Most of the media surrounding COVID-19 addresses how large hospitals in urban areas are navigating the crisis. But what challenges do small, independent facilities face? And how is the virus affecting the community MLS programs responsible for training the next generation of laboratory professionals? On this episode of Inside the Lab, our hosts Dr. Lotte Mulder and Ms. Kelly Swails are joined by Dr. Dana Altenburger, MD, FASCP, Medical Director of the laboratory at Carle BroMenn Medical Center, and Ms. Terese Abreu, MLS (ASCP)CM, Assistant Professor of Biological Science and Director of the Medical Laboratory Science Program at Heritage University, to explore the unique challenges community hospitals and MLS programs are facing in the COVID-19 pandemic. The panelists weigh in on turnaround times for COVID results, budgetary concerns caused by the virus, and staffing shortages labs are likely to face in the aftermath of the pandemic. Listen in for insight into how the virus has affected student training and the potential long-term implications of COVID-19 for healthcare workers in community hospitals and MLS programs. Key Takeaways ·The unique challenges community hospitals and labs face during the COVID-19 pandemic· When to test in-house for COVID, vs when to send out · How COVID-19 is affecting student training and how MLS students are being included during the crisis· How the coronavirus has impacted the morale of students and staff · The staffing shortages labs are likely to face in the aftermath of COVID-19· Challenges the coronavirus presents in the migrant communities· Navigating budgetary concerns caused by COVID-19· What support community hospitals and MLS programs need moving forward· Insight on the potential long-term implications of COVID-19 Connect with ASCP ASCPASCP on FacebookASCP on InstagramASCP on TwitterConnect with Dr. Altenburger Carle BroMenn Medical CenterDr. Altenburger on WebMD Connect with Ms. AbreuHeritage University’s MLS ProgramMs. Abreu at Heritage University Connect with Dr. Mulder & Ms. SwailsDr. Mulder on TwitterMs. Swails on Twitter

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