The Lab Life: Inspiring Students to Join the Backbone of Modern Medicine

Date & Time: Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 4:00–4:45 PM (ET)

Presenters: James Payne, Medical Laboratory Assisting and Phlebotomy Teacher, Monroe 2–Orleans BOCES

Health science education is essential to helping students understand both their bodies and the healthcare system. One critical, yet often overlooked, component of modern healthcare is diagnostic testing—where laboratory professionals provide the data physicians rely on to diagnose and treat patients.

While most people are familiar with roles such as radiologists or sonographers, few know about the vital work of medical laboratory scientists, histotechnicians, and pathologist assistants. Yet, according to the CDC, nearly 70% of all medical decisions depend on laboratory results.

Too often, the laboratory is seen as a “black box”—samples go in and results come out—without recognition of the hundreds of thousands of professionals ensuring those results are accurate and timely.

This webinar will shine a light on the world of laboratory medicine, introducing you to its diverse career paths and highlighting how educators can bring awareness of these roles into the classroom. Join us to explore strategies for teaching students about these essential careers and inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals.