MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE

Graduated in 2007
Greater Detroit - Regional Director
Health Systems Operating Division
Labcorp

Q: Why did you choose Wayne State?

A: WSU is in the heart of downtown Detroit — there is a lot of appeal for the area from sporting events, restaurants, and it was still close to home. I was also lucky enough to receive a full academic scholarship, so it was an easy decision.

Q: What inspired you to pursue this career?

A: This one makes me laugh. After completing several undergrad classes, I was still undecided on what I wanted to do. I went to the library where they used to have these "pink sheets" that outlined different professions and what courses you needed for each one. I looked at what courses I had completed so far and MLS was the best match. I found MLS very intriguing as I loved science and math and I thought this would be a great fit. In the end, this was probably one of the best choices I could have made.

Q: Who was your most memorable instructor?

A: Easy, Janet Brown — she went above and beyond for the students. She really tried to break down the concepts so the students could understand. She also personally cared about each student and how they did and how she could help them. She tried to add humor to subjects and really engage us. She always had a smile on her face and was happy to help in any way she could.

Q: What was your most challenging class?

A: Immunology! This was an online class and the concepts were not easy to translate by reading the textbook alone. I was very glad when this class ended.

Q: Tell us more about your college experience.

A: The years I spent at Wayne State University were some of the best years of my life. We were able to explore the city, meet lots of new people, live on campus and see the daily flow of the city. This is where I was able to "grow up" and learn how to be independent, where I met lifelong friends and completed a degree that will allow me to keep growing in my field.

Q: In your opinion, what is one of the biggest changes that has occurred in your profession since graduating?

A: When we graduated, there were many MLS students. We were all competing for the same few spots in the field. Now, there are hundreds of open positions and students can come right out of school and get a full-time day shift position. That was unheard of when we graduated. You were lucky to get a position and if you did, it was always on an off shift.

Q: Tell us more about your career.

A: This degree has opened many doors for me. I started as an MLS and worked bench for several years. I went back to WSU and earned my MBA right after attaining my bachelor's degree. I quickly advanced into leadership roles so I could implement my new skills. I have gone from Supervisor to Manager, to Director to Regional Director in my job. If you work hard and set goals, you have an unlimited opportunity for growth.

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The bachelor of science in Medical Laboratory Science is offered through Wayne State’s Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences with an application deadline of May 1. Medical laboratory scientists work behind the scenes to provide critical information to doctors through medical tests. In fact, lab results inform more than 70% of diagnoses, allowing doctors to tailor treatment plans and therapies to each patient. Medical laboratory scientists may also pursue careers in medical information systems technology, research and design new testing methods, or go on to medical school.

An anchor in urban health care

The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is built on more than 100 years of tradition and innovation in the heart of Detroit. We have grown deep roots in our city, harnessing its powerhouse hospital systems and community service organizations as vibrant, real-world training grounds for students, with an ongoing focus on social justice in health care. And our research at all levels – from undergraduates to veteran faculty members – translates into creative solutions for healthier communities.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering approximately 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 24,000 students.