Laboratory Professionals Member Community

This community is for ASCP laboratory professional members and is aligned with those membership categories.

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  • 1.  Call for Suggestions: Women Leaders in Pathology + Laboratory Medicine

    ASCP Ambassador
    Posted 5 days ago

    We are seeking exceptional women in pathology and laboratory medicine to be featured in an upcoming profile series highlighting women leaders in the laboratory! Our goal is to spotlight diverse career paths and amplify the stories of women whose work strengthens patient care and the profession.

    If you or someone you know would like to be profiled, please email Molly Strzelecki, ASCP Director of Communications, at molly.strzelecki@ascp.org



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    Molly Strzelecki
    Director of Communications
    ASCP
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  • 2.  RE: Call for Suggestions: Women Leaders in Pathology + Laboratory Medicine

    Posted 4 days ago

    My name is Laura Jean Maglaya, and I am a dedicated Medical Laboratory Scientist specializing in Blood Bank and Transfusion Services. I am writing to provide a brief overview of my professional background and journey in the field of laboratory medicine.

    I began my career in the Philippines, where I gained foundational experience as a Medical Technologist in a tertiary hospital setting. During this time, I developed strong competencies in clinical laboratory operations, quality assurance, and patient-centered laboratory practices. My work particularly focused on immunohematology, where I cultivated a deep interest in transfusion safety, antibody identification, and complex serologic problem-solving.

    At the age of 26, I made a significant professional and personal transition by moving abroad to the United States to further advance my career and broaden my clinical experience. This decision required resilience, adaptability, and a strong commitment to continuous learning, as I navigated differences in healthcare systems, laboratory standards, and regulatory requirements.

    Since relocating, I have been actively practicing as a Medical Laboratory Scientist within a major U.S. healthcare institution, where I continue to strengthen my expertise in Blood Bank operations, including compatibility testing, antibody investigation, transfusion reaction workups, and regulatory compliance under AABB and CAP standards. I have also been pursuing ongoing professional development in preparation for advanced certification in transfusion medicine.

    My international experience has allowed me to develop a global perspective on laboratory practice, combining strong technical skills with adaptability, cultural competence, and a dedication to patient safety. I remain committed to upholding the highest professional standards and contributing meaningfully to the field of laboratory medicine.

    Thank you for your time and consideration.

    Sincerely,
    Laura Jean Maglaya, MLS(ASCP)CM






    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Call for Suggestions: Women Leaders in Pathology + Laboratory Medicine

    Posted 7 hours ago

    From Gujarat India to USA Medical Technology: My Journey of Resilience and Reinvention
    In 1991, I immigrated to the United States from India, nearing the age of 40, with two young children and 15 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. I was full of hope-but quickly realized that breaking into the professional world here would be far more challenging than I had imagined.
    I didn't have a U.S. degree or local work experience. My applications were consistently rejected. I felt invisible.
    But I didn't give up.
    After meeting with the Florida licensure department, I was encouraged to have my degree evaluated and write an essay detailing my professional experience. Though my degree was accepted, I lacked clinical laboratory experience in the U.S. and was offered a technician license.
    In March 1992, I accepted my first job as a lab technician. Finding your first job in a new country without a network is incredibly difficult, and I'm forever grateful for that opportunity. Six months later, I was given outstanding performance and a recommendation letter to apply for Medical Technologist Florida board exam.
    I passed the Florida Medical Technologist exam. By December 1992, I had earned my national certification (MT NCA) and began working at Grady Memorial Hospital, Georgia gaining deep experience in Hematology, Blood Bank, and Chemistry.
    In 1996, I earned my Specialist in Hematology (SH, ASCP) certification. Then in 2001, I joined the VA Hospital's Hematology/Oncology department with real decision-making responsibilities. In 2003, I became a Diplomate in Laboratory Management (DLM, ASCP).
    For the past 25 years, I've worked closely with physicians, fellows, and residents from Emory University, doing Bone marrow procedures, reading Bone Marrow smears, reviewing abnormal CBC smears, and contributing to the preliminary diagnosis of complex blood disorders including Anemia, leukemia, TTP, DIC, and HUS.

    I participated in Emory University medical technology program by giving few Hematology lectures. Actively involved in teaching hematology/ oncology Fellowship program.
    This journey-from rejection to recognition-has been shaped by persistence, learning, and the support of those who believe in me. As an immigrant woman navigating cultural and inclusion barriers in the 1990s, I had to work twice as hard to prove my worth. But every challenge became a steppingstone.
    Today, I'm proud of the career I've built and the impact I've made. And I'm not done yet-I still love what I do and look forward to many more years of service.
    To those who are just starting out, especially immigrants and women in STEM: keep going. Your story matters. Your skills matter. And your perseverance will pay off.

     



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    Tarulata Patel MS,CLS,SH(ASCP),DLM
    Special Hematologist
    Hematology/Oncology Department
    VAMC Atlanta.

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    Original Message