Rick Panning, MBA, CLS(NCA), vice president, Laboratory Services, Allina Hospitals and Clinics, Minneapolis

Work first!
Q: What prompted you to enter the laboratory profession?
Panning: I started as a music major in college and realized I didn't enjoy music as much when I had to study it. I was always interested in science and met another student on campus who was in the clinical laboratory science program, which I had not heard of before. The rest is history.

Q: Would you recommend the laboratory profession to aspiring students?
Panning: Yes, because it provides such a broad spectrum of opportunities for employment.

Q: How did you obtain your first job in the laboratory industry?
Panning: I was hired by the laboratory where I did my year of clinical training.

Q: What would you consider to be your first big break in the laboratory industry?
Panning: I think it started with my decision to go back to school to get my MBA and then getting my first management position. I also think the other key career decision was joining ASCLS at the very beginning of my career because it has provided a great professional network.

Q: What piece of laboratory technology would you not want to live without?
Panning: The laboratory information system and the electronic medical record, because we cannot survive without either. These advances have resulted in other healthcare providers recognizing the value that the laboratory (both professionals and testing) bring to patient care.

Q: Discuss a significant advancement you've witnessed in the laboratory industry.
Panning: The slow, steady movement of the laboratory professional outside of the boundaries of the laboratory. I also think projects such as Labtestsonline.com and the ASCLSD Consumer Response Team have helped to make the rest of the profession, patients and providers become very aware of the value that our profession brings to the table. Finally, the development of the new doctorate of clinical laboratory science will be one of the next advancements to move the profession forward.

Q: How or where do you do your best planning?
Panning: I do it best with my administrative team and through active brainstorming. I also find that I get fueled when I am interacting with colleagues nationally or attending national meetings.

Q: What laboratory events are you sure to attend?
Panning: Washington G2 Lab Institute, ASCLS Annual Meeting and the ASCLS/AACC Lab Exposition and ASCLS/CLMA/ASCP/AMT Legislative Symposium.

Q: How do you keep current with laboratory trends?
Panning: Reading, networking and attending local and national meetings.

Q: What are the greatest rewards of your work?
Panning: Helping healthcare colleagues, legislators and regulators see the value of the laboratory in healthcare and helping students and educational institutions succeed.

Q: What makes you a leader in the laboratory industry?
Panning: I would hope it has a lot to do with advocacy and being involved in elevating the profession through national professional societies like ASCLS and CLMA.

Q: What has been your biggest challenge on the job?
Panning: Time management and balance because I tend to be tuned in and connected all of the time.

Q: What tips do you have for students looking to break into the laboratory industry?
Panning: First, enroll in an accredited laboratory professional education program. Then get a good generalist position to learn about all parts of the laboratory. Finally, immediately join a professional organization as a student and new professional. The networking opportunities and connections will be invaluable and the opportunity to move the profession forward will be very rewarding. My personal bias is that ASCLS is the best choice because it truly represents the entire profession, but also because it has never been afraid to be at the cutting edge of professional issues such as licensure, doctorate in clinical lab science and levels of practice.

Q: What mark on the laboratory industry do you hope to leave?
Panning: I was always advocating for the profession and professionals. I helped to move the profession forward.

Q: Reflecting on your career choice, are you glad you chose the laboratory profession?
Panning: Of course, but it scares me a little that I only got into it by chance. We need to raise the awareness of the profession much earlier in our education systems.

Q: What profession does your spouse work in?
Panning: My wife happens to also be a clinical laboratory scientist in the hospital where I did my original training. It's also the place where we met.

Now play!
Q: How do you relax?
Panning: Movies, reading and theater.

Q: What is your next travel destination?
Panning: A resort in northern Minnesota and Washington DC.

Q: Where can you be found on a Friday or Saturday night?
Panning: Usually at home or at a movie.

Q: If you could learn a new skill, what would it be?
Panning: Swimming or playing the piano.

Q: What type of car do you drive?
Panning: A 2002 Honda Accord. I simply view a car as a means to get from A to B. I can't see spending a lot of money on a car.

Karen Appold (KarenAppold@comcast.net) is an editorial consultant based in Royersford, PA. Visit www.writenowservices.com for more information.

Would you like to recommend yourself or a colleague to be interviewed for the Laboratory Leader's Column? If so, please contact KarenAppold@comcast.net.