Recorded live at the 2025 ASCP Annual Meeting in Atlanta, this special episode of Inside the Lab brings together a diverse panel—a practicing pathologist, two medical students, and a resident—to explore one of the profession’s most urgent challenges: the pathology workforce shortage. Against the backdrop of ASCP workforce data showing a growing gap between supply and demand, the guests share firsthand perspectives on why students discover pathology late, how misconceptions persist, and what it t...
Apr 10, 2026•44 min
In this episode of Inside the Lab , host David Ritter kicks off a new series on corporate responsibility with a timely conversation about Green Labs. Joined by Dr. Ilyssa Gordon and Dr. Moira Larsen, the discussion revisits how far laboratory sustainability has come since Dr. Gordon’s 2021 appearance on the show and examines what has changed over the last four years. The episode explores what “green labs” really mean in the context of clinical and pathology laboratories, from life-cycle assessme...
Feb 05, 2026•42 min
The current landscape of testing for NSCLC is complex, with many new biomarkers emerging rapidly, more points during which testing is possible, and precision drug treatments available on the basis of findings from biomarker testing. While promising for patients, the result of this rapidly changing landscape is confusion from interdisciplinary care teams as to what testing is necessary and when, who in multidisciplinary care teams should be ordering new tests and when, and what workflows are nece...
Jan 09, 2026•50 min•Season 6Ep. 1
Host David Ritter, MA is joined by Lotte Mulder, PhD and Kamran Mirza, MD, PhD, FASCP to discuss their new book, Mia the Marvelous Lab Explorer. The adventure follows Mia, a superhero and scientist, who uses laboratory science to explain why a friend has fallen ill with leukemia. The book targets children ages 5 to 9 years and balances striking entertaining and engaging tone with explaining scientific concepts accurately to a younger audience. Their conversation of the book expands into strategi...
Dec 08, 2025•43 min•Season 5Ep. 10
Interim CEO of ASCP and host Dr. Ali Brown sits down with Dr. Eric Konnick and Michelle Campbell, MLS(ASCP) to discuss lessons learned from the latest efforts to place laboratory developed tests under FDA oversight. For listeners unfamiliar with LDTs, they begin by establishing what LDTs are and what their value to the lab and patient safety are before debunking common misunderstandings cited by patient advocacy groups regarding their accuracy, validity, and the transparency with which they’re d...
Nov 19, 2025•53 min•Season 5Ep. 9
Host Constantine “Aki” Kanakis, MD is joined by Brittany Teeter and Sean to provide lessons learned and real-world takeaways from the world of laboratory management. This episode offers a glimpse into what seasoned lab managers learned across the course of their careers and provides concrete takeaways for lab managers at any stage of their careers on preparing for inspections, creating staff buy in for workflow updates, and relating the success of the lab to a hospital’s financial outcome when i...
Oct 31, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 5Ep. 8
In this episode of Inside the Lab, host Constantine Kanakis is joined by former ASCP president and Director of Transfusion Medicine at VCU Dr. Kimberly Sanford to discuss topics in transfusion medicine. This one-on-one conversation between two transfusion experts covers a wide variety of contemporary issues in transfusion medicine, including best practices in apheresis, logistical issues associated with pre-hospital transfusion services, and strategies for addressing blood shortages. Their conve...
Oct 01, 2025•59 min•Season 5Ep. 7
In this episode of Inside the Lab, ASCP CMO and CEO Dr. Ali Brown is joined by Drs. Nicole Jackson and Greg Davis to discuss current topics in forensic pathology. In their fascinating and wide ranging discussion, they highlight the often overlooked role of forensic pathologists in offering empathy, care, and advice to the grieving relatives of their deceased patients, the need for expanded autopsy requirements in medical school rotations, and the utility of forensic training to anyone who needs ...
Sep 02, 2025•53 min•Season 5Ep. 6
Host Kelly Swails interviews Dr. Brad Brimhall and genetic counselor Megan Maxwell from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio to discuss challenges with and strategies for the diagnosis of rare diseases. Their discussion covers topics like the advantages of proactively using genetic testing to identify gene markers at the outset of care, the possibilities of artificial intelligence in identifying markers of rare diseases, and the role of pathologists in a multi-disciplinary c...
Jun 26, 2025•57 min•Season 5Ep. 5
In this special episode of Inside the Lab, producer and host David Ritter does a dive into the history of efforts to integrate AI into the practice of healthcare. He’s joined by MD/PhD candidate Rahim Hirani, who discusses the history of efforts to automate diagnostic decision making in healthcare all the way back to the 1950s, and how these efforts were qualitatively different from current tools like large language models. Then, he’s joined by Dr. Melody Nelson from the who discusses contempora...
May 30, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 5Ep. 4
Inside the Lab is joined by experts Drs. Hannah Wang from the Cleveland Clinic and Rodney Rohde from Texas State University to discuss emerging respiratory viruses. Their discussion begins with lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and an overview of what technologies have emerged since. They go on to discuss the virology and surveillance strategies for H5N1 and RSV, as well as vaccine hesitancy and its impact in the treatment of measles.
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 5Ep. 3
In this episode of Inside the Lab, Dr. Ali Brown sits down with guests Sean Tucker, MLS(ASCP)CM and Laura Severs, MHA, MLS(ASCP)CM to discuss their predictions for what 2025 holds for laboratory professionals. Topics discussed include: How workforce trends will continue in the near future and what strategies may work for addressing them; What to expect with automation and what pros and cons automation holds for laboratorians; What challenges, risks, and benefits cybersecurity holds for laborator...
Feb 28, 2025•48 min•Season 5Ep. 2
In this episode of Inside the Lab, guests Jane Dickerson, PhD and Elise Occhipinti, MD join host Kelly Swails to discuss the creation and maintenance of laboratory test stewardship programs. Topics covered include: How and why your organization should set up a stewardship program Involving stakeholders in the process The essential components of a success program Metrics and key performance indicators to track Resources, guidelines, and toolkits for those looking to create their own program...
Jan 15, 2025•50 min•Season 5Ep. 1
While the rapid evolution of I-O continues to bring unprecedented change to the way cancer is treated, there are significant gaps impacting the laboratory team regarding the examination of resection specimens following neoadjuvant immunotherapy and staying abreast of advances in I-O biomarker testing. This episode discusses advances in I-O biomarker testing, advantages and limitations of some key I-O biomarkers, and practical ways that pathologists and laboratory professionals can improve their ...
Nov 07, 2024•53 min•Season 4Ep. 8
The diagnostic paradigm for Alzheimer's disease (AD) has rapidly shifted in the last five years as fluid-based biomarker testing has emerged as a reliable, accurate, and accessible means to detect amyloid pathology when evaluating a patient for cognitive decline. This podcast is designed to help pathologists and laboratory professionals gain an understanding of plasma testing for markers such as Abeta40/42, P-tau181, and P-tau217 which are rapidly appearing in the commercial space and how health...
Oct 21, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 7
Communicating imperative diagnoses effectively can often be a daunting challenge. It’s a crucial and delicate step that takes practice and know-how to do well and can be one of the most important actions taken with patients. That’s why a panel of experts have gotten together to discuss the current practices, gaps, and best practices for communication of urgent and significant/unexpected diagnoses in anatomic pathology. The Promoting Diagnostic Excellence by Improving the Communication of Urgent ...
Aug 15, 2024•53 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Women make up a majority of the workforce in pathology yet lag behind men in leadership roles. What are the consequences of this for women working in pathology today, and what can be done? In this episode of Inside the Lab, Drs. Melissa Upton and Kimberly Sanford share a warm conversation in which they reflect on their long and varied careers, describe the unique challenges they faced over their careers, and discuss their accomplishments as trailblazers themselves. Our guests describe the value ...
May 20, 2024•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 5
Although molecular testing offers promising opportunities for diagnosis and targeted treatment of cancers, prostate cancer has lagged behind other types of cancer. Recently, homologous recombination repair testing in prostate cancer has provided a means to achieving targeted treatments for patients as well as opening new avenues of collaboration between pathologists and oncologists. On this episode of Inside the Lab, hosts Ms. Kelly Swails, MLS(ASCP), and Dr. Ali Brown, MD, FASCP are joined by H...
Mar 15, 2024•50 min
As CRC affects younger and more diverse populations, emerging tests for CRC biomarkers provide enormous utility for diagnosis. However, misdiagnosis of CRC, shifting demographics of those afflicted with CRC, and patient unfamiliarity with symptoms create challenges in identifying CRC. In this episode of Inside the Lab, hosts Dr. Ali Brown and Lotte Mulder are joined by Dr. Melissa Taggart, a board-certified pathologist at MD Cancer Center and Karla Valencia, a laboratory manager at MD Anderson C...
Mar 01, 2024•58 min
Recent developments in disease modifying therapies have been proven to slow the progression of cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease. And yet, we can only confirm a diagnosis of AD after a patient’s death. But what if we could use biomarkers to identify preclinical stage Alzheimer’s and step in long before a patient exhibits dementia? On this episode of Inside the Lab, your host, Ms. Kelly Swails, MT(ASCP) introduces us to Dr. Shih-Hsiu Jerry Wang, MD, PhD , Assistant Professor o...
Nov 30, 2023•38 min
The availability of targeted therapies has changed the landscape of cancer treatment in the last few years. And two types of cancer particularly affected by these advances are melanoma and non-small cell lung carcinoma or NSCLC. What role does the laboratory play in the diagnosis and treatment of these cancers? How can pathologists and lab professionals work with oncologists to optimize biomarker testing and improve patient outcomes? On this episode of Inside the Lab, your hosts, Ms. Kelly Swail...
Nov 30, 2023•48 min
Tests that are designed in-house to fulfill a clinical need (but aren’t FDA approved) qualify as laboratory developed tests. And these LDTs are currently regulated by CLIA . But the FDA is proposing a new rule that would give them oversight of the design and development of laboratory developed tests. So, what does that mean for us? How would this new legislation impact everyday practice inside the lab? On this episode of the podcast, your hosts, Ms. Kelly Swails, MLS(ASCP), and Dr. Ali Brown, MD...
Oct 20, 2023•42 min
Working on the bench can feel like being in a black box. And as important as it is to advocate for patients, pathologists and laboratory professionals rarely have direct access to them. So, what can we do to encourage patient-centered care in the medical laboratory? On this episode of Inside the Lab, your hosts, Ms. Kelly Swails, MLS(ASCP), and Dr. Lotte Mulder, PhD, are joined by three members of the laboratory staff at University Hospital in San Antonio, Ms. Carrie Bartosh, MLS(ASCP), SV, Labo...
Sep 12, 2023•39 min•Season 4Ep. 1
We know that diverse teams perform better. In laboratory medicine, diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership not only inspires young professionals, it also promotes retention in a profession that struggles with staffing shortages. So, what’s stopping us from increasing representation and equity in laboratory leadership? What can we do to recruit a more diverse pool of job applicants and then support them in growing into lab leadership and management roles? On this episode of Inside the Lab,...
Aug 22, 2023•45 min•Season 3Ep. 15
Would you benefit from having a mentor to help you grow as a pathologist or laboratory professional? How might you benefit from becoming a mentor yourself? We get further, faster, with support, and having the right mentor accelerates your personal and professional development. But how do you find a good mentor? And what can you do to make the mentor-mentee relationship successful? On this episode of Inside the Lab, your hosts, Ms. Kelly Swails, MT(ASCP), and Dr. Lotte Mulder, PhD, are joined by ...
Jul 11, 2023•46 min•Season 3Ep. 14
What inspires a doctor to pursue pathology? Dr. Elvio Silva, MD, was drawn to pathology because it’s the only specialty in medicine where you can SEE the disease. And his patient-centered approach to studying tumors has led to breakthrough research. On this episode of Inside the Lab, Dr. Silva, Professor in the Department of Pathology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, joins our hosts, Ms. Kelly Swails, MLS(ASCP), and Dr. Ali Brown, MD, FASCP, to discuss his storied career as a gynecologic pathologis...
Jun 20, 2023•48 min
Are you dreaming of moving up the ladder and transitioning to a management position in the laboratory? Or maybe even a leadership role outside the lab? What can you do to learn the leadership skills you need to take that next step in your career? On this episode of Inside the Lab, your hosts, Ms. Kelly Swails, MLS(ASCP), and Dr. Lotte Mulder, PhD, are joined by Dr. Gary Procop, MD, MS, CEO of the American Board of Pathology, Ms. Anne Walsh-Feeks, MS, PA(ASCP), FACHE, Assistant Dean and COO for A...
May 30, 2023•43 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Do you cut corners when it comes to laboratory safety? Little things like carrying your cell phone, rolling up the sleeves of your lab coat, or skipping the hurricane drill don’t seem like a big deal in the moment. But when you consider the potential risks to you, your colleagues, your family, and anyone else you might encounter, even small safety violations can have a big impact. On this episode of Inside the Lab, your hosts, Ms. Kelly Swails, MT(ASCP), and Dr. Ali Brown, MD, FASCP, are joined ...
May 09, 2023•57 min•Season 3Ep. 11
Are you ready for Medical Laboratory Professionals Week? Our annual celebration of pathologists and medical laboratory professionals begins April 23, 2023, and this year’s theme is Saved by the Lab, a play on the popular sitcom from the 1990s, Saved by the Bell . In honor of Zack Morris and friends from Bayside High, we’re revisiting the ‘90s to explore what was going on in the world—and the world of laboratory medicine. On this LIVE episode of Inside the Lab, your host, Ms. Kelly Swails, MLS(AS...
Apr 18, 2023•17 min•Season 3Ep. 10
The medical laboratory is often seen as a black box that generates definitive results with little effort. But it’s not always that simple. What if you work up a culture and find an unusual bacteria or fungus? What do the technologists in the microbiology laboratory do to investigate these uncommon cases and provide their patients with a proper diagnosis? On this episode of Inside the Lab, our hosts, Ms. Kelly Swails, MLS(ASCP), and Dr. Ali Brown, MD, FASCP, are joined by Dr. Clare McCormick-Baw,...
Mar 28, 2023•47 min•Season 3Ep. 9
