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SCACM Leadership Role Helps Jonathan Grant Advance Education and Networking in Clinical Microbiology

By Lynn McCain | October 29

Grant Jonathan 500.jpgWhen Jonathan Grant first joined Michigan Medicine's Department of Pathology as an intern in 2018, he likely didn't envision himself leading a regional professional organization just a few years later. Today, Grant serves as Michigan State Director for the South Central Association for Clinical Microbiology (SCACM), connecting laboratory professionals across six states through education, networking, and professional development.

Grant, one of two clinical microbiology supervisors in the department, oversees operations for the afternoon and midnight shifts. He joined the department full-time in 2019 and became increasingly involved with SCACM after attending one of the organization's conferences in 2023.

"I think professional organizations create opportunities for people to network and learn," Grant said. "Not only about the science that goes on in laboratories, but also about new technologies that are being developed by our vendors."

SCACM 2026 had a great turnout. Here Dr. Paul Lephart presents to the attendees.SCACM serves laboratory professionals throughout Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Ohio. The organization promotes continuing education and professional development for medical laboratory scientists, laboratory management, laboratory directors, and others working in clinical microbiology. Although Grant initially joined the organization in 2019, pandemic-related disruptions limited opportunities for involvement. His engagement increased after he attended a spring conference and completed a volunteer "willingness to serve" form. Soon after, someone approached him about serving as Michigan State Director.

"It sounded like a pretty big job," Grant said. "But there were a lot of people who had served in the role before who were very supportive."

Among those mentors was retired Michigan Medicine employee Carol Young, who remains active in the organization and helped guide Grant as he stepped into the leadership role.

As state director, Grant organizes Michigan's annual fall meeting, which he has hosted at Washtenaw Community College for the past three years. Located minutes from Michigan Medicine, the event offers an accessible, affordable opportunity for laboratory professionals to earn continuing education credits while learning about advances in microbiology. Grant credits his manager, Tina Bard, for supporting employee participation in the conference.

"It's a pretty inexpensive meeting and allows people to get a lot of continuing education credits," he said. "It's a great introductory microbiology conference where people can learn a lot and make professional connections."

Drs. Paul Lephart (Director, Clinical Microbiology), Marten Hawkins (Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases), and Justin Henderson (MPH Enteric and Respiratory Illness Epidemiology) participated in the Cyclospora panel discussion.Several Michigan Medicine employees have played important roles in the organization and this year's meeting. They include Joanne Guan, senior technologist in the Trauma Burn Laboratory and SCACM secretary; Dr. Paul Lephart, who served as a panel speaker; and Julius Kuya, a medical laboratory scientist and one of eight featured speakers. For Grant, the most rewarding part of his involvement with SCACM is connecting with colleagues across the region and exploring emerging technologies that may shape the future of laboratory medicine.

"My favorite part is making connections with other laboratorians, vendors, and learning about the new technologies that are on the horizon," he said. "It's exciting to see the innovation and the things we might be doing in five to 10 years."

Grant encourages early-career laboratory professionals to explore involvement with organizations such as SCACM.

"I'd love people, especially those who are just starting their careers, to learn about opportunities like this and get involved," he said. "It's a great way to develop passion for what you do."

SCACM hosts annual state meetings in the fall and a regional spring conference. The next regional meeting is scheduled for Lexington, Kentucky.

 

 
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