There’s that famous saying, “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” I think it can be applied to any quality, especially leadership. As a kid, I always thought it was something people were just born with in the same way that some people are just athletic and others are just funny. I think we all ...

Those of us in the laboratory profession know our scene all too well. Closed off from much of the world, listening to the hum of our instruments and running analysis after analysis, and loving every minute of it! I feel comfortable in this environment and even thrive in it, as many other that share my profession. However, are we getting the most ...

In the last few weeks and months, most of us followed the news of three trials or events that captured the attention of national media. Casey Anthony was tried for a first degree murder of her daughter, Caylee, but was acquitted. The trial lasted 6 weeks. At the end, the jury found Casey not guilty of murder or aggravated child abuse. The verdict ...

Admit it; no one likes to be criticized. In a typical work day, I receive many comments from supervisors, co-workers, and students that are uplifting and encouraging. Occasionally, I receive a negative comment criticizing something I have done or an action I have taken. How do you handle criticism? Most of us react on an impulse and start ...

My last blog was addressed to students entering our profession. This one is dedicated to new teachers joining the academic field. As a student, I experienced a typical mixture of teachers and different teaching styles. When I became one, I learned many instructional techniques to adopt in my classroom, and other teaching styles to avoid. The ...

August is here and most schools are opening their doors for new and returning students. For those entering our beloved profession, I am pleased to welcome you to an exciting and dynamic profession.  It is critically important for you to realize that health care providers and employers require graduates who are not only technically ...

I attended the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) annual meeting in Atlanta. The meeting was a great opportunity to meet members of the laboratory community. The keynote speakers demonstrated, in a debate format, the challenges faced by practicing clinicians on appropriate test selection and correct interpretation of test ...

M. Jane Hudson, PhD, MT(ASCP)SM, CLS(NCA) is retiring on June 30, 2011 after an incredible career as chairperson, program director and professor at The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS. Dr. Hudson opened her doors and arms for me back in 1993 when I was pursuing my master’s degree. She directed me in the correct path in so ...

Educators always encourage students to talk, to be vocal, and to speak their mind. We like to engage with our students in a lively intellectual discussion about learning and recent events. Students carry on vibrant conversations all day long, but once in the classroom, it becomes a challenge for them to talk or to express their feelings. It is ...

As Google and other search engines are becoming more comprehensive, the ability to discriminate between useful and misleading information becomes essential. In our classrooms, we encourage critical thinking to facilitate integration of presented material and to aid in the acquisition of new material. By learning how to think critically, students ...