Being a Lifelong Learner

This episode marks the end of “Lab Medicine Rounds.” Host Justin Kreuter, M.D., reflects on the impact of the series and introduces an upcoming video-based project that will bring lab stories to life in powerful new ways.

In this episode of "Lab Medicine Rounds," we explore how to navigate the often-tricky terrain of giving and receiving feedback. Join the conversation as we unpack common pitfalls, reframe defensive reactions, and offer practical tools for fostering growth-minded, judgment-free dialogue. Whether you're leading a team or developing your own feedback skills, this episode offers thoughtful insights you can use right away.  

On this episode of “Lab Medicine Rounds,” Justin Kreuter, M.D., speaks with Erinn Downs, D.O., professor of laboratory medicine and pathology at Mayo Clinic’s Arizona campus, on the topic of benign mimics of malignant breast pathology.

In this episode of Lab Medicine Rounds, Justin Kreuter, M.D., and Miglena Komforti, D.O., from Mayo Clinic as they discuss threshold diagnoses of the breast — those gray zones that challenge even seasoned professionals. Learn why they’re important, how to approach them, and what role technology might play in the future. 

As we approach Lab Week, this episode of “Lab Medicine Rounds” includes a compilation of interviews from previous episodes highlighting the pivotal role laboratory professionals play in healthcare. Featured interviews include Dr. Eric Hsi, Dr. Curt Hanson, and Jane Hermansen, all from Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.Discussion includes:·       The importance of highlighting the laboratory presence in current medical practice.·       How laboratory medicine is informing the future successes of the field.·       Wishes for the future of laboratory medicine and pathology.Timestamps:00:30: Interview w/Dr. Hsi·       Why is it important to highlight the presence of the laboratory in current medical practice?·       What would be your advice for clinicians who haven’t thought about the role the laboratory plays, and how to bring it more explicitly into their practice?·       Where is the laboratory headed? ·       What do you think might be the biggest challenge in stepping forward into more of the clinical domain?05:32: Interview w/Dr. Hanson·       Why is it important in lab medicine to look at the past when planning for the future?·       How do you see certain aspects of laboratory medicine informing the future successes of the field?·       How do we as laboratory professionals, shift from being service-oriented to being colleagues/equals with other health care professionals?07:45: Interview w/Jane Hermansen·       What do you wish for the future of laboratory medicine and pathology?

On this episode of “Lab Medicine Rounds,” Justin Kreuter, M.D., speaks with senior associate dean of academic affairs for Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Joseph Maleszewski, M.D., on the future of basic sciences in medical education.Discussion includes:·       Challenges of basic science in medical education.·       Differing perspectives about basic science in medical education.·       Ideas of exploration for the future.

On this episode of “Lab Medicine Rounds,” Just Kreuter, M.D., chats with Jennifer Boland Froemming, M.D., about creating the perfect rank list for training programs. Dr. Boland Froemming shares her insights and tips to help you make informed decisions.Discussion Includes:00:36 How rank lists work.03:45 What to consider when making a rank list.06:20 Recommendations for individuals applying to training programs.

In this month's episode of Lab Medicine Rounds, Justin Kreuter, M.D., speaks with Monica Ibarra about the essential role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare and beyond. Timestamps:0:00 Introduction0:43 Why conversations about diversity are important3:56 Common challenges that arise during discussions6:11 Approaching conversations in different environments11:17 Leaders navigating challenging DEI conversations20:00 Diversity reflection questions to ask yourself

In this episode of “Lab Medicine Rounds,” Justin Kreuter, M.D., speaks with Kristen Ruby, D.O., M.P.H., to discuss National Blood Donor Month and the impact blood donors make. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:47 Celebrating blood donors03:43 Types of blood donors11:16 Diversity of blood inventory17:17 Thank you19:22 Outro

In this episode of Lab Medicine Rounds, Justin Kreuter, M.D., speaks with education specialist Bob Jackson on the challenges and importance of being a lifelong learner. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:31 Importance of lifelong learning02:03 Challenges of lifelong learning06:07 Adapting to change10:58 Teaching and learning13:39 Embracing uncertainty17:00 Encouraging lifelong learning24:00 New Year's resolutions