Despite their critical role in the delivery of life-saving diagnosis, lab professionals often feel there is a negative perception about the profession amongst other healthcare professionals and the public at large (
see Negative Perception of Lab Professionals). As team members of one of the largest industries in the country, the dedicated efforts of laboratory professionals often go unnoticed by the general public, as well as by the very institutions employing their services.
With the public now demanding the assurance of quality healthcare and professional accountability, organizations representing practitioners of this critical science have a responsibility to ensure that the public is well informed about clinical laboratory competency (see Provide the Face).
National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (NMLPW) offers a unique opportunity to improve the perception of lab professionals, educate the public and other health professionals about the critical services they offer, and to recognize these efforts within the lab and the facility to boost morale amongst professionals.
Whether it's sponsoring a pizza lunch and handing out pamphlets in the hospital lobby with facts about laboratory accomplishments, or contacting a local media outlet to spread the word about NMLPW and lab professionals, these efforts strengthen the profession.
How will you recognize your colleagues this NMLPW? How will you provide the face of the laboratory? Share your ideas below.