protected].

On this episode of eLABorate Topics, Tywauna Wilson and Stephanie Whitehead discuss navigating the complexities of hiring foreign healthcare practitioners in the US. They have an expert guest, Rex Famitangco, who provides pro tips for overcoming challenges and filling workforce shortages. Rex shares his personal journey from working in medical laboratories in the Philippines to his current leadership roles, emphasizing the importance of commitment and quality care in fulfilling his mission to serve the community. They discuss various topics, including the difficulty of finding housing for foreign workers, navigating the US immigration system, addressing technical competencies, and strategies for recruiting healthcare practitioners in rural areas.

Key Topics:

• Advice for foreign practitioners who want to work in the US
• The complex US immigration system and related expenses
• Enhancing technical competencies and evaluating basic technical skills during recruitment
• Different ways potential candidates can be recruited, including social media and traditional print ads
• The importance of reviewing recruitment agreements and seeking legal advice if necessary
• Challenges faced by international laboratorians when trying to find a home when they first arrive in the US
• Protecting workers from racial discrimination and encouraging them to speak up if there are issues

Recruiting Agency Considerations: "Applicants must do his or her homework prior to committing to a specific recruitment agency. Scams are all over and everywhere."- Rex F. 

Featured Guest Bio
Rex F. Famitangco is a practicing Medical Laboratory Scientist & the Laboratory Administrative Director at Morrill County Community Hospital in Bridgeport, NE. Ever since childhood, his love for science and medical mysteries led him to pursue a degree in medical laboratory, where he followed his passion for helping others. Over the years, he has had multiple mentors who have pushed him to become a better laboratory professional. Life experiences are also a great motivational factor for Rex, particularly when he was unable to land a job due to his lack of ASCP certification. Doors might close, but life experiences have shown Rex that with hard work and dedication, there are always opportunities for growth and success. Rex formerly held roles as Program Director and Faculty of the MLT, MLA and PBT at Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff, NE which he developed and started.  He served as National President of the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists –USA, Inc. and is the founding President of PAMET-USA Nebraska Chapter. He currently serves as a member of the ASCP-BOC Board of Governors.

Connect with us on LinkedIn: eLABorate Topics Group and give us your feedback!

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 reach out to us by completing the guest interest form or send us an e-mail us at [email protected].

For busy lab professionals who badly want to prioritize their health but have little time, this podcast episode is for you. In today’s episode of eLABorate Topics podcast Lona Small talks on how to improve the overall wellness for yourself and your team with small investment of time.

Lona discussed using Positive Intelligence Quotient (PQ) and the PQ rep to improve mental fitness and overall wellness for individuals and teams. She discussed how one could use 10 secs for a PQ rep or use daily increments of 2-minute PQ reps. This will have enormous positive results in wellness, relationships, and productivity.

Lona talked about the advantage of using the PQ reps over other wellness routines

1.       It doesn’t take much time

2.       Can be done throughout the day

3.       Can be done in any setting

4.       Has a contagion Effect

5.       Powerful when practiced in teams

Lona discussed the results seen in teams and organizations.

Organizations show:

•       90 % Use  mental/ Emotional Energy more effectively

•       83 % Improve self- confidence

•       85 % Increase happiness

•       92 % Improve ability to develop others

•       91 % manage stress better

Listen to the full episode to find out the details on how to use PQ reps to improve the overall wellness for yourself and your team with small investment of time.

Call to Action

You can reach Lona Small directly at [email protected] if you have questions regarding this subject or you want to contact her regarding LabOPEX coaching and training. 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!

“Without mastering collaborative relationships, both inside and outside the company, we won’t produce the outcomes needed....”   — Lori Beer

Great leaders understand the incredible value of collaboration, especially in healthcare. Leadership is a TEAM sport.

The World Health Organization defines interdisciplinary teams as “multiple health workers from different professional backgrounds work[ing] together with patients, families, carers (caregivers), and communities to deliver the highest quality of care." 

So, why are interdisciplinary relationships an important aspect of your role as a leader, when healthcare and clinical care teams are becoming increasingly more specialized?

Well....Grab a pen and notepad! 

In today's essential episode, Melody Boudreaux Nelson and Stephanie Whitehead break down the benefits of establishing relationships with care teams and how these relationships are critical to your success in laboratory management!

Special Guest Bio:
Melody Boudreaux Nelson received her master’s degree in clinical laboratory management from RUSH University in 2019 and has been in laboratory administration roles since 2017. Melody is currently a resident in the Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science program through the University of Kansas Medical Center. She also sits on the Council of Laboratory Professionals through the American Society for Clinical Pathology. Melody’s experience in laboratory leadership includes oversight roles in a core laboratory, operational management, and informatics.
Listeners can connect with Melody using:
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melody-nelson-ms-mls-ascp-77b7aa167/

Also, for more information check out our previous episodes related to this topic:

• eLABorate Topics | Episode 8: "Thank you for being a Friend"-The Importance of Work Friends (directimpactbroadcasting.com)
• eLABorate Topics | Episode 4: "The Power of Social Capital"- Dr. Kami Rapp (directimpactbroadcasting.com)

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 Stephanie Whitehead
To connect with Stephanie for more on this and other leadership and personal development topics, click on the link above.

Be a Professional Mentor:
Mentorship Program - ASCLS
ASCP Mentorship Program

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!

As Medical Laboratory Professionals, professionalism in the workplace is necessary for success. While many focus on verbal professionalism, it also includes using the proper business etiquette when communicating with colleagues, clients, and clinicians by via email. As the world becomes increasingly digitized, email etiquette is becoming an essential skill for any successful professional. 

In this episode, co-host, Tywauna Wilson, gives us practical reminders to enhance the way we are perceived via email. 

Key Tips:

1.    Use a Professional Email Address

2.    Use a Professional Greeting: Start off your email with a professional greeting such as “Dear [Name],” or “Good morning/afternoon [Name].”

3.    Use Proper Spell Check: Always make sure to double-check that you have used proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation throughout your email. Limit the use of Acronyms, abbreviations, and jargon

4.    Keep It Short and Concise

5.    Be Courteous

6.    Use Appropriate Signatures: Include an appropriate signature at the end of your emails with your contact information, such as your name, title, company, and address.
7.     Use "To" "Cc" and "Bcc" appropriately when sending to multiple people

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!