COLA: Talk Lab To Me

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-agno...

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 oversig...

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 g...

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.

With COLA's CEO Nancy Stratton we have an informative on-location discussion with Dr. Donna Sweet about the role of laboratory science in the treatment of patients living with HIV. Dr. Sweet has been treating people living with HIV since 1983 and has spent the entirety of her medical career in practice at the University of Kansas, School of Medicine in Wichita.   

A detailed discussion from a regulator and Proficiency Testing provider perspective on how to prepare for the upcoming proficiency testing requirement changes.

In this episode, Daniel H. Hesselgesser, MT (ASCP), will discuss the new regulatory implications and future impact on laboratories.