Medical laboratory science education; shaping competent and skilled healthcare professionals

Abstract

Medical laboratory science constitutes a vital element within the healthcare delivery system. The provision of precise and prompt test results contributes to accurate diagnoses. Among the significant contributors to medical advancement is the evolution of clinical laboratory science, which serves as a nexus for various biomedical disciplines. The establishment of scientifically rooted clinical laboratory services in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, coupled with contemporary biomedical research, has propelled the evolution of efficient patient diagnosis and treatment. The rapid advancement of technology and the proliferation of automated instruments within clinical laboratories have transformed the nature of work for laboratory professionals. As a result, their roles have evolved from performing a limited number of relatively simple procedures to conducting a wide range of tests utilizing increasingly intricate methodologies and equipment. Scientific progress has not only impacted medical practice but has also extended to medical education, particularly the training of clinical laboratory science specialists. Educational endeavors serve as the foundation for research within a dynamic and evolving field like laboratory science. The principles currently integrated into undergraduate curricula are transferable to the realm of teaching and training in laboratory medicine. An innovative perspective on education and training, along with the adoption of novel instructional methods, is imperative to equip a cohort of individuals who will drive the advancement of laboratory medicine in the 21st century.