All Episodes
SEASON 3 (click to listen)
Episode 30 — A Coffee Invitation to Career Development
September 3, 2019
Career paths are not always linear. Curves and bumps along the way can take your career to unexpected places. In this episode, we drop into a discussion with three lab professionals who know what its like to wonder the career path to beyond the bench. They offer advice to help medical laboratory professionals manage their career development, and sometimes a cup of coffee can influence the path you take.
Episode 29 – On the Bench and In the Hot Seat
August 27, 2019
Legally defending your medical lab’s work is no laughing matter. In this episode, we speak with a geneticist who has provided testimony in order to help medical laboratory professionals navigate the process. We also take a look at forensics in crime scenes and how sharing your DNA publicly online could have consequences.
Episode 28 – A Piece of the Puzzle
August 20, 2019
The opioid epidemic is a complex and multi-layered problem. In this episode, we explore how various factors are contributing to this crisis. We also delve into how one novel drug testing methodology might just be one piece of the puzzle to combat the epidemic.
Episode 27 – Over the Rainbow: Gender Diversity and Health Care
August 13, 2019
Health care professionals have a responsibility to use correct gender information to respectfully and properly care for all patients. In this episode, we discuss how gender diversity impacts patient care with three panelists who bring their own expertise and experience to the topic.
Episode 26 – Breaking the Glass Ceiling Together
August 6, 2019
The medical laboratory is a female dominated profession; however, this isn’t the case for leadership roles. Why is that? In this episode, we delve deeper into the challenges and mindsets that might be holding women back from taking on such positions, and what can be done to create a truly equal workplace.
Episode 25 – Lab in a Hockey Bag
July 30, 2019
When natural disasters, bioterrorism or public health epidemics strike, Canada has a national emergency system in place to protect its citizens. In this episode, we speak with directors who oversee different components of this system, and you might be surprised at how uniquely Canadian it is—hint, hint: it involves hockey.
Episode 24 – The Lone Ranger
July 23, 2019
Are you new to the profession and thinking of working alone? Or are you contemplating accepting a job offer where you would have to work on call or at night, where other lab professionals are nowhere in sight? In this episode, we will help you navigate working solo. We also share the lived experience of two CSMLS members who are lone lab rangers during their shifts.
Episode 23 – Tip of the Iceberg
July 16, 2019
Has the idea of taking a genetics test ever crossed your mind? Maybe you have limited access to lab services, or maybe you think these do-at-home tests are a harmless look into your ancestry. In this episode, we speak with a genetics counsellor and a genetics technologist to explore the drawbacks of these tests, like error rates and placing more strain on an already overburdened health care system—and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Episode 22 – The New Frontier
July 9, 2019
Do you ever wonder if artificial intelligence will replace medical laboratory professionals? Or maybe you’re curious as to what current advanced technology looks like in the lab context, and how it will affect your everyday work life. In this episode, we speak with medical laboratory professionals who have implemented cutting-edge software in their own lab. We also delve into exciting artificial intelligence research for health care applications.
Episode 21 – We are back
July 2, 2019
We’re back and ready to deliver season three of The Objective Lens. Here’s a quick sneak peek into some of the big questions we will be tackling this year. Stay tuned over the next couple weeks to be sure you don’t miss the first episode.
SEASON 2 (click to listen)
Episode 20 – Notes on a Podcast 2
May 15, 2018
Season 2 is a wrap! In this season finale, your host, Cathy Bouwers, and co-producer, Michael Grant, reflect on their favourite episodes of the season, plan for future episodes and do a little humble bragging—The Objective Lens is officially an award-winning podcast. Be sure to share your thoughts and ideas with us.
Episode 19 – Lab Coats and Camo: Stories from an MLT in the Canadian Armed Forces
May 8, 2018
With its many challenges and sacrifices, life in the military as an MLT might not be for everyone, but for the right person it is an extremely rewarding opportunity of a life time. In this episode, we speak with Sergeant Jeff Scott, an MLT in the Canadian Armed Forces, about his experiences with enlisting in the armed forces, forming tight-knit bonds with his colleagues and providing humanitarian relief in Ebola-stricken Sierra Leone.
Episode 18 – Northern Health: Obstacles and Understanding
May 1, 2018
Health care in remote and indigenous communities poses unique challenges. In this episode, we speak with professionals who are on the front line of northern and indigenous health care to gain insight into the obstacles these communities face, and how the lab can work side-by-side with them to resolve these challenges.
Episode 17 – From Sheep to Shipping
April 24, 2018
Blood transfusion medicine has come a long way since its early beginnings in 1492. In this week’s episode, we speak with industry experts across Canada to delve into exciting research in the field of blood and learn how innovation and communication in the lab saves lives.
Episode 16 – Art Meets Science
April 17, 2018
Science can learn a thing or two from art, especially when it comes to public education. In this episode, we speak with a biomedical artist and a microbiologist media entrepreneur to discuss alternative tools to improve science literacy and public outreach through fun, easy-to-digest artistic mediums, like dancing, painting and mobile app gaming.
Bonus Clip – Lab Supports for All Patients
April 10, 2018
Did you know that April is World Autism Month? In this bonus mini episode, we speak with Louise Nagy, National Director of Community Engagement and Environmental Sustainability at LifeLabs, about LifeLabs’ Serving Customers with Autism program. This program combines customer services and lab services to help improve patient care for people with autism spectrum disorder.
Episode 15 – Fostering the People
April 3, 2018
Do you ever find yourself wondering how you can foster top talent in your medical laboratory? Or are you looking to advance your career but need a little help? In this episode, we speak with industry leaders to learn effective strategies for all medical lab professionals to develop top talent who can then go on to make great contributions in the healthcare industry.
Episode 14 – Hot dogs, Cracker Jacks and Communication
March 27, 2018
The game of baseball and the medical laboratory have more in common than you may think. They both need to communicate strategically with all members on their team to ensure they get the job done. In this episode, we talk with lab professionals and a communications expert to learn how MLTs and MLAs can proactively improve patient care by understanding and implementing clear, respectful intraprofession communication strategies in their day-to-day interactions.
Episode 13 – Simulation, Education and the search for answers
March 20, 2018
How are we meeting the training needs of medical laboratory students with less opportunity for hands-on experience? In this episode we discuss the use of simulation as a viable way for students to practice critical skills in a risk free environment. We talk to educators, program graduates and the CEO of SIM-one Canadian Network for Simulation in Healthcare, to discuss the role simulation plays in education. Listen in to hear a very compelling discussion about how this growing learning model fits with the need for clinical education.
Episode 12- Mental Health, honestly
March 13, 2018
Have you ever called in sick to work with a cold, when in reality you needed a mental health day? In this episode, we discuss the importance of having open dialogue about mental health issues. CSMLS Researcher Laura Zychla reports on the research she conducted with medical lab professionals. We also discuss the CSMLS Mental Health Toolkit and other strategies to help deal with workplace stress that can impact your mental health.
Episode 11 – Attack of the Goop
March 6, 2018
Gwyneth Paltrow can sell an $85 bag of crystals that can treat infertility? Unfortunately the over 1.8 million monthly readers of her website are buying it up with a lack of full scientific disclosure. Jason Tetro, widely known as The Germ Guy, speaks about the challenges with the public’s understanding of science, conflicting studies and using small amounts of science to sell a product, as Gwyneth does so well. He discusses the need for more educators in all areas of science and how you (yes, you!) play a part in his mission to communicate science accurately.
Season 2 Preview
February 27, 2018
We’re back and ready for another season of the Objective Lens where we take a closer look at life in the medical laboratory.
This sneak preview gives you a taste for the upcoming season. Join your host, Cathy Bouwers, together with co-producer Michael Grant, as they discuss the topics and interviews we are excited to bring to you in the coming weeks.
Be sure to subscribe to The Objective Lens through iTunes and Google Play so new episodes are delivered to you directly.
SEASON 1 (click to listen)
Episode 10 – Notes on a Podcast
May 2, 2017
In this last episode of season 1 of the Objective Lens, we take a minute to reflect on the development of this podcast.
In conversation with co-producer Michael Grant, we discuss highlights from previous episodes, chat about our creative process and plan for future seasons.
Episode 09 – Soap Boxes to Social Media
April 25, 2017
Do you consider yourself an advocate for the medical laboratory profession? You should. In this episode we discover how everyone can be an advocate and it doesn’t always include standing on a soap box. We speak with several CSMLS members who have used their voice to contribute to the advocacy movement on behalf of the professional community.
Episode 08 – Leadership and Latin Phrases for 200
April 18, 2017
Leadership is not the same as authority. In this episode we explore the topic of leading without authority, which is really about the art of influence. Take a listen and you might find that you don’t need that title, in order to be a leader after all. This week we talk to a writer well versed in the art of influence, explore the history of a Latin phrase and take an interesting tangent into the science of smiles. Oh, and there’s a couple references to Jeopardy too. Trust us, this will all make sense.
Episode 07 – Unwritten Rules
April 11, 2017
Do you remember the feeling of starting a new job and getting frustrated by the unwritten rules of the workplace. In this episode we are discussing workplace culture, specifically in healthcare. We talk to a dispute resolution expert on the current state of the culture in healthcare and we speak with an HR professional on the importance of defining the culture. More importantly, we learn how each individual employee is part of the solution when it comes to improving culture.
Bonus Clip: Lobby Day
April 4, 2017
The CSMLS team is busy in Ottawa today advocating on behalf of medical laboratory professionals. Here’s a quick behind the scenes look at lobby day. We’re back with a new episode next week.
Episode 06 – Oh the Places You’ll Go
March 28, 2017
Volunteering within your profession can be both personally and professionally enriching. Learn from several CSMLS volunteers and how their willingness to help have led them on a journey to unforgettable experiences, exotic places and lifetime friendships.
Episode 05 – No SOP for Getting Ahead
March 21, 2017
In this episode we take you on the winding path towards leadership. We speak with two senior lab professionals who both took very different routes when they moved from the bench into leadership. We highlight some tools needed for success and the potential pitfalls that can occur along the way. We also examine the need for organizational support for young professionals with leadership potential.
Episode 04 – Messy, Emotional and Necessary
March 14, 2017
Have you ever had to deliver negative feedback to a coworker? Or tell someone their behaviour needs to change? Have you had to speak to someone about their work performance? These are not pleasant conversations. In this episode, we tackle the process of having a Difficult Conversation. We spoke with experts who give their best tips for having an open and honest conversation, even when the topic might be challenging. We also spoke with several Lab Managers, who spoke about their own experiences and give their best advice on having a difficult conversation at work.
Episode 03 – A Hazard Hiding in Plain Sight: Part 2
March 7, 2017
This episode is the second part of our two-part discussion on bullying in the workplace. In this week’s episode we look at how to know if you are being bullied, delve into the complaint process and explore how improving workplace culture can curtail bullying. We hear more advice from union representatives and speak with an employment lawyer on the legalities of this issue. We will also look at the duty of a witness when you see a colleague being bullied.
Episode 02 – A Hazard Hiding in Plain Sight: Part 1
February 28, 2017
PPE can’t protect us from the way we treat each other. In this episode, we will look at bullying in the workplace. We talk with experts to get a better understanding of how this issue is affecting health care professionals and why hospitals can be a breeding ground for bullying. We also take a look at one program that is doing its best to combat bullying.
Episode 01 – Plane Crashes and Hydro Explosions
February 21, 2017
In this episode, we take a look at workplace stress within the context of medical laboratories. We talk to a doctor specializing in stress management and give you some strategies for managing your own stress. We also look at what employers and managers can do to create healthier workplaces. We also speak with one LifeLabs manager about what he is doing to facilitate better communication within his team and how that helps alleviate conflict and stress.
Episode 00 – About This Podcast
February 20, 2017
In this episode, we introduce you to the official podcast of the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science — The Objective Lens.
