Teaching Laboratory Management Principles and Practices Through Mentorship and Graduated Responsibility: The...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Laboratory Management
• Pathology

Background:

• Increasing focus on laboratory management in pathology to control costs and improve healthcare efficiency.
• Pathology residency programs are integrating formal laboratory management training.
• Online courses and institutional curricula are common training methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of assistant medical directorship programs in pathology residency.
• To assess the impact of these programs on developing laboratory management skills.
• To determine if the program improves performance as a fellow and practicing pathologist.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of assistant medical directorship programs at the University of Utah and ARUP Laboratories.
• Supplementation of existing lecture-based and online management curricula.
• Survey of current and recent participants in the assistant medical directorship program.

Main Results:

• Assistant medical directorship programs are an excellent method for improving laboratory management skills.
• Participants reported enhanced competencies in laboratory management.
• The program positively impacted performance during fellowship and in practice.

Conclusions:

• Assistant medical directorships are a valuable component of pathology residency training.
• These programs effectively equip future pathologists with essential management skills.
• The initiative contributes to improved healthcare efficiency and cost control through better laboratory management.