Imagine for a moment that it is 1:00 am and you and your toddler just arrived in the Emergency Department at the Mott Children’s Hospital. Your child is running a high fever, is lethargic, and hasn’t been able to eat or drink. You were at the pediatrician’s office a couple days ago, but the prescribed antibiotics aren’t working. You are nearly panicked, not knowing what is wrong. The triage nurse rushes your precious little one to a room where a critical care team quickly makes an assessment and draws blood, which then disappears from the room, as you await answers.
Where does this precious blood go? It is rushed as a STAT test to the Microbiology Laboratory in the Department of Pathology at Michigan Medicine. Once it has arrived, a team of dedicated medical laboratory scientists work to run the ordered tests and get answers back to the Emergency Department as soon as possible, often in less than an hour. Every day, orders like these are processed during the darkest hours of the night by the Microbiology Night Team. Night after night, this team finds answers to save the lives of babies, toddlers, children, and adults who are struggling in life-and-death battles with bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
The Microbiology Night Team is a cohesive group of Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) who have formed strong bonds of friendship, often going out for breakfast together following their 10-hour shifts. They support one another and encourage each other to maintain their mental and physical wellness through group Yoga stretching sessions, use of a massage chair in their lounge, and enjoying one another’s company. Tina Bard, Laboratory Manager of Microbiology, commented “I wish I were able to work nights. I just love this team!”
To become a member of this team, prospective employees need to have a Bachelor’s degree in medical technology or microbiology, although those with degrees in chemistry or biology are also considered. They should have ASCP certification or be board eligible. For individuals who still need to complete an internship before becoming board eligible, there are opportunities to complete their internship in the Department of Pathology, then move into a position as a MLS.
“This is a great place to work and a great opportunity for those getting started as Medical Laboratory Scientists,” explained an enthusiastic Bard. “Not only is it a great team to work with, but the benefits at the University are outstanding and there are opportunities for career growth, ongoing education, and promotion. We are all about learning, growing, and developing our staff.”
Bard continued, “We actually have a couple openings right now for the Night Team. We promoted from within creating an opening. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with the right background!” If that person may be you, check out the job posting and apply now! This is one opportunity you don’t want to miss.
ON THE COVER
Breast team reviewing a patient's slide. (From left to right) Ghassan Allo, Fellow; Laura Walters, Clinical Lecturer; Celina Kleer, Professor. See Article 2014Department Chair |
newsletter
INSIDE PATHOLOGYAbout Our NewsletterInside Pathology is an newsletter published by the Chairman's Office to bring news and updates from inside the department's research and to become familiar with those leading it. It is our hope that those who read it will enjoy hearing about those new and familiar, and perhaps help in furthering our research. CONTENTS
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ON THE COVER
Autopsy Technician draws blood while working in the Wayne County morgue. See Article 2016Department Chair |
newsletter
INSIDE PATHOLOGYAbout Our NewsletterInside Pathology is an newsletter published by the Chairman's Office to bring news and updates from inside the department's research and to become familiar with those leading it. It is our hope that those who read it will enjoy hearing about those new and familiar, and perhaps help in furthering our research. CONTENTS
|
ON THE COVER
Dr. Sriram Venneti, MD, PhD and Postdoctoral Fellow, Chan Chung, PhD investigate pediatric brain cancer. See Article 2017Department Chair |
newsletter
INSIDE PATHOLOGYAbout Our NewsletterInside Pathology is an newsletter published by the Chairman's Office to bring news and updates from inside the department's research and to become familiar with those leading it. It is our hope that those who read it will enjoy hearing about those new and familiar, and perhaps help in furthering our research. CONTENTS
|
ON THE COVER
Director of the Neuropathology Fellowship, Dr. Sandra Camelo-Piragua serves on the Patient and Family Advisory Council. 2018Department Chair |
newsletter
INSIDE PATHOLOGYAbout Our NewsletterInside Pathology is an newsletter published by the Chairman's Office to bring news and updates from inside the department's research and to become familiar with those leading it. It is our hope that those who read it will enjoy hearing about those new and familiar, and perhaps help in furthering our research. CONTENTS
|
ON THE COVER
Residents Ashley Bradt (left) and William Perry work at a multi-headed scope in our new facility. 2019Department Chair |
newsletter
INSIDE PATHOLOGYAbout Our NewsletterInside Pathology is an newsletter published by the Chairman's Office to bring news and updates from inside the department's research and to become familiar with those leading it. It is our hope that those who read it will enjoy hearing about those new and familiar, and perhaps help in furthering our research. CONTENTS
|
ON THE COVER
Dr. Kristine Konopka (right) instructing residents while using a multi-headed microscope. 2020Department Chair |
newsletter
INSIDE PATHOLOGYAbout Our NewsletterInside Pathology is an newsletter published by the Chairman's Office to bring news and updates from inside the department's research and to become familiar with those leading it. It is our hope that those who read it will enjoy hearing about those new and familiar, and perhaps help in furthering our research. CONTENTS
|
ON THE COVER
Patient specimens poised for COVID-19 PCR testing. 2021Department Chair |
newsletter
INSIDE PATHOLOGYAbout Our NewsletterInside Pathology is an newsletter published by the Chairman's Office to bring news and updates from inside the department's research and to become familiar with those leading it. It is our hope that those who read it will enjoy hearing about those new and familiar, and perhaps help in furthering our research. CONTENTS
|
ON THE COVER
Dr. Pantanowitz demonstrates using machine learning in analyzing slides. 2022Department Chair |
newsletter
INSIDE PATHOLOGYAbout Our NewsletterInside Pathology is an newsletter published by the Chairman's Office to bring news and updates from inside the department's research and to become familiar with those leading it. It is our hope that those who read it will enjoy hearing about those new and familiar, and perhaps help in furthering our research. CONTENTS
|
ON THE COVER
(Left to Right) Drs. Angela Wu, Laura Lamps, and Maria Westerhoff. 2023Department Chair |
newsletter
INSIDE PATHOLOGYAbout Our NewsletterInside Pathology is an newsletter published by the Chairman's Office to bring news and updates from inside the department's research and to become familiar with those leading it. It is our hope that those who read it will enjoy hearing about those new and familiar, and perhaps help in furthering our research. CONTENTS
|
ON THE COVER
Illustration representing the various machines and processing used within our labs. 2024Department Chair |
newsletter
INSIDE PATHOLOGYAbout Our NewsletterInside Pathology is an newsletter published by the Chairman's Office to bring news and updates from inside the department's research and to become familiar with those leading it. It is our hope that those who read it will enjoy hearing about those new and familiar, and perhaps help in furthering our research. CONTENTS
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MLabs, established in 1985, functions as a portal to provide pathologists, hospitals. and other reference laboratories access to the faculty, staff and laboratories of the University of Michigan Health System’s Department of Pathology. MLabs is a recognized leader for advanced molecular diagnostic testing, helpful consultants and exceptional customer service.