Jan 29, 2026
VCU to host statewide MLS Spring Symposium, connecting students and lab professionals
VCU’s Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences will host this year’s American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science Virginia Spring Symposium, bringing together MLS students, educators and professionals from across the state for learning, collaboration and connection.
Rotating annually among Virginia’s MLS programs, the symposium returns to Richmond on April 10-11, with VCU’s host role reflecting the College of Health Profession program’s leadership in MLS education and strong student engagement. This rotating model has proven to strengthen ties between academic programs and encourage students to remain active in the professional community after graduation, according to Natalie Case, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSBBCM, a VCU immunohematology instructor and conference organizer.
The event kicks off Friday, April 10, with a student Quiz Bowl, where teams from MLS programs statewide compete in a fast-paced, Jeopardy-style competition focused on board certification-level knowledge. After claiming the top prize last year, the VCU team will strive to hold onto the traveling trophy for another year. The evening concludes with a networking social at Topgolf, welcoming students and professionals alike.
On Saturday, April 11 at the CHP building, the full-day symposium will offer up to five hours of continuing education credits, an essential requirement for maintaining professional certification. Sessions will span multiple laboratory disciplines, including hematology, chemistry, molecular diagnostics, microbiology and blood bank, with content designed for both early-career and experienced practitioners. Vendors also will be on-site to showcase the latest tools and technology available in the field.
The program will feature two keynote speakers:
- Kathryn Golab, DCLS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM, will address “From the Bench to the Bedside: The DCLS in Clinical Practice.” She is scientific director for hematology, coagulation and urinalysis with Norfolk-based Sentara Healthcare.
- Doryan Redding, MLS(ASCP)CM, UVA Health’s Transfusion Medicine education coordinator, will speak on “Harmony in Healthcare: Navigating Clinical Misunderstandings through Interprofessional Education”
Additional speakers include faculty and clinical leaders from VCU Health and partner institutions.
Beyond the educational sessions, Case emphasizes that networking remains one of the symposium’s greatest strengths. “It’s a chance to put faces to names, share challenges and learn how colleagues across the state are solving similar problems in their labs,” she said.
The symposium is expected to draw about 100 attendees and includes collaboration with the Virginia chapter of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). In past years, the Commonwealth Transfusion Foundation has supported the event by providing travel scholarships for students.