The Clinical Laboratory Management Association’s KnowledgeLab 2016 was held for a second year in a row in sunny Orlando, FL, March 20 – March 23, at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. And yes, Mickey Mouse did make an appearance at Saturday night’s attendee dinner, just in case you were wondering!
Additional highlights included (1) SAFMLS (Society of American Federal Medical Laboratory Scientists) attendees who support the health care delivery systems of the Armed Forces, Public Health Services and Veterans Administration; (2) the new CLMA Laboratory Leadership Academy which featured an all-day, pre-conference workshop that combined innovative programming with content designed to enhance the leadership skills of laboratory managers; and my personal favorite, (3) the general session keynote speakers.
Monday’s general session featured the entertaining Dr. Edward T. Creagan, a cancer and palliative care specialist who understands, practices and teaches the role of stress, resiliency and durability while facing adversity. A board certified medical oncologist and professor at the Mayo Clinic, Creagan’s session, entitled, “How to Survive the Stress of Life in the 21st Century: Insider Tips to Go the Distance” had the audience snickering, singing and scrambling to download his free self-help book, “How NOT to be My Patient.” The takeaway? The future is for the fit – meaning, ALWAYS be sure to take care of your mind and body, first. Your good health is what will allow you to take good care of others – which is ultimately what we, as laboratorians, collegues, parents and partners strive to do.
Thanks to everyone who visited the MLO booth to say HELLO and support our magazine. We are happy to serve you and to be part of such an empowering and evolving industry. As always, it was great to reconnect, stay relevant and keep ahead of the curve at KnowledgeLab 2016! Hope to see you all again in 2017!
