So…who works in The Lab?
If you read the section on Lab Humor you will pick up on a tone relating to how the average person reacts to a scientist - the glazed eye look. One might conclude from those remarks that people who work in The Lab are introverts, geeks, generally interested in science more than anything else.
Nothing could be further from the truth. People who work in The Lab are keenly interested in a GOOD OUTCOME for the patients they serve. They focus on continuously improving their skills and performance, for their job’s sake - yes, but also for the benefit of the patient. They are constantly exploring new science looking for advancements that signal the next generation of technology, constantly seeking ways to improve on disease detection or advance treatment evaluation to ensure patient response to therapy is ever improving.
All who practice medicine are faced by the enormous quantity of information pouring forth from basic scientific research; for example, consider the barrage of daily (hourly) advertisements in the media for new monoclonal therapies for psoriasis. Keeping up with the accumulation of knowledge in health care is a daunting task. Much of that enhanced knowledge evolves from the transition of research into practice, some of it supported by The Lab. As new science evolves, new tests are created. One of the major tasks of The Lab is to keep health care providers up to date on these advances so that they can employ this information to the benefit of their patient. Lab staff derive satisfaction by participating in the provision of clinically meaningful information, especially in the context of the distracting and sometimes misleading information that spews forth from the internet.
With this introduction, let me try to describe the typical Lab person:
They are highly educated; an undergraduate degree in science is the basis for entry into the field. Most will go on for advanced degrees: certification in Medical Technology (ASCP), Masters of Science (MS), Masters in Business Administration (MBA), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Medical Doctor (MD), or MD, PhD.
They are dedicated: It takes years to achieve the education level necessary to advance in the field. One cannot do this without commitment and dedication.
They are adaptable. Science is ever-changing. One must be able to go with the flow, adapt, be constantly aware of change, understand that what you knew previously may be obsolete, willing and able to accept new concepts and adopt them, willingly. Key descriptor: ADAPTABLE
They are motivated. As mentioned in the section describing what goes on inside The Lab, few patients understand the role The Lab plays in their care. Few lab staff experience outward appreciation from the patient for the work The Lab does on their behalf. Therefore, Lab staff must be self-motivated, understand the importance of their work, and take satisfaction from the work. Work performed by The Lab makes a difference in patient care. Because of the general lack of recognition for the work performed, Lab staff must be SELF-MOTIVATED.
They are team players. One cannot survive for long in science without operating in a stimulating environment interacting with other motivated scientists. Continuous exchange of thoughts and ideas with others focused on the same goal allows for evaluation of current practice, adoption of new concepts, and integration of proven concepts into day-to-day activities in a manner that is agreed upon by all involved. As in athletics, no single superstar creates a win. Integration of tested practice into the daily routine facilitated by all players working in concert creates the win-win for the patient. To perform well, they must all be TEAM PLAYERS.
Throughout my career I worked in an environment were all actions were guided by one stated goal: THE NEEDS OF THE PATIENT COME FIRST. Decisions were made on that basis. If it is best for the patient, then that’s what The Lab does. If that means staff work around the clock day in day out, then that is what happens. When we understand that goal, patients derive the benefit. To function well as a Team, Lab staff are highly GOAL ORIENTED.
The Core of the Lab is well trained, dedicated people, focused on a goal, with access to state of the art technology.
Staff find their work satisfying because they know they MAKE A DIFFERENCE…patients receive the correct diagnosis, are triaged quickly, and move on to appropriate care and treatment so that they can quickly resume their regular life activities. THIS IS WHAT THE LAB IS ALL ABOUT, it is why people work in The Lab, and it is what makes the people who work in The Lab happy.
