The strength of our health systems is only as strong as the laboratories and public health professionals behind them.
Recent work, including my article with the American Society for Microbiology, highlights a reality we can no longer ignore: infectious diseases once thought controlled are re-emerging, and our ability to respond depends on diagnostic readiness, laboratory expertise, and a supported #workforce.
Here's the truth: Diagnostics are not ancillary-they are foundational.
They guide clinical decisions, inform public health action, and shape outbreak response in real time. Yet across systems, they remain under-recognized and under-supported, even as their value becomes more critical every day.
At the same time, global leaders are calling for stronger preparedness systems built on early detection, coordinated surveillance, and rapid diagnostic capability to confront the next emerging threat.
This is where medical laboratory professionals and public health laboratorians stand-on the true diagnostic frontline.
More here: Re-emerging Diseases and the Need for Diagnostic Readiness
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Rodney E. Rohde, PhD, MS, SM(ASCP)CM,SVCM,MBCM, FACSc
Regents' Professor, Texas State University System
University Distinguished Chair & Professor, Medical Laboratory Science [MLS] Program
TEDx Speaker & Global Fellow – Global Citizenship Alliance
Texas State Honorary Professor of International Studies
Associate Director, Translational Health Research Initiative @txst_THR
Past President, Texas Association for CLS
Texas State University
MLS Program, Encino Hall 350B [office ENC 363]
601 University Drive
San Marcos, TX 78666-4616
512-245-3500 [CLS suite]; 512-245-2562 [office]
Email:
rrohde@txstate.eduPronouns: he/him/his
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