A Professional Development Model for Medical Laboratory Scientists Working in the Core Laboratory

Faheem A. Ali; Lila A. Pulido; Melinda N. Garza; Megan H. Amerson; Brandy Greenhill; Krystyna N. Brown; Shari K. Lim; Venkatesara R. Manyam; Hannah N. Nguyen; Carrie C. Prudhomme; Laura E. Regan; Willie R. Sims; Afamefuna U. Umeh; Rosemary Williams; Patricia K. Tillman; Peter C. Hu

doi:10.29074/ascls.25.2.67

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Faheem A. Ali
1. School of Health Professions, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
Lila A. Pulido
1. Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
Melinda N. Garza
1. School of Health Professions, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
Megan H. Amerson
1. School of Health Professions, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
Brandy Greenhill
1. School of Health Professions, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
Krystyna N. Brown
1. Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
Shari K. Lim
1. Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
Venkatesara R. Manyam
1. Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
Hannah N. Nguyen
1. Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
Carrie C. Prudhomme
1. Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
Laura E. Regan
1. Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
Willie R. Sims
1. Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
Afamefuna U. Umeh
1. Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
Rosemary Williams
1. Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
Patricia K. Tillman
1. Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
Peter C. Hu⇑
1. School of Health Professions, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030

Address for Correspondence: Peter Hu, PhD, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 2, Houston, TX 77030, 713-563-3095, pchu{at}mdanderson.org

Abstract

The Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has implemented a professional development model designed to further the education, expertise, and experiences of medical laboratory scientists in the core laboratory. The professional development model (PDM) has four competency levels: Discovery, Application, Maturation and Expert. All levels require the medical laboratory scientist to learn new skill sets, complete task and projects, and meet continuing education and certification requirements. Each level encourages personal development, recognizes increased competencies, and sets high standards for all services provided. Upon completion of a level within a given timeframe, the medical laboratory scientist receives a salary adjustment based on the competency level completed.

ABBREVIATIONS: PDM - professional development model; CAP - College of American Pathologists; LIS - laboratory information system; ESR - erythrocyte sedimentation rate; CE - continuing education; CSF - cerebrospinal fluid; hCG - human chorionic gonadotrophin; H&H - hemoglobin and hematocrit; QA - quality assurance; PI - performance improvement; and QC - quality control.