SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – In recognition of National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, Regional West Medical Center pathologist Richard Simmons, MD, FCAP, and Phlebotomy Supervisor Anne Turney, MLT, devoted an entire day Thursday to educating Gering 7th graders about careers in clinical laboratory services.

“Many students are fascinated by the “CSI” TV shows and are excited to learn that they can grow up and work in a medical laboratory right here at Regional West,” said Dr. Simmons.

Both Simmons and Turney talked to the students about the difference between the TV show and actual forensic pathology. They showed the students diseased organs and described not only the disease processes, but also how a diagnosis is made.

The classroom was surrounded with posters created by Regional West Laboratory Services staff in honor of National Lab Week. The posters explained the various roles of staff who work in a clinical laboratory – including phlebotomists, histologists, transcriptionists, medical technologists, cytotechnologists, and more. Several posters explained how specific diseases are identified by the lab staff.

“Seventh grade is the perfect age to talk to students about the many career opportunities available in clinical laboratory science. It allows time for them to think about the kind of work they want to do when they grow up. Learning about these careers at a young age will allow them to plan their high school schedules around classes they will need to prepare for clinical laboratory careers,” said Turney.