Despite the unique challenges encountered during 2020, the Medical Laboratory Sciences Division has achieved a major milestone in its strategic plan for program growth.
Beginning with the Fall 2021 entering junior class, MLS will have reached the maximum number of students that can be accommodated in the Bachelor of Science and post-baccalaureate programs in their current configuration. Even more striking is the rapid increase in declared pre-MLS majors at the University of Utah (incoming freshmen, freshmen, and sophomores). As of 5/6/21, 266 undergraduate students have declared pre-MLS as their academic major. After successful completion of pre-requisite courses during freshman and sophomore years, pre-MLS majors must formally apply to the MLS major. The undergraduate MLS programs can currently accommodate a maximum of 48 new students each year in its teaching laboratory facilities and clinical affiliate rotation sites. Our long-term goal is to accept up to 80 new students each year.
In addition, the MLS Division will be relocating to the first floor of 27 South Mario Capecchi Drive (the former Health Department building) on June 28.
Student Updates
The MLS Division congratulates the undergraduate and graduate students who participated in the School of Medicine Commencement on May 21, 2021.
We’d also like to recognize the following student achievements:
- Jonny Buckendorf, Master of Science in Laboratory Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Program: University Teaching Assistantship Award (UTA), Alpha Mu Tau Fraternity (AMTF) Graduate Student Scholarship
- Christopher Wallace-Carrete, Medical Laboratory Science Program: Beehive Honor Society
Faculty Searches
- The MLS Division is actively recruiting for one full-time faculty member specializing in hematology, hematopathology, or phlebotomy.
- A second search will be opened in July 2021 for an additional faculty position.
Faculty Publications and National Presentations
Presentations
Brown K., Blamires T. and Wilkins D. Developing Effective Succession and Mentoring Plans. Clinical Laboratory Educator’s Conference, Annual Meeting (National), February 25, 2021.
Publications
Blamires TL (2021). Urinalysis/Body Fluids. In Quick Compendium of Medical Laboratory Science (1). ASCP Press.
Dronabinol Prescribing and Exposure Among Children and Young Adults Diagnosed with Cancer.
Rower JE, Wilkins D, Wilkes J, Yellepeddi V, Maese L, Lemons RS, Constance JE. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol. 2021 Apr;10(2):175-184. doi: 10.1089/jayao.2020.0021. Epub 2020 Jul 14. PMID: 32678694
Marijuana Use during Pregnancy and Preterm Birth: A Prospective Cohort Study. Klebanoff MA, Wilkins DG, Keim SA. Am J Perinatol. 2020 Apr 1. doi: 10.1055/s-0040-1708802. Online ahead of print. PMID: 32236911
3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone: Neuropharmacological Impact of a Designer Stimulant of Abuse on Monoamine Transporters.
Magee CP, German CL, Siripathane YH, Curtis PS, Anderson DJ, Wilkins DG, Hanson GR, Fleckenstein AE. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2020 Aug;374(2):273-282. doi: 10.1124/jpet.119.264895. Epub 2020 May 8. PMID: 32385092
Lifestyle and Early Achievement in Families (LEAF) study: Design of an ambidirectional cohort study of prenatal marijuana exposure and child development and behaviour. Klebanoff MA, Fried P, Yeates KO, Rausch J, Wilkins DG, Blei H, Sullivan JA, Phillips W, Wiese A, Jude A, Boone KM, Murnan A, Keim SA. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 2020 Nov;34(6):744-756. doi: 10.1111/ppe.12693. Epub 2020 Aug 3. PMID: 32744733