Off the Bench

In this episode, co-hosts Sophia Chandrasekar and Doryan Redding reflect on the 2023 ASCLS, AGT & SAFMLS Joint Annual Meeting (JAM). They also share advice given by JAM attendees to prospective and new medical laboratory science students and new laboratorians.

Hosts Sophia Chandrasekar and Doryan Redding speak with Luis Plaza, MLS (ASCP)CM, the host of the Let's Talk Micro podcast. Join the hosts as they speak to Luis as to how he got started, his motivations, and more!

During the 2023 ASCLS, AGT & SAFMLS Joint Annual Meeting (JAM) in Providence, RI, Off the Bench hosted and recorded the first ever JAM Query Check (QC) live show focused on questions related, and somewhat related, to medical laboratory science. Three contestants went buzzer-to-buzzer in friendly competition in categories both scientific and not-so-scientific. Audience members even got in on the action as lifelines for the contestants.

In this episode guests Dr. Kyle Riding and Emily Woten join a roundtable discussion with hosts Sophia Chandrasekar and Galina Dronova about mental health, burnout, and mindfulness in the laboratory. Learn the signs of burnout and discover some tools and techniques to manage, prevent, and alleviate it.

What do MDMA, Ketamine, Psilocybin, and DMT have in common? All four previously considered as "drugs of abuse" are now moving into the therapeutic space for life affirming treatments. In this episode, host Galina Dronova and Dr. Frederick Strathmann discuss the current limitations of laboratory testing and what the future holds.
References
Contact Dr. Frederick Strathmann: frederick.strathmann@mobilionsystems.com
Psychedelic Movement Sees 2023 Catalysts in State Laws, Drug Trials
Legal Use of Hallucinogenic Mushrooms Begins in Oregon
Special thanks go out to our episode sponsor, the University of Cincinnati Online.

In this episode, Galina Dronova and Allison Germ outline and provide tips on how to host a trivia night for lab folks—perfect for Lab Week! And, we introduce our first Doryan's Takes, with Doryan Redding reflecting on what Lab Week means for her. Special thanks go out to our episode sponsor, the University of Cincinnati Online.

Host Sophia Chandrasekar makes an announcement about a short break for the podcast and exciting plans for the return in March 2023.

Wrap up 2022 with host Galina Dronova and Elizabeth Power, a sought after speaker, consultant, and CEO of EPower & Associates, as we discuss the importance of community in our personal and professional journeys. Listen for  advice on how to build community with patients and care teams.
Learn more about Elizabeth:www.elizabethpower.com
Book references:
The Seven Levels of Intimacy: the Art of Loving and the Joy of Being Loved by Matthew Kelly
The Four Agreements: a Practical Guide to Personal Freedom, a Toltec Wisdom Book by don Miguel Ruiz

Host Galina Dronova sits down with Tori Nemitz and Dean Derhaag to talk about the crucial role and "a day in the life" of Point of Care specialists as the extroverted faces of the lab. Learn about wins, challenges, and their thoughts on nurses performing complex lab testing. 

Join host Sophia Chandrasekar and guest Danielle Adank, MS, graduate student at Vanderbilt University, as they discuss the differences and similarities of a medical research laboratory vs a medical/clinical laboratory. The two also discuss the importance of seeing women and women-identifying people in STEM on social media, especially in traditionally male dominated scientific spaces. Follow Danielle on Instagram at @femme_in_stem.