Ep08: The Laboratory's Role in Inclusion

The recent protests and social unrest have reignited the conversation around diversity and inclusion in the U.S. But what is the laboratory’s role in inclusion? And how can our efforts to create an inclusive environment in pathology and laboratory medicine departments help us better serve our patients and build a more equitable healthcare system overall? 

On this episode of Inside the Lab, our hosts Dr. Lotte Mulder and Ms. Kelly Swails are joined by Dr. Melissa Upton, MD, FASCP, Associate Director of the Pathology Residency Program at the University of Washington and Chair of the ASCP Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Dr. Darryl Elzie, PsyD, MHA, MT(ASCP), CQA(ASQ), Laboratory Quality Coordinator for the Sentara Healthcare System, and Dr. Yvette Marie Miller, MD, Executive Medical Officer for the Red Cross Donor and Client Support Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, to discuss the laboratory’s role in inclusion and why it is crucial for laboratory staff to reflect the communities in which they serve. 

The panelists share the current statistics around diversity in the laboratory and explore inclusion as a separate focus, stressing the importance of an environment where minority employees feel empowered to speak up and show up as their authentic selves. Listen in for insight on creating a safe space to discuss racial concerns and learn how lab professionals can cultivate a diverse, inclusive environment and partner with patients to deliver equitable access to healthcare. 

Key Takeaways 

· The laboratory’s role in inclusion and the impact of unconscious bias on a pathology team
· Why it’s crucial for the laboratory staff to reflect the communities in which we serve
· How the laboratory can leverage education and outreach programs to address healthcare inequity
· Current statistics around diversity in the laboratory and why pathology residency programs struggle to create a diverse environment
· How to create a safe space for minority employees to discuss racial concerns
· The challenges associated with racial discussions in the workplace and the importance of acting upon them
· The panelists’ vision of a diverse and inclusive workplace

Connect with ASCP 

ASCP
ASCP on Facebook
ASCP on Instagram
ASCP on Twitter 

Connect with Dr. Upton 

Dr. Upton at the University of Washington
Dr. Upton on Twitter 

Connect with Dr. Elzie 

Dr. Elzie on Lablogatory
Dr. Elzie on LinkedIn 

Connect with Dr. Miller 

Dr. Miller at the Red Cross
Dr. Miller at the American Association of Blood Banks 

Connect with Dr. Mulder & Ms. Swails 

Dr. Mulder on Twitter
Ms. Swails on Twitter