Chock-full of Knowledge at CLMA 2015

Of the many sessions offered, I found Dr. Michael Kanter's “The Post-Analytic Phase of Laboratory Testing: When Is It Over and How Do We Optimize It?” particularly enlightening. Kanter, the Medical Director of Quality & Clinical Analysis for the Southern California Permanente Medical Group, addressed the major impact laboratories can have on patients' lives if a formal in-house protocol is established to “filter” abnormal lab results that may have “slipped thru the cracks” due to ineffective communication of results, lack of follow-up—or failure to fully take advantage of today's electronic record-keeping technology. Kanter shared facts and statistics indicating that an active program for soliciting patients back to the lab for retesting has saved countless lives.

This year, CLMA joined forces with the Society of American Federal Medical Laboratory Scientists (SAFMLS) for the conference. Established in 1971, SAFMLS is a non-profit organization created exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes related to the laboratory sciences. SAFMLS' primary objective is maintaining and enhancing high professional standards through improved laboratory policies and technology in support of the healthcare delivery systems of the Armed Forces, Public Health Services, and Veterans Administration.

Whether your goal was learning about the latest laboratory technology and products, growing through professional development, or simply connecting with other clinical laboratory professionals, CLMA's 2015 Knowledge Lab was an invaluable experience. It was also an important reminder that laboratory leaders can and do make a huge impact in the healthcare industry. Thank you, CLMA, for empowering laboratory management professionals to achieve excellence in leadership through forward-thinking educational, networking, and advocacy opportunities.