As you know, MLO is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year. As the first magazine created for laboratorians, we are very proud of our history. This issue is the big celebratory issue we wanted to put together for you this month.
Our annual salary survey is featured on page 24. Two hundred twenty lab professionals took part in the survey, and forty-six percent of the respondents have more than thirty years of experience in the laboratory industry. However, with so many seasoned laboratory professionals reaching retirement age in the next ten or so years, there could be even more pressure on a field facing current staffing shortages. Much discussion is occurring on this present and future problem.
Casey Schroeder, PhD, MLS(ASCP), MB, SM, SLS provided us an article for the online-exclusive section of the MLO website (https://www.mlo-online.com/online-exclusives) titled, “How U.S. Army microbiologists and medical laboratory technicians contribute to civilian laboratories: Insights for hiring managers.” Dr. Schroeder is the Director of Microbiology at the Texas Department of State Health Services Public Health Laboratory. He also has served 11 years in the Army National Guard and the Army Reserves in Microbiology and Health Services Administration. I think he provides an “outside the box” perspective on an important issue.
On page 48, we are featuring “55 under 55” honorees as a way to celebrate our anniversary and readers. We received so many nominations for very talented, committed lab professionals. Some characteristics of the honorees are as follows:
· Collaborative leader who likes to discuss challenges and then problem solve with others.
· Looks for ways to optimize workflows and lessen burden on staff.
· Active participation in professional associations and conferences in order to stay informed about the latest trends and best practices.
· An MLT who has been in the laboratory for 35 years in chemistry, phlebotomy, and hematology.
· Abstract and poster selected as an American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) blue ribbon top five finalist.
· Many medical laboratories prospered because of her attention to both sides of the business that causes many others to look the other way. Under her leadership, 100% of laboratories passed their regulatory surveys, even those hovering at condition-level deficiencies.
· Orchestrated pivotal advancements, notably transitioning the laboratory’s certification from a CLIA Certificate of Waiver to a Certificate of Compliance.
· Dedication to serving an underserved community in Texas, enhancing healthcare outcomes, and fostering educational and professional growth in medical laboratory science through partnerships with local schools and serving as a hub for professional development.
· Has played a pivotal role in enhancing our laboratory procedures, notably through his adeptness in maintaining and troubleshooting sophisticated laboratory instruments.
These are just a few examples. But you probably know better than me how many wonderful lab professionals there are in the country!
I welcome your comments and questions — please send them to me at [email protected].
