Whether diagnosed with a connective tissue disorder, witnessing traumatic health events, or experiencing homelessness, this year’s American Proficiency Institute (API) Scholarship winners have overcome significant obstacles in pursuit of a medical laboratory science degree.
API awarded $2,000 scholarships to: Katie Fuehrer, a senior at Montana State University; Mary Glossop, a senior at the University of Cincinnati; Alexandra Jarreau, a senior at Louisiana State University Health Science Center – New Orleans; Nicole Parham, a senior at Old Dominion University; and Tytiana Taylor, a senior at Millersville University.
“I became passionate about understanding medical laboratory science through my own experience of being diagnosed with a chronic genetic illness,” explained Ms. Fuehrer. “I have been able to learn how hospital laboratory testing works and, most importantly, impacted patients’ lives.”
Ms. Parham said, “I became aware that a clinical laboratory scientist follows the blood through the entire process of running tests and reviewing results. After drawing blood from a man who later died, I realized the patient had a heart attack.”
“Getting a few tubes of blood drawn could lead to a diagnosis that changes somebody’s life,” said Ms. Glossop. After battling her own array of debilitating symptoms, “the care I have received from my conditions ignited the drive I have to lend a helping hand.”
“I first realized what clinical laboratory science was when my grandmother was admitted to a hospital,” noted Ms. Taylor. “A sample of her blood was taken to the lab to diagnose cardiac arrest. Laboratory scientists have a direct impact on the lives of many patients.”
“The cure for terrible autoimmune disorders, cancers, and other debilitating diseases is dependent on the complex testing done by clinical lab scientists,” added Ms. Jarreau. “It is important that we have well-trained individuals.”
Now in its 15th year, the API Scholarship Program provides funding to students as they pursue their clinical laboratory science education.
