ASCP is committed to developing policies that improve public health through the practice of laboratory medicine. One of the ways that the Society participates in public policy is through our delegation to the American Medical Association (AMA). So, what does it mean to be an ASCP delegate to the AMA? How well is pathology represented within the AMA House of Delegates? And why does that representation matter? On this episode of Inside the Lab, your hosts Dr. Ali Brown, MD, FASCP, and Dr. Lotte Mu...
Mar 07, 2023•45 min•Season 3Ep. 8
ASCP’s Resident In-Service Exam, better known as RISE, began in 1983, and it was designed as a study tool for board exams. But RISE has evolved over time in response to feedback from program directors and residents alike, adapting to remain relevant to practice and help students identify their individual strengths and weaknesses. So, what do you need to know about the Resident In-Service Exam and how it can ensure your success as an emerging pathologist or laboratory professional? On this episod...
Feb 14, 2023•38 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Castleman Disease: Case-based Microlearning Activity Overview This CME/CMLE-accredited, case-based microlearning activity is designed to help laboratory team members increase their knowledge, skills, and competence in diagnosing multicentric Castleman disease and to be informed of changes in clinical practice guidelines. Through a series of four 15-minute cases developed by a multidisciplinary team, you will gain a greater understanding of multicentric Castleman disease, how to differentiate it ...
Feb 09, 2023•52 min
Data is fundamental to the modern world. From education to healthcare to economic development and public policy, we rely on data to allocate resources and make decisions. In Caroline Criado Perez’s groundbreaking book, Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men , she contends that there’s a gender data gap. And because the bulk of the world’s data is based on male bodies and behaviors, we live in a world that caters to men and disadvantages women. How does this gender data g...
Jan 24, 2023•43 min•Season 3Ep. 6
In medicine, we’re taught to recognize hoofbeats as horses rather than zebras. But what happens when a surgical pathology diagnosis really is a zebra? What is the best way to approach a challenging case? And how do you know when to ask for help? On this episode of Inside the Lab, our hosts, Ms. Kelly Swails, MT(ASCP), and Dr. Ali Brown, MD, FASCP, are joined by Dr. Cesar Moran, MD , Tenured Professor of Pathology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, to share some of the most cha...
Jan 03, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Medical laboratories, in general, struggle with visibility. And laboratory professionals rarely get the recognition they deserve for the important work that they do. The Leading Laboratories program is on a mission to change that. This partnership between ASCP and The Joint Commission seeks to recognize excellence in laboratory practice, awarding the Leading Laboratories designation to labs with an exemplary focus on impacting quality patient outcomes. On this episode of Inside the Lab, our host...
Dec 13, 2022•45 min•Season 3Ep. 4
During this recorded 2022 ASCP Annual Meeting session, multidisciplinary faculty will discuss the science and latest evidence on emerging biomarkers, resistance mutations, immuno-oncology (I-O) resistance mechanisms, and I-O treatment options (e.g., combination therapy involving CTLA-4 inhibitors) in metastatic NSCLC. In addition, they will address how to integrate next generation sequencing (NGS) into your biomarker testing workflows and optimize its use for patients. Finally, they will share b...
Nov 03, 2022•44 min
So, you like your job as a medical laboratory professional, but you’re restless. You have dreams of a bigger life. One that allows you to serve others and satisfy your wanderlust. You might consider becoming a Regional Medical Laboratory Scientist with the US State Department, a role that requires an affinity for travel, a passion for service, and a well-rounded background on the bench. On this episode of Inside the Lab, our host, Ms. Kelly Swails, is joined by Ms. Danielle Forester, MLS(ASCP)CM...
Nov 01, 2022•47 min•Season 3Ep. 3
The emergence of HER2-low therapies for metastatic breast cancer is a paradigm shift in the traditional binary classification of a patient’s HER2 status, creating a need for practice changes in pathology necessitated by the expansion in how HER2-low breast cancer needs to be classified and treated. During this recorded 2022 ASCP Annual Meeting session, a moderated expert faculty panel will discuss evolving and emerging trends in breast cancer classification and reporting across the HER2+ spectru...
Oct 20, 2022•56 min
In the 100 years since its founding in 1922, the American Society for Clinical Pathology has guided the application and evolution of pathology and laboratory medicine. But how much do you know about the history of ASCP? On this episode of Inside the Lab recorded live at the ASCP Annual Meeting in Chicago, our hosts, Ms. Kelly Swails and Dr. Lotte Mulder, are joined by Team Total Kuality, Dr. Kamran Mirza, MD, PhD , Associate Professor of Pathology at Loyola Medicine, and Dr. Theresa Tellier-Cast...
Oct 11, 2022•26 min
What are MLS education programs doing to address the workforce shortage in the medical lab and provide opportunities for career advancement? On this episode of Inside the Lab, our hosts, Ms. Patricia Tanabe and Ms. Kelly Swails, are joined by Ms. Patricia Ellinger, MSEd, MLS(ASCP)CMSBBCM, MLS Faculty and Former MLS Program Director at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota, Ms. Sue Johnson, MSTM, MT(ASCP)CMSBBCM, Director of Clinical Education at Versiti and Director of the Transfusi...
Sep 20, 2022•45 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Since its inception in 1922, the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) has worked to provide excellence in education, certification, and advocacy on behalf of patients, pathologists, and laboratory professionals. And while the implementation of these principles has changed dramatically in the last 100 years, the core values of the organization have not. ASCP maintains its patient focus and ongoing commitment to education and standardization. On this episode of Inside the Lab, our hosts,...
Aug 30, 2022•35 min•Season 2Ep. 23
Baby boomers are competitive, self-actualizing, and results-oriented, while Gen Xers are pragmatic, independent, and adaptable. Millennials are known for being team-oriented, creative and resilient, and Gen Zers are entrepreneurial, compassionate, and open to change. But how do the perspectives of different generations play out inside the medical laboratory? On this episode of Inside the Lab, our hosts, Dr. Lotte Mulder and Ms. Kelly Swails are joined by Dr. James Crawford, MD, PhD , Chair of Pa...
Aug 09, 2022•50 min•Season 2Ep. 22
“It's a magical time in the hospital at night. It's a time that you can learn and a time that you can kind of have some independence ... with a small group of people that you trust, that are very good, just doing your job.” —Dr. Cathy Cooper Have you ever considered working the night shift in the medical laboratory? As with anything, there are pros and cons to working nights as a laboratory professional. If it’s a good fit for your personality, the night shift affords the opportunity to learn to...
Jul 19, 2022•53 min•Season 2Ep. 21
In the introduction to Glennon Doyle’s latest memoir, she asks herself, “Who was I before I became who the world told me to be?” We’re all affected by social conditioning and make choices based on others’ expectations. And all too often, we make ourselves smaller to fit in the “cage” of what’s socially acceptable. So, what can we do to break free from social conditioning and start accepting our authentic selves? On this episode of Inside the Lab, our hosts, Dr. Lotte Mulder and Ms. Kelly Swails ...
Jul 12, 2022•54 min•Season 2Ep. 20
Most pathologists have limited face-to-face interaction with patients. And yet, many patients would benefit from the opportunity to discuss their lab results with a content expert. What can pathologists and laboratory professionals do to connect with the people we serve? How do we make ourselves available to patients and engage them as partners on their wellness journey? On this episode of Inside the Lab, our hosts, Dr. Lotte Mulder and Dr. Ali Brown, Chief Officer of Medical Quality at ASCP, ar...
Jun 21, 2022•53 min•Season 2Ep. 19
Anatomic pathology has evolved dramatically in the last 100 years, moving from an entirely subjective practice to a standardized, evidence-based discipline. Who were the pioneers in developing this modern approach? How have testing processes and laboratory technology changed over time? And what can we learn from the last century of anatomic pathology to help us move the profession forward? On this episode of Inside the Lab, our hosts Ms. Kelly Swails and Dr. Dan Milner are joined by Dr. Sanjay M...
May 31, 2022•55 min•Season 2Ep. 18
In October 2020, the University of Vermont Medical (UVM) Center fell victim to a cyberattack, and the leadership team intentionally shut down their system to prevent patient information from escaping the network. UVM Health was offline for 25 days. On this episode of Inside the Lab, our hosts, Ms. Kelly Swails and Mr. Mark Moen, are joined by Dr. Toby Cornish, MD, PhD , Associate Professor and Vice Chair of Pathology Informatics at the University of Colorado and Associate Editor for Informatics ...
May 10, 2022•45 min•Season 2Ep. 17
National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week—often known as Lab Week—is a fun time to be a pathologist or laboratory professional and celebrate our role on the medical team. But Lab Week can be more than just potluck dinners and lab-themed games. It’s an opportunity to learn from our colleagues, lift each other up and let our communities know what we do for patients. So, how has Lab Week changed through the years? And how can we make the most of Lab Week moving forward? On this episode of Insi...
Apr 26, 2022•48 min•Season 2Ep. 16
One important challenge that ASCP is taking on is the notion of visibility of the laboratory. What do successful clinical pathology lab directors do to bring the laboratory ‘out of the basement’ and advocate for the profession with colleagues, hospital leadership and the public at large? And what skills do they lean on to manage their labs successfully and achieve a healthy work-life balance? On this episode of Inside the Lab, our hosts Dr. Dan Milner and Ms. Kelly Swails are joined by Dr. Sarah...
Mar 29, 2022•48 min•Season 2Ep. 15
ASCP was the first medical professional organization to elect a woman as president when Dr. Emma Moss earned the title in 1955. And while women continue to make strides in the field of pathology and laboratory medicine, there is still much to be done. So, what can we do to promote gender equality in the laboratory workforce? How can we create more opportunities for women to ascend from the bench to positions of leadership? On this episode of Inside the Lab, our hosts Dr. Lotte Mulder and Ms. Kel...
Mar 15, 2022•54 min•Season 2Ep. 14
In the 100 years since ASCP was founded, our mission has always centered on taking care of patients. As long as there are disparities in the healthcare system, we cannot fully realize that ambition. So, what is ASCP’s vision around diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I)? What steps can we take to promote DE&I in the field of pathology and laboratory medicine? On this episode of Inside the Lab, our hosts Dr. Lotte Mulder and Ms. Kelly Swails are joined by Dr. Melissa Upton, MD, FASCP , Em...
Mar 08, 2022•54 min•Season 2Ep. 13
This podcast will help pathologists gain deeper skills in improving HER2 IHC testing in patients with breast cancer. and includes the following topics: Optimizing IHC scoring across the HER2 spectrum in patients with breast cancer Guidelines for conducting IHC and ISH testing of HER2 in patients with breast cancer Application through cases of patients with breast cancer along the lower spectrum of HER2 expression Suggestions for effective coordination and collaboration among pathologists, oncolo...
Feb 28, 2022•54 min
This 45-minute podcast is the first of two designed to help pathologists understand the latest evidence regarding HER2-low breast cancer, HER2 testing guidelines, the implications for the pathology team as HER2-low therapies emerge, and ways to streamline communications with oncologists and other members of the cancer care team. The podcast features authentic patient cases, scenarios, and discussion of digital slide images to engage learners. This first podcast will help pathologists understand ...
Feb 28, 2022•48 min
This 45-minute podcast features the expertise of a pathologist and an oncologist highlighting important and practice-changing developments related to the use of Ki67 biomarker testing in patients with HR-positive/HER2-negative early breast cancer, such as new clinical data with immediate implications for patient care. Case-based, and with expert perspectives and recommendations, this podcast addresses key educational gaps and controversies related to optimal Ki67 biomarker testing methods, inclu...
Feb 28, 2022•45 min
Life hacks are tricks or shortcuts that make life easier and more efficient, like storing the roll of garbage bags at the bottom of your trash bin so the next bag is right there when you take out the trash. In the world of anatomic pathology, tissue and organ samples run through multiple processes to render a diagnosis, it’s especially important that to stay organized and efficient. So, what life hacks can pathologists and medical laboratory scientists leverage to make our life in the anatomic p...
Feb 15, 2022•46 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Do you do your best work in the morning? Or does your energy peak at night? What if you could schedule your day around your circadian rhythms so the task type and timing align? How might laboratory professionals leverage these hidden patterns of the day to maximize efficiency and make better decisions? On this episode of Inside the Lab, our hosts Dr. Lotte Mulder and Dr. Dan Milner are joined by Dr. Rina Kansal, MD , former Medical Director of Diagnostic Molecular Pathology at Penn State Health ...
Feb 01, 2022•53 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Organizational wellness is getting more attention , due in no small part to the increased stress brought on by a global pandemic. But why do we only seem to think about wellness when we feel unwell? What does wellness look like for pathologists and laboratory professionals? And what responsibility do institutions and individuals have in making wellness a priority? On this episode of Inside the Lab, our hosts Dr. Lotte Mulder and Ms. Kelly Swails are joined by Dr. Alae Kawam, MD , Pathology Resid...
Jan 18, 2022•54 min•Season 2Ep. 10
What would ASCP members like to see happen in the next five to ten years that would most impact our lives and work as laboratory professionals? And what can ASCP do as an organization to elevate laboratory medicine as a profession and address the greatest challenges we face? On this episode of Inside the Lab, Dr. Dan Milner sits down with attendees of the ASCP 2021 Annual Meeting to explore what ASCP can do to advocate for higher wages and increase the visibility of medical lab professionals. Th...
Dec 14, 2021•24 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Wellness is multidimensional. In addition to our physical health, wellness encompasses our mental, social, emotional and even financial wellbeing. It’s no surprise that there’s a connection between the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in an organization and the wellbeing of the laboratory professionals who work or train there. Programs that address the unique needs of every employee are integral in creating an equitable, inclusive workplace. On this episode of Inside the Lab, our hosts Dr...
Nov 30, 2021•58 min•Season 2Ep. 8
