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Questions for Medical Laboratory Technologists!
Hello, I'm a student in University in the Medical Laboratory Sciences major and I would like to ask a few questions to Medical Laboratory Technologists about their experiences in this work field. I'm very interested in this career and your answers will help me learn more about it! These are the following questions I have:
1. What inspired you to pursue your career?
2. What's the most challenging part of your career?
3. What advice would you give to someone interested in this field?
4. Do you still see yourself in the same field/area 5-10 years from now?
5. Would you say you work more independently or in teams more often in your field and what does that look like?
6. How does work-life balance look like in this profession?
7. What's one thing you wish you had known before entering in this profession?
8. What's a common misconception people have about your profession?
9. What are the biggest changes you've seen in this field since you started?
10. Are there any specific personality traits that help people thrive in this field?
Thank you in advance!!
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Kathleen’s Answer
Greetings! I will do my best to answer all your questions. I love that you are curious...that's essential in the lab world! I loved observing all things in nature as a child and learning about them. I would catch tadpoles, build a little habitat in a bucket and watch them become frogs. I loved all parts of science. Approaching college I felt the medical lab would be a good fit and it was! The biggest change throughout my career was technology. The automated hematology and chemistry analyzers were just being developed. While I loved manual methods, I learned to appreciate the marvelous analyzers and all that goes with ensuring they're functioning correctly. I worked in many different types of labs for over 40 years. I never had trouble finding a job when we moved, or I wanted a greater challenge. The lab is largely behind the scenes, and often a forgotten aspect of care to the public. But as one of my favorite physicians always said, " Without the lab we're just guessing. " It's critical to turn out accurate results! There are many different areas of a lab career. From tech to manager to consultant to regulatory inspections and I did them all. Research and Development is a growing area, too. Work life balance is good as there are options to shifts and number of days working which vary by institution. The challenge, for me, was always the feeling that the payscale was relatively low compared to other fields, but the tasks were the most vital to proper diagnosis and treatment. But I loved the work and the salaries are better these days. Would I do it again? Yes! Do I miss it, now that I'm retired. Yes, but I have a wealth of knowledge that is helpful to friends and family who are going through health care issues. And I make sure that my Healthcare workers and those of my family know and understand that I have some knowledge and experience and that they recognize that and listen to me. Nowadays friends often ask me about their lab results and it's gratifying to explain them. I applaud your career path and send good wishes as you embark on a wonderful career!
Kathie
Kathie
Thank you for answering, Kathie! I was having second thoughts about this career, but now I feel much sure of what I'm getting myself into. Thank you soooo much for enlightening me haha!
Dayanara
Updated
Caroline’s Answer
Hi Dayanara!
I will try to answer your questions.
1. What inspired you to pursue your career? I always loved science and especially medical science! I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare but didn't want a lot of patient contact.
2. What's the most challenging part of your career? The bachelor's degree is challenging. Lots of chemistry and biology.
3. What advice would you give to someone interested in this field? This field is always changing and there are so many different areas in which to work.
4. Do you still see yourself in the same field/area 5-10 years from now? I have been in this field for over 20 years and I don't regret it.
5. Would you say you work more independently or in teams more often in your field and what does that look like? More independently. If you work in a large hospital lab or reference lab you will always have someone to ask questions but much of the work is done independently.
6. How does work-life balance look like in this profession? Sometimes this is challenging. This job requires rotating holidays and weekends. You have a lot of scheduling choices though so that is helpful.
7. What's one thing you wish you had known before entering in this profession? Focus on areas that you love. There are so many choices. Don't be afraid to make a change.
8. What's a common misconception people have about your profession? A lot of people don't know what happens in a medical laboratory. I think it is way more complex than most people think.
9. What are the biggest changes you've seen in this field since you started? So many changes! This is a field that is constantly changing. The technical advances made in the medical laboratory are mind boggling. This is probably one of my favorite things about this field - I love to learn new things!
10. Are there any specific personality traits that help people thrive in this field? Curiosity, love of learning, open to new experiences. Introverts do well in this field but an extravert can also thrive if they make it happen. You probably should be detail-oriented and have the ability to focus. Time management is important but this can be practiced.
I will try to answer your questions.
1. What inspired you to pursue your career? I always loved science and especially medical science! I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare but didn't want a lot of patient contact.
2. What's the most challenging part of your career? The bachelor's degree is challenging. Lots of chemistry and biology.
3. What advice would you give to someone interested in this field? This field is always changing and there are so many different areas in which to work.
4. Do you still see yourself in the same field/area 5-10 years from now? I have been in this field for over 20 years and I don't regret it.
5. Would you say you work more independently or in teams more often in your field and what does that look like? More independently. If you work in a large hospital lab or reference lab you will always have someone to ask questions but much of the work is done independently.
6. How does work-life balance look like in this profession? Sometimes this is challenging. This job requires rotating holidays and weekends. You have a lot of scheduling choices though so that is helpful.
7. What's one thing you wish you had known before entering in this profession? Focus on areas that you love. There are so many choices. Don't be afraid to make a change.
8. What's a common misconception people have about your profession? A lot of people don't know what happens in a medical laboratory. I think it is way more complex than most people think.
9. What are the biggest changes you've seen in this field since you started? So many changes! This is a field that is constantly changing. The technical advances made in the medical laboratory are mind boggling. This is probably one of my favorite things about this field - I love to learn new things!
10. Are there any specific personality traits that help people thrive in this field? Curiosity, love of learning, open to new experiences. Introverts do well in this field but an extravert can also thrive if they make it happen. You probably should be detail-oriented and have the ability to focus. Time management is important but this can be practiced.
Thank you, Caroline! Very insightful, I feel super excited to start this journey.
Dayanara