eLABorate Topics

In this episode, cohost, Stephanie Whitehead, explores the quiet battle of impostor syndrome with our special guest, Marisa James, CEO of the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS ) . Impostor syndrome, marked by self-doubt and feeling inadequate despite achievements, impacts people in various professions, even CEOs. Marisa shares her personal experiences, challenges...

In today’s episode of eLABorate Topics, we delve deep into the intersection of opportunity and growth within the pathology and laboratory medicine arenas, guided by the engaging insights of Dr. Dana Powell Baker, president of the Society of Black Pathology. Get ready to explore the expansive impact of saying "yes," embracing leadership, and fostering inclusivity in the field. Today, we’ll cover: -...

 In this episode of the eLABorate Topics podcast, host Lona Small delves into the challenge faced by lab leaders in securing support from upper leadership for their initiatives. Drawing from personal experiences and insights, Lona outlines five strategic steps to effectively garner the backing needed for successful lab projects. From knowing your "why" to presenting results, each step is crucial i...

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Rodney Rohde and delve into the dynamic world of laboratory science and the journey of transformation led at Texas State University. Dr. Rohde shares insights into the pivotal decision to transition the program's name from Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) to Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), reflecting the evolving landscape of healthcare education and practice....

In this episode, Stephanie Whitehead delves into the fascinating world of leadership with a twist - the introverted leader. Join Stephanie as she sits down with Jennifer "Jeni" Becker, a seasoned clinical laboratory leader whose introverted demeanor belies a wealth of leadership insights and strategies. Introverts often find themselves in leadership roles, yet their approach may differ significant...

**This episode was recorded on March 8, 2024, and references the 2024 Lab Manager Leadership Summit (Denver, CO) In this episode, we dive into the world of laboratory leadership with esteemed guest Dr. Rodney Rohde, as he sheds light on his Clinical Seminar at the April 2024 Lab Manager Leadership Summit.  Join us as we explore the challenges and strategies for cultivating effective management, de...

An eLABorate Topics x Today's Clinical Lab & G2 Intelligence Magazine Collaboration! Welcome back to another exciting episode of eLABorate!  Today's episode is an epic collaboration with Today's Clinical Lab and G2 Intelligence editors. In this episode, the co-hosts talk with Scott Wallask and Miriam Bergerat about their careers in journalism and how they have used their roles as editors of po...

What happens behind the scenes at the CDC and how do all these skilled professionals work to continuously protect the public? From tracking and monitoring disease outbreaks to developing and implementing public health policies, the CDC plays a vital role in safeguarding the nation's health. In today's interview, we will take a closer look at what happens at the CDC and explore the important ways i...

In this episode of eLABorate Topics, co-host Tywauna Wilson dives into the transformative world of learning beyond the traditional classroom setting. Join us as we explore strategies for medical laboratory professionals to continue their education, enhance personal growth, and achieve professional success. Today, we will cover: - Techniques for integrating daily practice and repetition in your rou...

In today’s episode, we explore the critical balance that every empathetic leader strives to achieve: supporting their teams effectively while protecting their own well-being and efficiency. Lona Small, a leadership and career success coach, provides actionable insights for lab leaders and executives on steering clear of the pitfalls of the open-door policy that can lead to frustration, non-product...

An eLABorate Topics x 2024 Lab Manager Leadership Summit Collaboration! Welcome back to another exciting episode of eLABorate! Today's episode is an epic collaboration with the 2024 Lab Manager Leadership Summit featuring two of the Summit's most influential leaders, Scott Hanton, and Michelle Hoad, joining as our special guests. In today's episode, we will explore: - The transformation in leaders...

In this episode, co-host, Stephanie Whitehead chats with Annamari Dietrichson to explore the importance of well-being in healthcare leaders. Tune in as Annamari discusses the impact of burnout, shares effective self-care practices, and offers insights on how leaders can create a culture that prioritizes well-being, ultimately enhancing performance and job satisfaction. Grab a pen and notepad! This...

In this episode of eLABorate Topics, co-host Tywauna Wilson shares strategies for effective communication in the laboratory setting, providing practical tips to help medical laboratory professionals improve their communication skills. Today, we will cover: - Understanding Your Audience: Tailoring your message to diverse stakeholders to ensure clarity and engagement. - Structuring Your Message for...

Calling all educators and program coordinators!!   In his episode, we catch up with the 2023 reigning Cell Bowl champions, the University of Connecticut's Bruce Blanchard (Director of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Assistant Clinical Professor in the Allied Health Sciences Department) and his MLS Student team, after their victory to uncover their playbook of tips and tricks to achieve a 2nd champ...

Title: 5 Key Strategies to Successfully Achieve Your Career and Personal Goals in 2024: Overcoming Common Obstacles   Season: 4, Episode 1 Host: Lona Small, Laboratory Coach and Consultant    - Many people struggle to achieve their goals despite having good intentions.    - Goals often get left behind due to life's distractions.    - Importance of understanding why goals are unmet and strategies t...

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! Join Team #eLABorate and connect with us! Connect with us on LinkedIn: eLABorate...

 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 La...

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 One...

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 thei...

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 mem...

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, empa...

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...

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 t...

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...

 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 m...