In this episode of Lab Medicine Rounds, Justin Kreuter, M.D., and Miglena Komforti, D.O., from Mayo Clinic as they discuss threshold diagnoses of the breast — those gray zones that challenge even seasoned professionals. Learn why they’re important, how to approach them, and what role technology might play in the future.

As we approach Lab Week, this episode of “Lab Medicine Rounds” includes a compilation of interviews from previous episodes highlighting the pivotal role laboratory professionals play in healthcare. Featured interviews include Dr. Eric Hsi, Dr. Curt Hanson, and Jane Hermansen, all from Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Discussion includes:

· The importance of highlighting the laboratory presence in current medical practice.

· How laboratory medicine is informing the future successes of the field.

· Wishes for the future of laboratory medicine and pathology.

Timestamps:

00:30: Interview w/Dr. Hsi

· Why is it important to highlight the presence of the laboratory in current medical practice?

· What would be your advice for clinicians who haven’t thought about the role the laboratory plays, and how to bring it more explicitly into their practice?

· Where is the laboratory headed?

· What do you think might be the biggest challenge in stepping forward into more of the clinical domain?

05:32: Interview w/Dr. Hanson

· Why is it important in lab medicine to look at the past when planning for the future?

· How do you see certain aspects of laboratory medicine informing the future successes of the field?

· How do we as laboratory professionals, shift from being service-oriented to being colleagues/equals with other health care professionals?

07:45: Interview w/Jane Hermansen

· What do you wish for the future of laboratory medicine and pathology?

On this episode of “Lab Medicine Rounds,” Justin Kreuter, M.D., speaks with senior associate dean of academic affairs for Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Joseph Maleszewski, M.D., on the future of basic sciences in medical education.

Discussion includes:

· Challenges of basic science in medical education.

· Differing perspectives about basic science in medical education.

· Ideas of exploration for the future.

On this episode of “Lab Medicine Rounds,” Just Kreuter, M.D., chats with Jennifer Boland Froemming, M.D., about creating the perfect rank list for training programs. Dr. Boland Froemming shares her insights and tips to help you make informed decisions.

Discussion Includes:

00:36 How rank lists work.

03:45 What to consider when making a rank list.

06:20 Recommendations for individuals applying to training programs.

In this month's episode of Lab Medicine Rounds, Justin Kreuter, M.D., speaks with Monica Ibarra about the essential role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare and beyond.

Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
0:43 Why conversations about diversity are important
3:56 Common challenges that arise during discussions
6:11 Approaching conversations in different environments
11:17 Leaders navigating challenging DEI conversations
20:00 Diversity reflection questions to ask yourself

In this episode of “Lab Medicine Rounds,” Justin Kreuter, M.D., speaks with Kristen Ruby, D.O., M.P.H., to discuss National Blood Donor Month and the impact blood donors make.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:47 Celebrating blood donors
03:43 Types of blood donors
11:16 Diversity of blood inventory
17:17 Thank you
19:22 Outro

In this episode of Lab Medicine Rounds, Justin Kreuter, M.D., speaks with education specialist Bob Jackson on the challenges and importance of being a lifelong learner.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:31 Importance of lifelong learning
02:03 Challenges of lifelong learning
06:07 Adapting to change
10:58 Teaching and learning
13:39 Embracing uncertainty
17:00 Encouraging lifelong learning
24:00 New Year's resolutions

In this episode of “Lab Medicine Rounds,” Justin Kreuter, M.D., speaks with medical students on the importance of understanding healthcare systems, their experiences from a global surgery hackathon, and how maintaining curiosity and continuous learning can enhance their medical practice.

Timestamps:
0:00 Introductions
0:49 Importance of Understanding Healthcare Systems
1:33 Fundamentals of Healthcare Systems
3:03 Complexity of Healthcare Systems
5:13 Selective vs Curriculum
6:08 Systems and Inequalities
7:18 Billing and Economics in Healthcare
8:17 Balancing Medical Training and System Knowledge
9:01 Curiosity and Continuous Learning
10:02 Learning Opportunities
13:02 Slowing Down in Critical Phases
16:41 Revising Healthcare Systems
18:02 Capturing Learning
22:03 Maintaining Curiosity
24:01 Advice for Developing Skills in Healthcare Systems