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© 2025 Inside the Lab
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ASCP's podcast for all things laboratory--if it's happening inside the lab, we're talking about it.
83 Episodes
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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 programInvolving stakeholders in the process The essential components of a success programMetrics and key performance indicators to trackResources, guidelines, and toolkits for those looking to create their own ...
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 impr...
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 hea...
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 Urg...
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 des...
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(...
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 epis...
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 Mulde...
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 Dea...
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, FAS...
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...
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 McC...
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, ...
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...
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 differ...
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 gende...
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 o...
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,...
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 byMs. Danielle Foreste...
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 ...
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 ...
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, Ph...
“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...
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...
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 Qual...
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...
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 fo...
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...
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 join...
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 Mul...
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, F...
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 a...
1Do 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 Pen...
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, ...
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 ...
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, ou...
Every human has bias, as do the organizations we build. Despite commitments to diversity and inclusion, institutional bias lives on in every industry. How does institutional bias show up in the field of pathology and laboratory medicine? And what can we do to affect change? On this episode of Inside the Lab, Dr. Dan Milner and Ms. Kelly Swails are joined by Ms. Tywauna Wilson, MBA, MLS(ASCP)CM, System Technical Director of Chemistry for CompuNet Clinical Laboratories and Founder o...
The World Health Organization cites antimicrobial resistance, or AMR, as one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 2.8 million people in the U.S. contract an antibiotic-resistant infection every year—and more than 35,000 die. What do laboratory professionals need to know about the emerging data around antimicrobial resistance? And what can we do in the lab to support infection prevention and contro...
In general, consolidating several microbiology labs into one and automating our processes facilitates innovation and efficiency and creates a safer patient environment. But consolidation and total laboratory automation (TLA) also come with challenges. So, what do pathologists and laboratory professionals need to think about as we transition to centralized labs and implement TLA systems? On this episode of Inside the Lab, our hosts Dr. Dan Milner and Ms. Kelly Swails are joined by Dr. Sa...
The principal tenet of medicine is to “first, do no harm.” And yet, the U.S. healthcare sector is responsible for 8.5% to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. What can we do in the clinical laboratory to deliver care with a smaller carbon footprint? On this episode of Inside the Lab, our hosts Dr. Dan Milner and Ms. Kelly Swails are joined by Dr. Ilyssa Gordon, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Pathology and Medical Director for Sustainability at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Cassandra Thi...
The clinical laboratory workforce is crucial to the U.S. healthcare system, providing critical information in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of disease. And yet, the number of laboratory professionals continues to shrink. What can we do to reverse this trend? On this episode of Inside the Lab, Dr. Lotte Mulder and guest host Ms. Edna Garcia, Director of Scientific Engagement and Research at ASCP’s Institute for Science, Technology and Policy in Washington, DC, are joined by Ms...
Although the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, it’s never too early to start planning for the next global health crisis. What have we learned as pathologists and laboratory professionals over the last 18 months? And how can we apply these key learnings to prepare for the next pandemic? On this episode of Inside the Lab, our hosts Dr. Lotte Mulder and Ms. Kelly Swails are joined by Dr. Omai Garner, PhD, Associate Clinical Professor and Director of Clinical Microbiology in the UCLA Heal...
Pathology administrators are tasked with the recruitment, retention, and management of laboratory staff. But how do you attract personnel for hard-to-fill positions? And how do you help young pathologists and laboratory professionals advance their careers and become the next generation of leaders? On this episode of Inside the Lab, our hosts Dr. Lotte Mulder and Ms. Kelly Swails are joined by Ms. Kelley Suskie, MHSA, FACMPE, Administrator for the Department of Internal Medicine at the ...
Digital pathology refers to everything from a static image of a slide to a real-time broadcast image. So, what do laboratory professionals mean when we talk about using digital pathology? What infrastructure is necessary beyond the scanners themselves? And what is driving the adoption of digital pathology tools? On this episode of Inside the Lab, Dr. Dan Milner and guest host Dr. Joe Sirintrapun, MD, Director of Pathology Informatics at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, are joined...
In medical circles, we say, “When you hear hoofbeats, look for horses, not zebras,” as a reminder that when people present with a given set of symptoms, the diagnosis is generally something common. But sometimes it IS a zebra, and patients sometimes DO have a rare condition like the one we’re exploring in this episode—breast implant associated lymphoma or BIA-ALCL. On this episode of Inside the Lab, our hosts Dr. Dan Milner and Ms. Kelly Swails are joined by Dr. Kirill Lyapichev, MD, Mo...
The ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) is the gold standard of certification for pathologists and laboratory professionals. And while the committees who put together these exams don’t want candidates to fail, they DO want to ensure that the right people are caring for patients. With that standard in mind, how is a BOC exam put together? On this episode of Inside the Lab, our hosts Dr. Lotte Mulder and Ms. Pat Tanabe are joined by Ms. Kathleen Finnegan, MS, MT(ASCP)SHCM, retired Clinical ...
Multiple companies are in the process of launching universal cancer screening (UCS) technologies. And while the ability to identify tumors earlier will be revolutionary, especially for for patients with less common cancers, there are still a lot of questions around how to read the reports and apply the results. So, what do pathologists and laboratory professionals need to know about these multicancer screenings and how such tests might affect our daily practice in the immediate future? ...
It is our duty as medical professionals to provide the safest blood possible for patients undergoing a transfusion. Hemovigilance is crucial in ensuring that the blood products we use are of the highest quality. So, how does the data collection and reporting process work? On this episode of Inside the Lab, our hosts Dr. Dan Milner and Ms. Kelly Swails are joined by Dr. Chester Andrzejewski, MD, Medical Director of System Blood Banking and Transfusion Medicine Services at Baystate Health...
Conflict in the workplace is not necessarily a bad thing. When managed well, it can lead to learning and improve an organization overall. But when conflict is managed poorly or not at all, it makes for a combative environment where people feel disrespected and can’t do their best work. On this episode of Inside the Lab, our hosts Dr. Lotte Mulder and Ms. Kelly Swails are joined by Dr. Karim E. Sirgi, MD, MBA, FCAP, Founder and CEO of Sirgi Consulting and President of the American Pathol...
An autopsy is the final chapter in a patient’s life. And while it can be a research tool, its underlying purpose is to give the family closure. So, what does the death certification process look like? How does the work of autopsy pathologists serve patients, their families, and the community at large? On this episode of Inside the Lab, our hosts Dr. Dan Milner and Ms. Kelly Swails are joined by Dr. Wendy Lavezzi, MD, Deputy Chief Medical Examiner for the Districts 5 and 24 Medical Exami...
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