In this episode co-host, Stephanie Whitehead, discusses solutions to the laboratory national workforce shortage with Jim Payne and Dana Powell Baker. Tune in as they discuss how current laboratory professionals can engage with local high schools and clinical laboratory programs to impactful and increase the laboratory workforce!

Be sure to share this episode with a high school or CLS student in your local area!

For more information on topics mentioned in this episode:

• Visit https://www.ascp.org/content/get-involved/ambassadors to learn more about the ASCP Career Ambassador program. 
• Visit http://whatsmynext.org/ to learn more about different laboratory career opportunities
•  Get a copy of the book “Some Leaders Wear Lab Coats: 7 Tips to Stand Out, Get promoted and Get Paid” (by Tywauna Wilson) to dive deeper into more tips on how to accelerate your career potential!

Also, revisit episode 15 of this podcast, “Emerging Solutions and Opportunities for the Clinical Laboratory Workface” (featuring Dana Powell Baker) for more information on this topic.

Special Guest Bio:

Jim Payne is currently the Phlebotomy and Medical Laboratory Assistant program teacher at the WEMOCO Career and Technical Education Center in Spencerport, New York. He worked in two research laboratories at the University of Rochester after graduation with a biology degree from Stony Brook University. Over the last eight years, Jim has created a comprehensive and student employable laboratory science program. His program allows students to study for a career directly out of high school in a field with high demand or as the opportunity to explore a career that allows them to enter college with the experience and passion for a field that they know they will love to work in and be successful. Listeners can connect with Jim using his email, jpayne@monroe2boces.org, or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamespayne4/.

To learn more about his laboratory program, please visit: https://www.monroe2boces.org/WEMOCO.aspx

Dana Powell Baker is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences – School of Health Professions. As an ASCP-certified Medical Laboratory Scientist, Ms. Baker’s areas of expertise include the following: Infectious Disease Testing, Immunohematology, Learning and Development, Interprofessional Education, and Healthcare Simulation. Ms. Baker has been highlighted by other professional organizations, such as AABB and ASCLS, for her voluntary contributions in both service and leadership on various committees and task forces in promoting the clinical laboratory science profession. Currently, Ms. Baker serves on the ASCP Council of Laboratory Professionals and actively engages in the mentorship of emerging laboratory professionals. Regionally, Dana is an active member of the Heart of America Association for Blood Banks (HAABB) and the Kansas City Regional Simulation Alliance (KCRSA) while serving as a Representative-at-Large for ASCLS-Kansas. Listeners can reach out to Dana Powell Baker on Twitter, instagram, Linkedin or at dbaker15@kumc.edu

Be a Supporter!

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast platform

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet or notebook so you never miss an episode!

Be sure to leave a comment, and share with a fellow medical laboratory professionals!

Be a Guest!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us at elaboratetopics@directimpactbroadcasting.com or Direct Impact Broadcasting on Social Media.