MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE

Graduated in 1980
Retired

Q: Why did you choose Wayne State University?

A: WSU had a great Medical Technology program (now called the Medical Laboratory Science program) featuring a guaranteed 1-year hospital internship. I lived locally so I could commute, and work while in school, but most importantly I received a 4-year Merit Scholarship which covered all my tuition for my bachelor's degree. For this I am forever grateful.

Q: What inspired you to pursue Medical Laboratory Science?

A: In high school I was fascinated with science, especially human biology. I decided on lab medicine for a career, as it was hands on and behind the scenes.

Q: Who was your most memorable Professor?

A: I had many great professors in the program. Ann Wallace for hematology, and Professor DeGuisti for parasitology were instrumental in my ability to run a laboratory in the Dominican Republic, as they taught us so much valuable information.

Q: What was your most challenging class?

A: Sophomore year, organic chemistry. My only C in 4 years of college.

Q: Where was your favorite place to study?

A: At home, or at the student center while waiting for my carpool members. Amazing how we coordinated rides and schedules without cell phones or email back then!

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

A: I learned so much during the 4 years at Wayne State, especially my junior year in the medical technology program, which we carried about 20 credits for 12 months, then a full year at Henry Ford Hospital for my internship. This intense program allowed us to graduate and be registry eligible in exactly 4 years. Other colleges were 5-year programs. This was a great advantage for most students back then. We also had some classes and labs at the medical school and had their great faculty for microbiology and biochemistry.

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

A: Increased automation, computerization, and newer technologies such as flow cytometry and molecular PCR testing to name a few. Also increased training requirements, and better lab safety.

Q: Share a career highlight or summary:

A: I have had the opportunity to work in all areas of lab medicine in my career in many rewarding and challenging jobs. Henry Ford Health Dearborn, Mt Sinai in New York City (bone marrow hematology). I ran a full-service lab at the American Embassy in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Upon returning to the States, I worked for Oakwood/Beaumont/Corwell health for 29 years, in many lab departments: Flow cytometry, histology, microbiology, manager of Anatomic Pathology, and hematology.

---

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.