238: From the Bench to CPEP: An MLS Journey

What does it take to go from working at the bench to becoming a future clinical microbiology laboratory director? In this episode, Luis is joined by Dr. Mackenzie Collins, a CPEP fellow at UCLA, to discuss her journey from Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) to PhD scientist and CPEP fellow. Mackenzie shares how she discovered laboratory medicine, her experience working as an MLS in molecular microbiology, and the mentors and opportunities that helped shape her career path. The conversation explores the CPEP fellowship, the role of laboratory directors, and how MLS professionals can strengthen their applications through projects, research, presentations, and professional involvement. Mackenzie also discusses her PhD work involving HIV reservoirs and long-read sequencing, and why genomics and molecular diagnostics will continue to play an increasingly important role in clinical microbiology. Whether you're considering graduate school, interested in the CPEP fellowship, or exploring career paths in laboratory medicine, this episode offers a firsthand look at one MLS's journey from the bench to clinical microbiology leadership. Topics discussed: - The MLS-to-CPEP pathway and transitioning from the bench to graduate school - Mentorship, professional development, and building a competitive application - The role of clinical microbiology laboratory directors and career opportunities beyond the bench - Sequencing, genomics, and the future of clinical microbiology ### Additional Resources **CPEP Fellowship Overview with Dr. Sam Goodfellow** **Interested in learning more about the CPEP Fellowship? In this episode, Dr. Sam Goodfellow discusses the structure of the program, the application process, and what to expect from CPEP training.** https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/36395120 **Understanding the ABMM Certification Examination** **Learn more about the American Board of Medical Microbiology (ABMM) certification, its importance for future laboratory directors, and what candidates can expect from the examination process.** https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/35868345 **Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro:** - **Website: letstalkmicro.com** - **Questions or feedback? Email me at [letstalkmicro@outlook.com](mailto:letstalkmicro@outlook.com)** - **Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8** **Support the podcast:** - Venmo - Buy me a Ko-fi