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Nathan H. Johnson, Ph.D., DLM
Spotlight on the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences
| By Nathan Johnson
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Health Professions (CHP) is home to the nation’s oldest and largest Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program, a testament to its long-standing commitment to excellence and innovation in healthcare education. Since 1918, then under the name of the University of Arkansas School of Medicine, laboratory professionals have been trained in Little Rock and have continuously evolved to meet the ever-changing demands of the healthcare industry.
Recognizing the need for flexible learning options, the Department of Laboratory Sciences MLS program offers on-campus as well as an extensive MLT-MLS online program that allows students from across the country to benefit from its renowned curriculum and exceptional faculty. The MLS program has also pioneered an option for students in underserved medical communities to attend didactic classes virtually and attend internships in hospitals near their home, allowing them to avoid relocating for their education. Through virtual labs and interactive coursework, students engage in practical, hands-on learning that is essential for developing the technical skills required in the field. The Department of Laboratory Science has over 300 students graduate from these programs each year.
One of the hallmarks of the UAMS Medical Laboratory Science program is its exceptional faculty. Comprised of experienced medical laboratory scientists, the faculty is dedicated to inspiring and mentoring the next generation of laboratory professionals.
As the Chair of the Department and Program Director, I am so proud of all the efforts of the faculty and staff. Our 13 faculty and 20 adjuncts are amazing, the impact they are having is unmatched. In my opinion, we have the best faculty and support staff! The College of Health Professions, specifically Dr. Long and her team, has always supported us and that has fueled our growth. We still have more work to do, as Arkansas and the nation have many vacant MLS positions.
In the Department of Laboratory Sciences, student success is a top priority. By offering multiple paths for students to complete the MLS program, the MLS program can support individuals at any stage of their academic journey. The Department of Laboratory Sciences has established partnerships with healthcare organizations in multiple states to provide students with valuable clinical internships, bridging the gap between academia and practice. The faculty prides itself on treating each student as an individual, each with their own unique career goals.
The MLS faculty promotes instilling professionalism in students, actively engaging in professional organizations, setting a strong example by taking leadership roles. Cherika Robertson, M.Ed., MLS(ASCP)CM, assistant program director for the on-campus MLS program and president of the Arkansas chapter of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS-AR) emphasizes that the Department of Laboratory Sciences values membership in professional laboratory organizations. Department faculty serve on state, regional, and national committees within the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (ASCLS). Each year, students and faculty participate in the Arkansas Laboratory Conference, hosted by the Arkansas Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.
Lindsay Gilbert, the M.Ed., MLS(ASCP)CM, associate and tenured professor, leads outreach initiatives for MLS students, providing opportunities to assist in laboratories located in developing countries as well as UAMS’s student-run free clinic, the 12th Street Health & Wellness Center.
Thao Vu, M.S., MLS(ASCP)CM, assistant professor, promotes social fellowship and volunteer activities as the Laboratory Sciences Student Association (Laboratory Sciences Student Association) advisor for the on-campus students. In conjunction with ASCLS-AR Conference, each year the society hosts a statewide quiz bowl competition for students completing Medical Laboratory Technician and MLS education programs across the state of Arkansas. The UAMS Quiz Bowl team has been the reigning champion of this event for the past three years.
I and the department’s faculty are especially proud that while national pass rates on the national certification exam have gone down in recent years, the UAMS pass rates have remained strong, well above the national average. The department remains committed to excellence in education, research, and innovation and will continue efforts to provide even more medical laboratory scientists to Arkansas and the nation.