MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE

Earned bachelor’s degree in 1974, master’s degree in 1980
Retired after a 25-year career with the American Red Cross

Q: Why did you choose Wayne State? 

A: It’s great reputation. 

Q: What inspired you to pursue this career?

A: I loved biology and chemistry in high school. I knew that a medical field was perfect for me. The clinical laboratory was the place I found my home. I have great organizational skills and enjoyed the problem-solving aspect of clinical laboratory work.

Q: Who was your most memorable instructor?

A: Ann Wallace. She was very knowledgeable and easy to approach with questions or concerns. She clearly cared about all of us.

Q: What was your most challenging class?

A: Organic chemistry. It was a lot to cram into my head.

Q: Share some reflections about your time at Wayne State: 

A: Wayne State was a great asset to me. Most of my friends did not live on campus, and most everyone had a job to pay for their expenses. The professors and TAs were dedicated and approachable. I really liked that for my master’s degree, many of the professors also worked in the business world.

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

A: Obviously it is the advancement of technology. When I graduated with my master’s in 1980, the first of the automated hematology analyzers was introduced in my hospital lab. PCR was only in research labs with limited application for the hospital lab. A lot of microbiology was still done by hand.

 Q: Tell us a bit about your career.

A: My first jobs were in three local hospital laboratories. In 1983, I became a professor at University of Detroit Mercy. It was a wonderful time preparing new medical technologists. 

In 1990, I began my 25-year career at the American Red Cross. I had many opportunities to teach ARC employees locally and across the nation. I was director of employee education. With my Six Sigma Black Belt, I helped lead many quality-improvement projects.

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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.